Texas Arbor Day is right around the corner, which is prime time to buy and plant your favorite shade, ornamental and /or fruit trees. You might be thinking, "Isn't Arbor Day in April?" Yes, if you live in most of the country.

The first Arbor Day in the United States was celebrated April 10, 1872, in Nebraska, and the idea of an official day promoting and planting trees quickly spread throughout the country.

One hundred years after its first celebration, a National Arbor Day was declared as the last Friday in April. The only problem with this is that many times (including this past National Arbor Day), North Texas can see temperatures well into the 80s with heat indexes into the 90s during late April. Then the trees have Texas summers to look forward to.

Although trees can and are established in Texas in the spring, fall is most often a better time to establish trees. Cooler temperatures create more favorable conditions for a successful transition into the tree's permanent home. Which is why in 2013, Texas established Texas State Arbor Day, which falls on the first Friday of November.

Each year the official celebration is rooted in a different host city, with this year's festivities taking place Nov. 3 at 10 a.m. in Grand Prairie's Grand Central Park.

Finding the right tree

But you can celebrate Texas Arbor Day wherever you are in Texas by planting a tree (or trees) with your friends, family or co-workers. If you don't have a green thumb or you're stumped on which tree is right for you, Texas A&M AgriLife has a great searchable database with the best trees to plant for our area and free guides to help with proper planting and placement. Visit wateruniversity.tamu.edu for more helpful info.

One important (and often overlooked) consideration is to take into account the mature height and width of the tree and give it room to grow. Take a survey of nearby power lines and your home. If it's a tree that produces a lot of seeds, fruits or flowers, avoid placement too close to your driveway or sidewalk.

Trees planted in fall can pay off big in the heat of Texas summers if planted in the right spots. Try planting deciduous trees (which lose their leaves in winter) on the west or southwest side of your home to naturally shade (and cool) your house in summer. When the leaves are gone in winter, the sun will warm your home on brighter days. Another great tip is to plant evergreen trees on the north side of the house to buffer northern cold fronts from sneaking in through north-facing doors and windows.

Daniel Cunningham is a horticulturalist with Texas A&M AgriLife.