Tree & Shrub Planting in South Louisiana

Fall — October through December — is the optimal planting window for trees and shrubs in South Louisiana. Cooler air temperatures reduce transplant stress while soil temperatures remain warm enough for root establishment before winter dormancy. Spring planting (February-March) is also effective. Summer planting is possible but requires more intensive watering and careful monitoring to prevent heat stress during establishment.

South Louisiana has excellent native tree options that are well-adapted to local soils, rainfall patterns, and climate. Live oak (Quercus virginiana) is an iconic choice for large properties offering magnificent long-term canopy. Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is ideal for wet or periodically flooded areas. Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) offers year-round evergreen beauty. Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), while not native, is extremely well-adapted and provides outstanding summer color. We discuss your specific goals, space, and soil conditions before making recommendations.

Planting costs depend on the size and type of plant material, the number of plants, soil preparation requirements, and any staking or aftercare materials needed. Container plants are typically less expensive than balled-and-burlapped trees. We source quality plant material and provide a complete written estimate including plant cost, soil preparation, installation, and initial care. There are no hidden fees — the estimate you approve is the price you pay.

The first two growing seasons are the most critical for newly planted trees. Consistent watering is essential — newly planted trees need approximately 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental irrigation, until fully established. We install mulch rings at planting to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature. Avoid fertilizing in the first year, as this can stress newly establishing root systems. We provide detailed written care instructions with every planting project.

Container-grown trees are grown and sold in plastic containers; their root systems are fully intact and they generally establish quickly when planted correctly. Balled-and-burlapped (B&B) trees are field-grown and dug with a soil ball wrapped in burlap — they're typically larger specimens but have lost a significant portion of their root system during digging and require more careful establishment care. Both methods can produce excellent results; the right choice depends on tree size, species, timing, and budget. We guide you through this decision as part of the project planning process.

We stand behind our planting work. We source quality plant material from reputable nurseries and install everything following best horticultural practices. Plant establishment success depends on proper post-installation care — primarily adequate watering — and we provide detailed guidance to support this. We assess guarantee terms on a case-by-case basis and are transparent about which conditions affect plant survival. Contact us to discuss warranty terms for your specific project.

We plant a wide range of sizes from small shrubs and container-grown trees up to large caliper balled-and-burlapped specimens. Very large trees — those requiring crane equipment for installation — may require coordination with specialized tree moving contractors, which we can facilitate. Most residential planting projects involve trees in the 3-15 foot height range, which our crew handles with standard equipment and proper planting techniques.

Planting depth is one of the most common mistakes in tree installation. Trees should be planted so the root flare — the point where the trunk widens at the base — is at or slightly above grade. Many trees arrive from nurseries with their root flares buried, requiring soil removal before planting. In South Louisiana's heavy clay soils, shallow planting is often preferable to avoid root suffocation in waterlogged conditions. Planting too deep is one of the leading causes of long-term tree decline, and our team pays careful attention to this detail on every planting project.