Trees - Selection and Care

The first question that is always asked when people move to Houston is: What is the best tree for our area? The answer.... Bald Cypress, Cedar Elm, Mexican Sycamore, and the Live Oak.

The second questions is: What are the best shrubs for our area? The answer is.... small, lacey foliage plants. Their tiny leaves do better in a storm. They do not hold the wind.

But, let's get back to trees. Your first question to yourself should be, what do you want the tree to do. Do you want the tree for shade, for a wind break or to cover an unsightly view?

Don't forget to think about the root system of the tree. Is the tree near a sidewalk where the roots might start lifting the walk up off the ground over the years? Is it near the pipes of a pool, where in time the tree might grow into the pipes? Are you going to plant the tree where most of the time it will have wet feet? Or to the other extent, will the tree ever get water?

The root systems of a tree in Houston are usually 12" to 18" deep. Except the Pecan Tree and the Live Oak tree; these trees continue down to 20 feet in the soil.

Consider the following elements before purchasing a tree.

• Soil Influence: What type of soil is the tree going in. Chances are it is Houston's clay, but will the rain water run off, or will the water just sit there on top of the soil. (If so, think about putting a drain into the hole; such as a French drain).
• Geographic Source: DO NOT buy from a seed source who is more than 200 miles north or 400 miles east and west of us.
• Topographic Influence: Does it need to be near a stream, or a dry area?
• Climatic Influence: Rain and temperatures influence your tree selection.
• Features & Benefits: What do want the tree to do for you?

The best time to fertilize your trees is in November and the end of April. Deep fertilizer - Do not put any deeper than 12". Start fertilizing one foot from the trunk, and continue 1/3 out. Also, water only 10 to 12" deep. Fertilize every 2 feet, 8" deep. Most trees need 2 pounds of active pure nitrogen a year. Low nitrogen in November and high nitrogen in the spring.

PRUNING

Prune during the dormant season, call all suckers and dead limbs any time. The flatter the branch, the stronger, angles do not encourage strong growth. Cut rubbing branches. It is not good for branches to touch each other.

Do not cut (prune) a branch over 2" in diameter, if you do not have to. If you have to, wipe orange shellac over the wound.

WHEN TO CUT CRAPE MYRTLES