Currents Newsletter, January 2007: Weather Forecast

Winter is the perfect time to plant trees in Central and South Central Texas. Placing trees in the ground now gives them a chance to get established before the return of the hot days of summer.

Spend a few minutes with Elizabeth Drozda-Freeman, LCRA conservation landscape specialist, while she plants a mountain laurel tree and talks about pruning techniques and water-saving tips. See link to videos in the box to the right.

There are many native trees to choose from. Shade trees include: bur oaks, cedar elms and chinquapin oaks. Ornamental trees include: mountain laurels, redbuds, and anacacho orchids.
Look for trees grown on tree farms in the western two-thirds of the state. These will be well-suited to our alkaline soils. Trees from East Texas are best suited to acid soils and may turn yellow when planted in our area.
When looking for the perfect spot for your new tree, avoid overhead and underground utility lines. For shade trees stay about 15 feet out from the side of your home and for ornamental trees stay about 8 feet from the side of your home. You should also stay 5 to 10 feet away from sidewalks and driveways.
Dig your planting hole to the same depth as the tree’s root ball. Be sure to pack the soil firmly around the root ball when you refill the hole, but do not put soil on top of the root ball. Use 4 to 6 inches of mulch around the base of your new tree.
Water your new trees slowly and deeply about once a week through the first year. (Save water reminder: For your existing landscape don't forget to turn off your automated irrigation system from November through February. Established landscapes do not need supplemental watering during the winter months. The cool temperatures and winter rainfall will sustain your landscape until spring. Read more water-saving tips at www.wateriq.org.)
Consider disinfecting your pruning tools with alcohol, bleach solution or a disinfectant spray between plants to avoid the risk of spreading disease. If you use bleach, don’t forget to oil your tools afterwards to avoid rust.