Trees Care
Tree care requires a regular schedule of tree maintenance including pruning overgrown limbs that tend to rub against each other and blocking good air circulation and sunlight.
"The one who plants trees, knowing he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life"
Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore
Trees that thrive in Central Texas
There are certain trees for which tree care is easier than others. Trees that are native to Central Texas and drought tolerant are easier to care for. These trees are better suited for our environment than trees that are not native to our area and that are not draught tolerant. Homeowners often ask Waco Tree service which trees they should plant on their property. They want to know which trees are low maintenance and are easy on their water bill and on their lawn.
The most common native species of trees that thrive in the Waco area are the Cedar Elm, Live Oak, Spanish Oak also known as the southern Red Oak, the Texas Ash tree also known as the Mountain Ash, and the Escarpment Black Cherry tree. A couple of tree that don't do as well in our area are the Green Ash tree that is more prominent in southeastern Texas , and the Pecan tree, which is the Texas state tree and a good shade tree, but Pecan trees need a lot of water so they do better along river banks, lakes. Young Pecan trees need 10 to 15 gallons of water per week. When a Pecan tree is mature it needs about two inches of rain or water per week from April through October around the dripline. The dripline is directly below and under the outer perimeter of of the trees branches. The circumference of the dripline is also know as the critical root zone. This is also known as a tree's Critical Root Zone. One inch of rainfall is about 155 gallons per 250 square feet. Since we can't count on two inches of rain per week in Waco the Pecan tree can be rough on your water bill.
These tree do well in our dry drought prone environment. When we are asked for planting recommendations we like to recommend the above mentioned trees. Many people don't realize that you can't just plant any tree anywhere. There is such a thing as planting the wrong tree in the wrong environment. There are some Trees that need a lot of water should not be planted in sunny areas where the soil remains drier. Many Trees cannot live in rocky soil and should not be planted in rocky soil. Certain trees won't tolerate frost without being wrapped up. A couple of examples are evergreen shrubs and certain types of palms trees. Whenever you plant a new tree it’s vital that you give newly planted trees extra attention by watering and fertilizing them to help ensure they grow strong.
These tree do well in our dry drought prone environment. When we are asked for planting recommendations we like to recommend the above mentioned trees. Many people don't realize that you can't just plant any tree anywhere. There is such a thing as planting the wrong tree in the wrong environment. There are some Trees that need a lot of water should not be planted in sunny areas where the soil remains drier. Many Trees cannot live in rocky soil and should not be planted in rocky soil. Certain trees won't tolerate frost without being wrapped up. A couple of examples are evergreen shrubs and certain types of palms trees. Whenever you plant a new tree it’s vital that you give newly planted trees extra attention by watering and fertilizing them to help ensure they grow strong.
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Tree care requires treating tree diseases
How to guard against Oak Wilt Disease fungus
The Southern Red Oak, also called the Spanish Oak
The Willow family is vulnerable to oak wilt disease. The Texas Red Oak, Blackjack Oak, Shumard Oak, and Water Oak are all part of this family of trees that are susceptible to Oak Wilt disease. Oak Wilt disease is a fungus that spreads from tree to tree by tree sap-eating beetles that carry the fungal spores with them to new trees. Another way that oak wilt spreads is when trees are too close together and their roots grow together. Then the disease can move from tree to tree through the roots.
The White Oak family
The white oak family includes the Bur Oak, Post Oak, Chinquapin Oak, Lacey Oak, Shin Oak, and Monterrey Oak. These Oak trees are the most resistant to Oak Wilt disease
The Live Oak
One of the three most common trees in Waco, Texas is the Live Oak. A Live Oak tree can live for over one-hundred years. The most common type of Live Oak in central Texas is the escarpment Live Oak. The live oak tree grows more slowly than the coastal live oaks.
The wood of the escarpment Live Oak is stronger than the wood of the coastal Live Oak. Because Coastal live oaks grow faster than Escarpment or plateau Live Oak trees, land developers prefer to plant Costal Live Oaks for new neighborhoods.
Coastal live oaks like warmer winter weather so they do well near coastal Texas. A hybrid species of Live Oak has been developed that grows faster than the escarpment live oak and has stronger wood similar to the escarpment live oak. Tree nurseries sell These hybrid Escarpment Live Oaks. The Live Oak, Escarpment Oak, Coastal Oak, Willow Oak, and Pin Oak trees are moderately resistant to Oak Wilt disease. To help reduce the chances of getting a tree with Oak Wilt disease do not prune oak trees in the spring or fall and seal the pruning cuts with a good tree wound paint sealant.
The wood of the escarpment Live Oak is stronger than the wood of the coastal Live Oak. Because Coastal live oaks grow faster than Escarpment or plateau Live Oak trees, land developers prefer to plant Costal Live Oaks for new neighborhoods.
Coastal live oaks like warmer winter weather so they do well near coastal Texas. A hybrid species of Live Oak has been developed that grows faster than the escarpment live oak and has stronger wood similar to the escarpment live oak. Tree nurseries sell These hybrid Escarpment Live Oaks. The Live Oak, Escarpment Oak, Coastal Oak, Willow Oak, and Pin Oak trees are moderately resistant to Oak Wilt disease. To help reduce the chances of getting a tree with Oak Wilt disease do not prune oak trees in the spring or fall and seal the pruning cuts with a good tree wound paint sealant.
The Spanish oak
The Spanish Oak is very common in Waco Texas. This tree is also called the Southern red oak. The Spanish Oak is a very popular tree that is native to Central Texas. The Spanish Oak is a tall straight tree with a large round canopy. Spanish Oaks have wide spreading branches that make it an excellent shade tree. The Spanish Oak is a fast growing tree and it is low maintenance. They are very hardy and live for over one-hundred years.
Spanish oaks grow best when their roots are shaded by other trees. Do not plant a Spanish Oak where its roots will be exposed to direct sun. The leaves on a Spanish Oak are at risk to leaf scorch which is a bacterial tree disease. Leaf scorch happens when extreme heat robs the leaves of being moist or holding enough water. Waco Tree service advises planting a Spanish oak in a location with shade from other trees and in an area where the tree won't have to compete with other trees, shrubs, and landscaping for water and nutrients in the soil. In the summer give the tree extra water from a sprinkler or hose.
Spanish oaks grow best when their roots are shaded by other trees. Do not plant a Spanish Oak where its roots will be exposed to direct sun. The leaves on a Spanish Oak are at risk to leaf scorch which is a bacterial tree disease. Leaf scorch happens when extreme heat robs the leaves of being moist or holding enough water. Waco Tree service advises planting a Spanish oak in a location with shade from other trees and in an area where the tree won't have to compete with other trees, shrubs, and landscaping for water and nutrients in the soil. In the summer give the tree extra water from a sprinkler or hose.
Spanish Oak acorns
The Texas ash
The Texas Ash tree is unique to Texas and a popular tree in Waco Texas. The Texas Ash is also referred to as a mountain ash.
The Texas ash tree is mainly found in the central eastern part of Texas and some are found in southern Oklahoma.
The Texas Ash thrives in Central Texas because it has adapted to the climate here in central Texas. The Texas ash is smaller than many other ash tree species. It is similar to the American Ash tree but smaller.
What the Texas ash lacks in size it makes up in its ability to grow even in our dry climate and rocky limestone-based soil.
One of the advantages of the Texas ash from a homeowners view point is that it's fast-growing tree. The Texas Ash tree can grow about two and a half feet per year with normal rainfall or watering. It's a great shade tree and makes a beautiful feature in your landscaping. The Texas ash is a drought tolerant tree so it will save on your water bill and it won't compete for water with other trees or your lawn around it.
The Texas ash is identified by it's round deep green leaves which also make it a beautiful shade tree. In the fall the green leaves turn yellow, gold, orange, red, and purple.
The one drawback for the Texas ash is that it has a shorter lifespan than many other trees. It's life span is only between 20 to 50 years as compared with the Live Oak, Cedar Elm, and Spanish Oak that live a hundred years or more.
For the Texas ash live to 50 years old it needs ideal soil and climate conditions. Because Texas ash trees only live a quarter to a third as long as the varieties of oaks some homeowners may be reluctant to invest in the Texas ash. Many homeowners prefer the more valuable live oaks, cedar elms, and Spanish oaks that live much longer.
A fun fact is that the Ash tree is related to the Olive tree family. They produce an oil that is like olive oil. In Europe the ash tree has been used for its medicinal properties for over a thousand years. The ash trees leaves, bark, and oil are used in medicine. The tree leaves and oil have been used to treat arthritis and digestive problems.
The ash trees have male and female flowers that develop on separate trees. They are pollinated by the wind. When the Ash tree flowers form little clusters. In the spring during April and May the leaf flowers are green and violet and in the fall they turn yellow, orange, gold, red, maroon or purple. You can identify a young Ash tree by it's smooth gray bark while and older ash tree has furrowed bark with a diamond shaped pattern similar to wrinkled skin.
Ash trees need to be planted far apart. We recommend planting ash trees at least 60-feet apart so that each trees root system has plenty of room to develop. Ash trees need a lot of space because they have a wide shallow root system. They need this minimum amount of space for a healthy root network to develop.
The Texas ash tree can have one or more leaders. A leader is a tree trunk as opposed to a tree limb which extends off of a leader.
The Ash tree doesn't like a lot of sun. They do well in an area with half-shade. But on the plus side the tree is not particular about soil.
If you live in a rural area be aware that Cows, goats, and wild rabbits like to eat the Ash trees leaves and branches. Maybe these animals have discovered the medicinal benefits of this tree for digestive issues.
Ash trees' wood is valuable because it is used in commercial products. The ash trees wood is strong, light, and elastic. Over one-hundred years ago horse carriages were built using ash tree wood. Because Ash tree wood is flexible and light it is also used to build boats and airplanes. The wood is used to make sporting goods like baseball bats, canoe paddles, hockey sticks, electric guitars, and drum frames. Ash tree wood is used in furniture to make veneers for desks, bookcases, tables, and cabinets.
Ash tree wood is a popular wood for cooking. It is used as firewood in the smoking of meats and other foods. The Texas Ash tree is unique to Texas, but there are 18 species of Ash trees in the United States. The most common is the Green Ash and the White Ash tree.
Ash trees grow all over the world. Worldwide there are an estimated 45 to 65 species. Ash trees they can range in size from thirty-feet tall to one-hundred-twenty feet tall. The lifespan of the ash tree ranges from thirty to three-hundred years. The Texas ash tree is at the low end of the height and age spectrum. The Texas Ash grows to a height of between thirty and forty-five feet tall with a lifespan between thirty and fifty years. The Ash trees height and lifespan varies based on the soil nutrients, amount of water it receives, and winter temperatures.
The Texas ash tree is mainly found in the central eastern part of Texas and some are found in southern Oklahoma.
The Texas Ash thrives in Central Texas because it has adapted to the climate here in central Texas. The Texas ash is smaller than many other ash tree species. It is similar to the American Ash tree but smaller.
What the Texas ash lacks in size it makes up in its ability to grow even in our dry climate and rocky limestone-based soil.
One of the advantages of the Texas ash from a homeowners view point is that it's fast-growing tree. The Texas Ash tree can grow about two and a half feet per year with normal rainfall or watering. It's a great shade tree and makes a beautiful feature in your landscaping. The Texas ash is a drought tolerant tree so it will save on your water bill and it won't compete for water with other trees or your lawn around it.
The Texas ash is identified by it's round deep green leaves which also make it a beautiful shade tree. In the fall the green leaves turn yellow, gold, orange, red, and purple.
The one drawback for the Texas ash is that it has a shorter lifespan than many other trees. It's life span is only between 20 to 50 years as compared with the Live Oak, Cedar Elm, and Spanish Oak that live a hundred years or more.
For the Texas ash live to 50 years old it needs ideal soil and climate conditions. Because Texas ash trees only live a quarter to a third as long as the varieties of oaks some homeowners may be reluctant to invest in the Texas ash. Many homeowners prefer the more valuable live oaks, cedar elms, and Spanish oaks that live much longer.
A fun fact is that the Ash tree is related to the Olive tree family. They produce an oil that is like olive oil. In Europe the ash tree has been used for its medicinal properties for over a thousand years. The ash trees leaves, bark, and oil are used in medicine. The tree leaves and oil have been used to treat arthritis and digestive problems.
The ash trees have male and female flowers that develop on separate trees. They are pollinated by the wind. When the Ash tree flowers form little clusters. In the spring during April and May the leaf flowers are green and violet and in the fall they turn yellow, orange, gold, red, maroon or purple. You can identify a young Ash tree by it's smooth gray bark while and older ash tree has furrowed bark with a diamond shaped pattern similar to wrinkled skin.
Ash trees need to be planted far apart. We recommend planting ash trees at least 60-feet apart so that each trees root system has plenty of room to develop. Ash trees need a lot of space because they have a wide shallow root system. They need this minimum amount of space for a healthy root network to develop.
The Texas ash tree can have one or more leaders. A leader is a tree trunk as opposed to a tree limb which extends off of a leader.
The Ash tree doesn't like a lot of sun. They do well in an area with half-shade. But on the plus side the tree is not particular about soil.
If you live in a rural area be aware that Cows, goats, and wild rabbits like to eat the Ash trees leaves and branches. Maybe these animals have discovered the medicinal benefits of this tree for digestive issues.
Ash trees' wood is valuable because it is used in commercial products. The ash trees wood is strong, light, and elastic. Over one-hundred years ago horse carriages were built using ash tree wood. Because Ash tree wood is flexible and light it is also used to build boats and airplanes. The wood is used to make sporting goods like baseball bats, canoe paddles, hockey sticks, electric guitars, and drum frames. Ash tree wood is used in furniture to make veneers for desks, bookcases, tables, and cabinets.
Ash tree wood is a popular wood for cooking. It is used as firewood in the smoking of meats and other foods. The Texas Ash tree is unique to Texas, but there are 18 species of Ash trees in the United States. The most common is the Green Ash and the White Ash tree.
Ash trees grow all over the world. Worldwide there are an estimated 45 to 65 species. Ash trees they can range in size from thirty-feet tall to one-hundred-twenty feet tall. The lifespan of the ash tree ranges from thirty to three-hundred years. The Texas ash tree is at the low end of the height and age spectrum. The Texas Ash grows to a height of between thirty and forty-five feet tall with a lifespan between thirty and fifty years. The Ash trees height and lifespan varies based on the soil nutrients, amount of water it receives, and winter temperatures.
The Texas ash has many valuable qualities. But it is vulnerable to certain tree diseases. Its a good idea to inspect your trees regularly for signs of disease or insect infestation. Waco Tree service can do these tree care inspections for you. We work with qualified consulting Arborist who are trained and experienced at identifying tree diseases and spotting insect infestations.
Covering every tree disease that could attack your trees is beyond the scope of this tree care article. But we will describe a few of the more common tree diseases in Texas that could threaten your valuable trees.
Covering every tree disease that could attack your trees is beyond the scope of this tree care article. But we will describe a few of the more common tree diseases in Texas that could threaten your valuable trees.
Common Texas ash tree diseases.
Anthracnose
Prolonged periods of rain can cause a fungal disease called Anthracnose. Anthracnose lesions appear as dark yellow or brown spots on your Texas Ash. These lesions will darken and spread if they not treated. They will affect the lower branches the worst but at least the lower branches are easier to inspect. This disease causes the leaves to fall off causing defoliation. Without leaves the tree can't carry on photosynthesis and the tree will become weak because its' immune system will be depressed, and it will become vulnerable to further damage.
Cotton Root Rot
Cotton root rot is a fungal disease that attacks Texas ash trees. Cotton root rot can survive in the soil for years. This fungal disease develops near the trees roots and then spreads from tree to tree. The symptom of Cotton root rot is the leaves turning yellow. This disease will also affect the other plants in the area near the Ash tree. An early warning sign that cotton root rot fungus is in your soil is when the smaller plants near the Ash tree die. The smaller trees are your "Canary's in the Coal Mine."
Leaf Spot Disease
The Texas ash is at risk for several kinds of leaf spot disease. Leaf spot disease is a fungal disease that attacks the leaves of the tree instead of the roots. Trees leave are vital to the trees life because the tree needs its leave for photosynthesis for its survival. When you see leaf spots its important to take corrective actions immediately. The leaf spots start out very small but they will grow into larger dark clusters of spots. Look under the leaves to inspect for these spots. Many species of ash trees besides the Texas ash are vulnerable to Leaf spot disease.
Wood Rot Disease
Wood rot is also a fungal tree disease. It attaches grows on tree wounds. A tree wound is created after pruning and not sealing the wound with tree wound sealer paint. Tree wounds are also develop when trees are not maintained by tree trimming overgrown branches that hang down and cross over and rub against each other. When the wind blows these overgrown branches rub against each other and wear away the protective bark. Then continued rubbing creates wounds. Wood rot kills the tree more slowly than cotton root rot which kills more quickly. So there is more time to act If you see signs of Wood rot disease. Tough growths called conks growing at the base of the tree trunk is a sign of advanced wood rot.
If you notice any of these signs of diseases on your Texas ash trees call for us for help.
Cedar Elms:
The cedar elm is a very beautiful tree and commonly found in the Waco, Texas. People with allergies know this tree all too well. The cedar elm is a great tree for Waco Texas because it is resistance to drought.
The Cedar Elms do well near other trees because they do not require a lot of water. Cedar elms are drought tolerant because they have small leaves with thick leaf cuticles. The Cedar Elm is thicker than live oaks but it's wood is not as strong as the Live Oaks wood.
The weaker wood structure of the Cedar Elm makes it more difficult for the Cedar Elm stand up to or compartmentalize wood rot. This also makes the older Cedar Elms more vulnerable to wind or storm damage.
The cedar elm is the second most valuable tree on your property after the live oak despite the cedar elms weaknesses.
The Cedar Elm is economical on water and it lives for 100 years or more with the proper tree care. The Cedar Elms is a good landscaping tree choice because it conserves water and that improves the value of your property.
The cedar elm is the second most valuable tree on your property after the live oak despite the cedar elms weaknesses.
The Cedar Elm is economical on water and it lives for 100 years or more with the proper tree care. The Cedar Elms is a good landscaping tree choice because it conserves water and that improves the value of your property.
The great Green Ash Tree
Escarpment Black Cherry
The Escarpment black cheery tree is found only in the limestone soil of central Texas. These trees grow as tell as 50 feet. They have attractive trunk and lush branches. The Escarpment Black Cherry has beautiful spring blooms and summer fruits. In the fall the leaves turn bright yellow. This tree requires sun. The cherries can be eaten but the rest of this tree is poisonous if eaten.
The Escarpment black cheery tree is found only in the limestone soil of central Texas. These trees grow as tell as 50 feet. They have attractive trunk and lush branches. The Escarpment Black Cherry has beautiful spring blooms and summer fruits. In the fall the leaves turn bright yellow. This tree requires sun. The cherries can be eaten but the rest of this tree is poisonous if eaten.
Waco Tree Service would love to be your Tree care service. We proudly serve Waco, Woodway, Hewitt, Robinson, China Spring, Bellmead and surrounding areas
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