Fall is the perfect time for planting trees in North Texas. It’s getting a little late in the season now, but putting a tree in the ground anytime besides the hot summer is a good idea. Of course, the very best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. Planting in the fall allows a tree to establish itself in the cooler temperatures of fall and spring.
When choosing trees, people often want a quick growing tree. Quick growing sometimes means quick dying, so it’s best to be patient and pick a quality tree. Some good choices for our area include oaks like burr, chinkapin, red oak and live oak. Lacebark elm, cedar elm and pecans also make nice shade trees. Smaller trees are a good option especially on urban lots such as redbud, crape myrtle, desert willow, and wax myrtle.
When deciding where to plant a tree, consider the mature size of the tree. Consider how big this tree will be in 10, 20, or 30 years. Make sure you don’t plant a tree too close to power lines, buildings or other trees. You also need to check that the tree isn’t too close to anything underground as well. Before you dig, call 811 to have the underground utilities in your lawn marked for free. Planting trees or shrubs might seem like minor digging, but not knowing where underground lines are could put you in danger or disrupt service in your neighborhood. Or both if there’s a Cowboy’ game on and you knock out everyone’s cable. For more information, visit www.call811.com.
Trees can increase the value of a home’s resale. Properly placed trees can also help with heating and cooling expenses of the home. A deciduous tree (one that loses its leaves in the winter) placed on the south or west side of a home provides shade and cooling in the summer and allows for warming up in the winter.
Avoid putting a tree in the ground too deep. Keep the same soil line on the trunk when it’s in the ground as it was in the container. If this kind of exactness makes you nervous, place the tree slightly higher. Some settling may occur and it is very important to make sure the tree is not too deep. Once the tree is planted, don’t forget about it. For the first three years it will need more care while it gets established such as supplemental water and reducing the competition of weeds and grass. For specific details on proper tree planting and more tree choices for our area, check out www.dcmga.com, email us at [email protected] or call 940.349.2892.
This time of year is also a great time to get in the water and participate in the Advanced Stream Restoration Design Workshop, November 27-29. This class is being conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Upper Trinity Regional Water District with topics including stream processes, impacts of urbanization, assessment methodology, restoration design procedures, case studies in stream restoration, permitting and legal issues. Cost is $150, for more information or to register visit https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu (keyword search: restoration) or call 979.845.2604.
Educational programs conducted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
