Fall Planting Guide: Best Trees, Shrubs & Flowers for Tulsa Landscapes

At Native Outdoor Living, we know that successful landscape design starts with the right plant selection and timing. Fall is a hidden gem for planting in Oklahoma: moderate temperatures, reliable rainfall, and less stress on roots allow new trees, shrubs, and flowers to establish themselves before winter arrives. Whether you’re aiming to increase curb appeal, improve property value, or simply enjoy more seasonal color at home, this guide helps you discover the best fall planting choices and landscape installation tips for Tulsa’s unique climate and soil.

Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant in Tulsa

Tulsa’s fall weather creates perfect conditions for landscape enhancement. The soil remains warm from summer, but air temperatures are cooler—minimizing transplant shock and encouraging robust root development. With less evaporation and more predictable rainfall, new plants require less water and attention, making fall planting a sustainable and practical investment.

Other benefits of fall planting in Tulsa include:

• Roots have time to grow before the ground freezes, leading to stronger, healthier plants in spring.
• Newly planted trees and shrubs experience less heat stress and require less frequent watering.
• Lower weed and pest activity lets young plants establish without competition.

Top Trees for Tulsa Fall Planting

Planting trees in autumn provides a strong foundation for any landscape design. Native Outdoor Living recommends climate-suited, locally adapted species that thrive in Oklahoma’s weather and soil. Popular choices include:

• Shumard Oak: Known for rich fall color, drought tolerance, and strong limbs.
• Bald Cypress: Great for areas with variable moisture and stunning russet fall foliage.
• Eastern Redbud: A small, ornamental tree native to Oklahoma; beautiful pink flowers in early spring.
• Chinese Pistache: Offers vibrant orange-red fall leaves and excellent drought resistance.

When selecting a tree, consider mature size, root structure, and how it will enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor living space.

Best Shrubs for Tulsa Landscapes

Shrubs frame your garden, provide year-round interest, and support local biodiversity. For fall planting, select shrubs that are well-suited to Tulsa’s climate, such as:

• Oklahoma Rose: Our state flower, prized for its fragrance and hardiness.
• Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo): Evergreen foliage with brilliant red berries in winter.
• Spirea: Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and offers late-season blooms.
• Viburnum: Known for white spring flowers and attractive berries in autumn.

Many professional landscape installation services, like those from Native Outdoor Living, include soil assessment and amendments—ensuring your new shrubs thrive from the start.

Colorful Flowers to Brighten Fall Beds

Autumn doesn’t have to mean the end of color in your landscape. Planting hardy flowers now sets the stage for bursts of color next spring and beyond. Top recommendations for Tulsa include:

• Pansies and Violas: Cold-hardy annuals that bloom through late fall and into early spring.
• Asters: Provide vibrant blooms and support pollinators.
• Sedum (Stonecrop): Drought-tolerant with rich pink or red fall flowers.
• Coreopsis: Native perennial with cheerful yellow blooms and low maintenance needs.

For the best results, group flowers according to sunlight and moisture needs. Native Outdoor Living will help you design a garden layout that maximizes color, texture, and seasonal interest.

Fall Planting Tips for Tulsa Homeowners

To ensure your landscape thrives, follow these essential fall planting tips:

• Prepare soil by adding organic matter and ensuring good drainage.
• Plant trees and shrubs with plenty of room for roots to expand.
• Mulch around the base of new plantings to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Water deeply at planting time, then monitor soil moisture through the autumn.

For larger installations, professional landscape design services can create cohesive, low-maintenance outdoor spaces tailored to your home.

Invest in Professional Landscape Design and Installation

Native Outdoor Living combines local expertise with a passion for creating sustainable, beautiful outdoor environments. We select the best trees, shrubs, and flowers for Tulsa, expertly install them, and provide ongoing advice to ensure your outdoor living space stays vibrant all year. Our process considers soil type, sun exposure, property goals, and Oklahoma’s changing climate to yield the best planting results.

Ready to Transform Your Tulsa Landscape This Fall?

Don’t miss this ideal window for planting—contact Native Outdoor Living to schedule your fall landscape consultation. Our team will help you choose and install the perfect trees, shrubs, and flowers for your yard’s unique needs. Enjoy a healthy, beautiful outdoor space that will impress visitors and provide lasting value for seasons to come. Reach out today and let’s make your Tulsa landscape truly stand out this fall.