Trees - For Fort Bend

Foliage diseases: No significant problems. A few minor leaf spots have been observed but infection was very light.

Samples have been received in the Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory that were diagnosed with cotton root rot. Based on the limited number of identifications and the large number of trees that have been planted, cotton root rot does not appear to be a major problem. However, they should be planted with caution in areas where cotton root rot is known to be a serious soil problem.

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) can be grown in some areas where oak wilt is a problem. They are most successfully in moist, sandy loam soils that are well drained. They will however, grow in soil that remain wet for long periods of time. In the Hill Country, it is often found growing along the streams and rivers. Soils that are sandy, dry and low in plant nutrients are not suitable for this cultivar. It is a long lived tree. An individual tree identified in Tennessee, that was over 1,300 years old and had a trunk diameter of over 39 ft. It was 122.5 ft. high. Although trees in Texas do not reach this height, they are large upright growing trees. They should be planted as isolated trees so that they will grow properly. They assume an inverse cone shape if given room to expand. A disadvantage of the bald cypress is the formation of surface roots. If grown in a wet soil, these roots can be a problem.

Foliage diseases: A fungal leaf spot can cause some premature defoliation, seldom is severe enough to require treatment.

Sycamore (Plantanus occidentalis) is a widely planted species of tree. Trees often reach a height of 140 to 170 ft. and have a trunk diameter of 10 to 11 ft. It is a species that does best in deep rich soil. Sites along creeks and streams are excellent areas to plant sycamore. They are attractive trees in both winter and summer. The young bark is nearly white and is distinctive during the winter months. It does not do well in shallow soils or in areas where the tree will be stressed.

Foliage diseases: Anthracnose and leaf scorch are two of the major foliage problems. Insects include aphids and lace wing bugs. Trees in the fall often become heavily infested with lace wing bugs, they become yellow and shed prematurely. Underside of the leaves will be covered with dark brown specks about the size of large pepper grains. These are the remains of the lace wing bugs.

Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana bradfordii) is a tree that has been widely planted as a landscape tree. It is a tree that marks the four seasons. In the spring, it is covered with white blossoms, during the summer, the leaves are glossy and dark green, in the fall, the leaves become yellow and red and finally in the winter the tree sheds its leaves. It is an upright growing tree and is often used as a buffer between street noise and pollution and also to screen out undesirable areas. The tree does well in a wide variety of well drained soils. Since it is a fruit tree, there is a cold requirement for maximum bloom development. Blooms may be less following mild winters.

In addition to Bradford, there are other flowering pears that do well in Texas. Selections have been made based primarily on shape. Some selections are more upright and less spreading.

Foliage diseases: Fabera leaf spot is the primary foliage problem. This disease is most severe during the years immediately following transplanting.

Fireblight is also a problem in some areas. Seldom does it do major damage. Pruning and care can prevent it from becoming a major problem.

They should not be planted in areas where cotton root rot is present. Losses have been severe in many plantings. If trees are lost to this soil borne disease, do not replant with susceptible trees.

MAPLE SPECIES

Big Tooth Maple (Acer grandidentatum) is a maple that is native to the mountains and canyons of the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. The tree grows to a height of 30-40 ft. and is one of only a few maples suggested for planting in Texas. The maples are valued for their fall color as well as the summer foliage.

ASH SPECIES

Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) is a common tree in the most areas where oak wilt is a problem. It grows along streams in moist, coarse-textured soils that are neutral to slightly alkaline. Chlorosis has been observed when grown in soils above 8.1 pH. It is a fast growing tree. It has done well in soils where the water table is 4-8 ft. below the surface. The trees are normally straight upright growing trees. When mature, they reach a height of 50-60 ft. In good soils, they have grown at the rate of 1.3 ft. for the first 6 years.

Foliage diseases: Fungal leaf spot (Mycosphaerella faxinicola), anthracnose and rust. It is a soft wood tree and is susceptible to borer damage if not cared for properly.

It is also moderately susceptible to cotton root rot

Pines, Sweet Gum, Willow and Cottongum

Trees For the Fort Bend Area

Mexican Sycamore - pyramidal growth habit, fast growing to a height of 60'-100' tall. Has spectacular silver-white undersides to the leaves & the foliage stays an attractive green into December. Is anthracnose resistant.

Loquatleaf Oak - an exciting new evergreen oak with an average height of 50'. From the mountains of Monterrey, Mexico. Thick. leathery, glossy foliage 6" by 2" & provides a wonderful texture in the landscape. Drought tolerant once established. Fast growing for an evergreen oak!

Mexican White Oak - a magnificent normally evergreen white oak from the mountains of Monterrey, Mexico. A very desirable fast growing large oak that is drought tolerant once established. It is attractively pyramidal in youth. Averages 60' tall.

Bald Cypress - a tough native deciduous tree with beautiful feathery foliage that turns an attractive bronze-orange color in the fall. Has a pyramidal growth habit & is a moderate grower. Grows 60'-80' tall. Tolerates wet conditions & drought.

Montezuma Cypress - a beautiful fast growing relative of the Bald Cypress. It has a fuller more spreading habit & is almost evergreen in milder climates. Can hold its foliage into December & leafs out at least a month before the Bald Cypress. The Montezuma Cypress does not develop "knees", so mowing underneath is not a problem. Can tolerate wet conditions & drought.

Drummond Red Maple - the best of all maples for our area! It's native, very fast growing, has yellow-orange-red fall foliage color, & is covered in spring with clusters of tiny red flowers. The female produces red winged seed pods. It's a great upright growing' tree; a great tree for smaller yards, since it doesn't have a wide spread & it tolerates the clay soils. Averages 60' tall

Chinese Pistache - a tough, drought tolerant fairly fast growing shade tree that eventually develops a beautiful umbrella-type canopy & is known for its great orange-red fall color. Averages 40'- 50' tall.

`Fantasy' Crape Myrtle - one of the finest crape myrtles as a large ornamental tree! `Fantasy' is a very regal tree with a height of at least 30' tall & a beautiful canopy. The panicles of white flowers are held upright instead of drooping. This variety is tough, mildew resistant. & fast growing. And, above all, it has the finest rich cinnamon-red hunks each time the bark peels! ! !

Pink Stardust Magnolia - a type of deciduous magnolia known as a Star Magnolia. A small ornamental understory tree that blooms gorgeous 3" many petaled star shaped pale pink flowers in January-February. It offers a much more delicate look than the magnolias with the large goblet shaped flowers. Will grow 15'-18'. Needs afternoon shade, understory conditions.

Banana Magnolia Tree (Michelia joggii) - New! Beautiful, every small ornamental tree for part shade or sun. Has very attractive velvety golden-bronze buds in winter & is covered with creamy-white 3" flowers February-March. Has a delicate magnolia fragrance. Grow it as a 20' tree or use it as a tall evergreen screen, with some pruning.

Mexican Buckeye - a drought tolerant, sun loving, native flowering tree. The limbs are covered with pink flowers in March & then the tree produces interesting & ornamental seed pods. Mexican Buckeye is normally a multi-trunked 18' tree. Good drainage.

Mexican Plum - outstanding native spring blooming tree with very fragrant white flowers! Slowly grows to about 20'. Sun, part shade. Produces a tasty small plum. Great for eating, for jellies & jams, & for sharing with the birds!

Texas Mountain Laurel - gorgeous native evergreen small tree or large shrub. Large wisteria-type clusters of very fragrant purple flowers in spring. Grows 10'-18' tall (in time). Full sun & good drainage.

Texas Redbud - is more drought tolerant than our East Texas Redbud & prefers full sun. Is famous for its slightly rounder l glossy, dark green foliage. The limbs are covered with bright pink flowers in March. Blooms at the same time as the Texas Mountain Laurel & the Mexican Plum & likes the same conditions; so, you can have a "red", white, & "blue" planting! Eventually grows to 15'-20' tall. Must have good drainage. Sun or part shade.

Acacia Wrightii - the most cold hardy of all the native acacia trees. It's a gorgeous small tree with a wonderfully airy look with its delicate, berry-like foliage. It blooms 2" fuzzy spikes of extremely fragrant flowers at least 3 times starting mid spring thru summer! The Wright acacia is a valuable addition to small-scale landscapes. It averages 15'-20' tall. Full sun & drainage.

Dahoon Holly - a native, evergreen, dense, upright small tree to about 20' tall with smoothed-edged foliage. The female Dahoon is a heavy producer of beautiful red berries fall & winter. Can also be pruned as a large shrub or living screen. Sun or part shade.

Sinojachia - the Asian version of our native Silverbell. Striking tree! Sculptured trunk, clusters of white star-shaped flowers in spring, fast growing, & has attractive semi-glossy foliage. Sun, part shade. Averages 20' tall. Deciduous.

Two-Wing Silverbell - excellent substitute for dogwood. An East Texas native, small flowering tree up to 20' tall. Outstanding bloomer, covered with clusters of 1" long, white bell shaped flowers late March. Sun or part shade. Yellow fall foliage color. Hummingbirds! It makes a clean patio tree.

Native Fringe Tree - a spectacular native spring bloomer of fleecy white flowers in spring. Normally is found along the edge of woods in East Texas, but will also grow in full sun if it's well watered but well drained In full sun, it develops a full umbrella shaped canopy. Eventually grows to 20'-25' tall. Develops clusters of dark blue drupes or fruit in spring that the birds adore!!!

Chinese Fringe Tree - a fast growing ornamental tree with attractive semi-glossy oval foliage. Put on an incredible display of fringy white flowers in March. Looks like a thick white cloud at a distance. Has wonderful sculptured trunks. Full sun or part shade. Good drainage. 20 - 25' tall.

''Montrose Purple' Vitex - a new vitex with slightly larger foliage & magnificent blooms that are 3 times larger than the standard vitex & a richer, darker blue color. A drought tolerant, sun loving small multi-trunked tree up to 18' tall .

Retama - a native flowering tree to south & west Texas with attractive airy foliage. It's an outstanding summer bloomer with a gorgeous canopy of ye yellow flowers two to three times during the summer. Drought tolerant. Averages 20'x20'. Needs drainage.