Untitled

Tbink Trees...
$ 2 . 00
ABLE OF CONTENTS
Benefitsof Trees.....l.
tVhattoP lant
......3
....5
....8
H owtoP lant
Recommended Trees for the Corpus Christi Area .
. . . . . .'1.2
. . . . . 10
Illustrations: Live Oak, Redbud, Crape Myrtle
Bur Oak, Flowering Pear, Texas Mountain Laurel . . . . . . . 11
Shumard Red Oak, Mexican Plum, Golden Rain Tree . . . .14
Mexican Ash, Honey Mesquite, Southern Magnolia . . . . . .15
. . . . . . . 76
Pecan, Afghan Pine,'Western Soapberry . .
MontezumaBald Cypress,Texas Sabal, Cedar Elm . . . . . .77
. . . . . 18
Additional Trees for the Corpus Christi Area.
....79
Ho wtoCareforE stablishedT re e s . . . .
Tr eeP runing..
.......20
. . .21'
Pruning Safety and Tools; Don't Baglt Program
. . .22
Three-Cut Pruning Method.
....23
Ne verTopaTree.
sPoNsoRs
This booklet was made possible through an "Urban & Community Forestry
Grant" administeredby the Texas ForestServiceand through the generous
donations of the following:
Edwin Singer
Beautiff Corpus Christi Association
Gill LandscapeNursery
The Tree AwarenessCouncil would like to extend'special recognition to
our long-time supporters, Turner's Gardenlandand Koch Industries,Inc.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Written and edited by members of the Texas Forest Service and the Tree
AwarenessCouncil. \flith special thanks to Brian G. Sichel, Columbus, OH; Mike
Gordon, City qf Corpus Christi, AssistantDirector, Parks& RecreationDepanment;
Keith Hanson, Texas Agricultural Extension Service,CEA - Horticulture; Manuel
Jordan, RegionalUrban Forester,Texas ForestService;Ken Krenek, NuecesCounty Master Gardener, Terri S. Scott, LandscapeConsultant, TAN Certified; Ted
Turner,Jr., TexasMaster Certified Nurseryman,Tumer's Gardenland.
Brochure lllustration: Robert O'Brien Design
Graplric Design: Barbaru McDowell
Tbink Trees...
be Corpus Cbristi area prouidesa cballengeto the bomeowner
wben it comestoplanting and maintaining trees. Someof tbe aduersefactorstbal
ueface are sandy or beatryclay soil, linle or too mucb precipitation, strong winds, salt spray,
bigb temperatureor a sudden drop in temperature. All conxbinationsof tbesefactorsmay
make it uery difficult to grow a tree. Tltis brocbure utill try to suggesttreestbat wittfit your
specific area depending on soil type, wind, and rnoisture.
BENEFITS OF TREES
SAW ENERGY
Trees provide us with economic, health, and
aesthetic benefits as described below.
Trees produce shade which can reduce air
conditioning costs up to 30 percent when they
are strategically placed on the east and south
sides of a building.
REDACE
AIR POLIWION
Through photosynthesis, trees use the carbon
from carbon dioxide COe which is harmful
to humans. They repleniih the atmosphere
with oxygen which we breathe. In this
process, carbon is stored in the trunk and
sugars are manufactured through the use of
energy provided by sunlight. The tree uses
the sugar as its source of energy. An average
tree can absorb 26 pounds of CO2 per year.
Leaves help to trap and hold particulate
pollutants (dust, ash, pollen, and smoke) that
can damage human lungs.
REDUCE SOn AND WrND EROSTON
CONSERW WATER
Trees reduce surface runoff by contributing
organic matter to the soil surface. This
allows the water to soak in and not run off.
Tree roots help hold soil and increase the
ability of soil to absorb water. With increased
absorption of water, less irrigation is needed.
Trees break the impact of falling rain, reducing soil splashing and erosion.
Trees make excellent windbreaks, slowing
the wind speed, thus reducing erosion and
aggravation to humans caused by constant.
strong wind.
Use evergreen trees on the north side to
intercept and slow winter winds. This will
save from 10 to 50 percent in energy used for
heating.
By conserving energy, less electricity for
heating and cooling will need to be generated.
\fith lower demand for electricity, burning of
fossil fuels which releases CO2 into the
atmosphere will decrease.
.INCREASE
PROPERTT
VAIAE
A well-planned landscape including healthy
trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and flowers can
increase residential property value up to 15
percent. A well-landscaped house will attract
more potential home buyers and may be
easier to sell.
Office complexes and apartment communities in wooded settings rent or sell faster.
This makes them more valuable and they are
more in demand.
WILDLIFE
Birds and small mammals find shelter in
trees, and many build their nests there.
The fruits, seeds, leaves and cwigs of trees
provide food for wildlife.
LOCAI
MODIFY
CIIMATE
The vast amounts of concrete, steel, asphalt,
and glass in cities increase air temperature
several degrees compared to the surrounding
countryside. Trees lower air temperature
through shade andleaf transpiration, reduce
glare on sunny days, and reduce wind speed.
I N CREAS E E CONOM I C STAB I IITY
Research has shown that trees and green
spaces have a positive psychological impact
on humans living in our urban sociery' A
well-forested communiry is a more inviting
place to live, work, and shoP.
Studies show that people linger and shop
longer along tree-lined streets. AIso, businesses in wooded developments find their
workers ate more productive and absenteeism is reduced.
uTood Products
Wildlife Habitzt
Iandscaping
Aesthetics
Food
EnvironmentalControl
- Erosion
- Wind
Recreation
Medicinal Materials
Think Trees...
HAT TO PIANT
Tbetltpeof tree to plant deperds on enuironmentalfactors, tbe tree'spurpose,
location, and space auailable. Before cboosing a tree, tbeplnnting area needsto be
eualuated and tbefollouting criteria considered. Usetbe list of treesand tbeir cbaracteristics
along uitb tbe eualuation of theplanting area to cboosethe treestbat taill grou tbe best.
Treesnatirc to tbis part of Texasare adapted to tbe enuironmentalfactors
of tbis area and tend to suruiue langer.
EIWIRONMENTAI
FACTORS
Minlmum Ternperature - Every tree will
survive down to a certain minimum temperature. In the Corpus Christi area, the minimum
temperature is usually about 20 - 25 degrees.
However, our greatestconcern is when the
temperature falls rapidly and trees do not
have enough time to
The trees
that have been killed ^d^pt.
or frozen back to the
ground from past tnrd fueezesare ebony,
orchid tree, ligustrum, citrus, eucalyprusand
some palms.
Molstute - Speciesnative to this area will
survive with little or no additional watering.
Introduced specieswill require additional
watering during the hot, dry summer months.
Trees requiring high moisture need plenty of
additional watering and usually show signs of
stressby dropping their leaves during the
sufiuner. These trees include cottonwood,
sycamore, bald cypress,and catalpa.
Newly planted trees should be watered every
fwo or three days during the growing season
when adequate rainfall is lacking. Any tree
can be over-watered,especially in a heavy
clay soil, becausethe water tends to drain
more slowly.
Itgltt - Most trees need an open, sunny
space to reach their mature size. If your
planting area is shaded by other trees or
buildings, select a smaller,shade-loving tree.
Pests - Insects and disease can be a nuisance
to the homeowner if not identified and teated properly as soon as possible. Select
species that are relatively free from pests.
Newer varieties have been bred for resistance
to certain diseases. Rio Grande ash, pecan,
Afghan pine, and mulberry have the most
insect and disease problems.
SoiI = The soil type in this area will range
from very sandy soil to aheavy clay. The
pH will range from7.5 to 8.5 which is alkaline. Trees planted in a sandy soil will need
additional watering, whereas in heavy clay
soil they will need less water. Incorporating
organic m^tei^l will help sandy soil retain
moisture and will improve drainage in a
heavy clay soil.
A TREE'S PARPOSE
IThat benefits do you want from your tree?
Trees can provide shade, color from spring
and/or suruner flowers, fruit, seed pods, and
fall color. They also can be used to attract
wildlife, provide windbreaks, or act as
boundary markers.
Each tree species has a unique form or
shape, size, growth rate, color, and texture.
Select a tree or trees that will best satisfy the
benefits you desire.
IOCATION AND SPACEAVAIIABIE
Before planting, know what the size of the
tree will be as it nears maturiry. Trees vary
in crown spread, height and branching
pattern. Large trees should not be planted
under utility lines, close to rooflines. or near
other large trees. They should not be
restricted by sidewalks, driveways,
foundations or patios.
Small trees are good for limited space as
long as visibility to streets or driveways is not
hindered. Planting several large trees in a
limited space to provide immediate shade
will cause problems when the trees mature.
The goal is to plant a tree in a space that will
not require any maior pruning when it
mahtres.
. Use small trees,
shmbs. and vines
Iarge tree.
. Provide
shade to
your AC unit
to increase
efficiency.
NOTE Ihese a.re general guidclines
on$t:
.Check each tree's mature spread when placing
trees so you do not crowd them.
oleave half of this spread beween the tree and
building, utility lines, or existing mature trees.
. When planting several new lrees, remember to
space them so all will have room for their
mature spread.
.When planting near street corners in residential areas, do not place trees or shrubs that
would block a driver's view of the sign, signal,
or intersecting street.
TREE SPACING GUIDE FOR YOAR
I}LNDSCA,PE
Tree
Herght
Up to 25'
25-50',
50'+
MinimumSpacing
MinimumSpacing
FromlVall
FromBuildingCorner
10'
10'
$'
75'
20'
r5'
6
Pla.nt eaergreen trees, which retain their
leaves or needles year-round, on the north
side of your home. !/tren planted in two
staggered rows they intercept and slow
winter winds.
Pla.nt decid.uous trees, which shed their
leaves during the winter, on the west and
south side of your home They will shade
your home in the summer and allow sunlight
to warm your house in the winter.
SUMMER
WINIER
. \,,-
Deciduoustrees placed on the south and west
walls will reduce indoor temperaturesin
summer by shading the roof and walls.
In winter, these trees allow sunlight
to help heat the house.
, 'sil{:' i
I
:rq
Tbink Trees...
OW TO PIA.NT
Ytn* ldno in tree planting is tbat, "It's better to put a $5O tree in a $ 1O0
n a $1OOtree in a $5O bote." Planting a tree in tbe rigbt location using tbe
tecbnique will giueyour tree a bettercbance of reacbing maturity and
prouiding the benefitsyou desire
VIIATSIZE TO PI}LNT
After selecting the proper location and species of
tree to plant, you need to determine what size tree
to buy. Larger trees can produce immediate results
kt a landscape, but they will take longer to adjust
to their new envirorunent, and therefore longer
before they begin to grow rapidly. Smaller trees
are able to adapt quickly and will start growing
almost immediately. Root systems of larger trees
need more time to become established and more
time will be required for the tree to begin putting
on new growth.
SELECTI NG A IIEAITIIY TREE
After determining the rype and size of tree to plant,
you're ready to select a tree from your local nursery. Choose a tree that has a straight, single central trunk, and no damage to the bark or broken or
dead limbs. Do not select a tree that has been
topped or headed back, has more than one side
bare of branches or a tree that grows straight up
and has very little crown spread. Avoid trees with
circling roots visible.
CARE OF TREES BEFORE PI./WTING
Always lift the tree up by the root ball or container
and not by the trunk.
Be careful not to break branches or scrape the
trunk of the tree.
Keep the roots moist. If the tree can't be planted
immediately, store it in a shaded area out of the
wind. Do not remove from container until hole is
dug and ready for planting.
When removing the tree from a container be careful not to break the root ball.
PI}INTING S/A4SOlv
Fall is for planting. Planting in late fall through
early spring allows trees to establish new roots
before the spring rains and suruner heat stimulate
new growth. The tree needs an established root
system to keep up with the higher water demand
in the summer. During the winter dormant season
the roots will continue to grow while the top
remains inactive.
Container grown trees can be planted during the
sufilmer with additional watering because no roots
are [ost.
Balled and burlapped trees tend to go into shock
and lose their leaves when planted in the sufiIrner'
To prevent this the leaves should be stripped
before transporting the tree. They will reJeaf, but
it will take more time for the tree to regain its natural look.
Palrn and citrus trees should be planted in late
spring or early summer.
PI}INTING TECIINIQUE
The following steps should be followed to ensure
the proper planting of your tree. Bdore diSging, be
sure you barc located all underground utilities.
"Texas One Call Systems" can provide you with all
underground utiliry locations: 7-BN-245-4545.
1. Examine the tree and prune only broken, low
'Wait one
hanging branches and crossing branches'
year to do any corrective Pruning.
2. Dig a wide planting hole. It should be two to
three times wider than the root ball. This will
allow the roots room to spread and take hold. If a
healy clay type soil is not loosened up, then the
roots will have a harder time growing into the
existing soil.
3. To create a favorable growing zone for the
roots, loosen an area of soil two to five times
wider than the diameter of the root ball and eight
to a depth of two to
inches deep. Mulch this
^reall vegetation and
four inches after removing
rocks. Maintain this area by adding mulch as
needed for approximately two years.
4. Place the root ball in the hole ar rhe proper
height. The top of the root ball should be level
with the existing soil line. The hole should be dug
only as deep as the root ball to ensure that the tree
is planted at its original growing level. If planted
too deep the roots may suffocate or if too shallow
the roots may dry in the air and sun. Plant the tree
a little higher in a heavy clay soil to provide additional drainage.
8. Use organic material such as leaf litter, shredded
bark or bark chips, two to four inches deep, to
mulch the base of the tree. Mulching holds down
competing weeds and grass, retains soil moisture,
prevents soil compaction, and keeps the root system cooler. It will also eliminate the danger of
lawn equipment being used too near the trunk of
the tree. Keep mulch two inches away from the
5. If necessary rotate the tree so the most desirable
side is facing a highly visible area. Add soil
around the base of the root ball to stabilize it in
the hole. Remove any string, wire, or burlap from
the top of the root ball. container grown trees
need to be removed from their containers without
breaking the root ball. Step back from the tree
and make sure it is standing straight from all
directions.
9. Use a tree guard around the base of the tree to
protect the bark from mowers and weedeaters
once the watering basin is removed
trunk.
10. Staking should only be done if support is necessary. If the tree does not stand up straight, is top
heavy, or subject to strong wind, then stake the
tree. Protect the tree by running the supporting
wire or rope through a piece of old garden hose
where it is placed around the tree. Remove the
:. stakes and ties after the tree has flttnly rooted or
one year. Palm trees may tzke slighdy longer.
6. Backfill with the original soil, gently packing it
until the soil is level with the existing soil line.
\7hile adding soil start watering the tree to help..g.,i4
eliminate air pockets in the soil. Do not tamp ffiffi
soil in with your feet because this will
soil and may inhibit the spread of the
,l#a$erwhen necessary. Always check the soil
ffiqp npa water when it's dry down to about
from drought. In very sandY soil
gSwater more frequently. Keeping
ritll soaked will drown the roots and
,lpyes to turn yellow and fall off.
7. Create a rim around the tree with
serve as a reservoir when watering. f
should be about four inches high and;i
extend wider than the root ball.
dam after one vear.
Create a small dam 3 feet
in diameter, 4 inches high.
3 to 4 inch mulch over
en[ire loosened area.
Top of root ball
at grade level.
Before planting,
loosen an area
2 to 5 times the
diameter of the rodt ball.
(The wider the bener.)
Back fill with original
soil. Do not overly
compact soil - only
enough to hold the tree
upright- (See number
5 and 6 above.)
9
Quercusuirginiana
Crape Myrtle - I^agetstremia sPP.
Redbud - Cercis canadensis
Quercus macrocalpa
Pyrtts kautakam.i
Texas Mountain I-aurel - Sopborasecundiflora
Wildlife; '
Wildlife;'
Fall'color
Lilac, whi
i'..,*_:
Wildlife;
I
,Attrag!iye
White flo
i!ig3
Shade; wi
Fragrant 1
Strong w<
Shade
\X/hite flo
Shade; rq
Shade; w
Shade; fa
Wildlife;
High drot
Attractive
.Hurrican<
Edible fn
Aftracuve
Long taPt
OnIY Tex
Fibrous b
LEGEND: N=Native; I:Introduced;
D:Deciduous;
E-Evergreen
ers: SUIrUner
ite flowers: spring
>lor
te flowers: frequent
t tolerance; flared trunk
I canopy
:old hardy; wildlife
trunk
very cold hardy
I3
Mexicarr Ash - Fraxinus beilandieriana
Mesquite - Prosopisglandulosa
Southern
Magnolia
- Magnolia grandiflora
Montezuma Bald Cypress
Texas Sabal
Tfuafriutnmucfinafifin
CedarElm
Umus crassifulia
... 1 . ..ldi
Tbink Trees...
ONAL TREES FOT]I\D IN TIIE CORPUS CHRISTI AREA
Thesetreq arefound in tbe Cotprc Cbrlsti area htt are not bfgbly recornmend.ed.Thesetreesmay baue
seueralproblemsthat mnke tbem undairable treq orutill can$etbem to fu sbort lircd.. Youcan cboose
to plnnt tbem lf pu can toleratetbeirproblens or are u;ilting toprouide additional nm.intenance. You
may also seea uarieStof otherffeestbrougbout tbe city. Many of tbae baue beenbrougbt infiom areasto
tbe nortb, eastand soutb. Wile tbqt may be rcmindets of aformer home, tbesespeci.es
rrmy require extra
attention to suruite tbe heat, Iau rainfall and. rccasionalfteeze of tbe Cmstal Bend.
Bald Cypresis, Taxodiurndistichum. Natsve
of east Texas. Requiresmore water than
Montezuma Bald Cypress. \7ill produce
knees from the roots. Can be deformed bv
the wind.
Orchid Tree, Baubinia spp. Introduced.
Susceptible to freeze damage. Messy seedpods but blooms much of the spring. Look
for smaller west Texas native, Anacacho
Bauhinia, Baubinia. congesta.
Desert Willow, Cbilopsislinearis. Native of
west Texas. Susceptibleto root rot and
freeze damage. Plant with good drainage to
insure success. Producesclustersof showy
pink to lavender flowers.
Red Mulbetry, Morus ntbra. Native to the
eastern tvro thirds of Texas. Likes moist soil
and full sunlight. Can get webworms.
Leaves will drop during hot, dry conditions.
Fruits enjoyed by wildlife but can be messy.
Eucatyptus, Eucafitptusspp. Introduced
from Australia. Susceptibleto freeze damage.
Flowering Pears: Bradford pear, pjrru.s
call.eryana,'Bradford'; Aristocrat pear,pynts
calleryana. 'Aristocrat.'Introduced. May ger
fire blight; suffers from lack of iron in the
soil. Won't always bloom.
Texas Persirnrno n, Dioslryros tex6n1.
Native. Can get root rot. Plant in welldrained soil with full sun. Produces small
dark fruits enjoyed by birds. Attractive gray
bark with flaking layers.
Red Bay, Percea borbonia. Native and
found locally on deep sands. Shiny, fragrant
leaves. Difficult to find in nurseries.
Produces small dark fruits eaten by birds.
Japanese Black Pine, pinus tbunbergiana.
Introduced. Needswell-drained soil. 'Works
well in a planter. May get chlorosis; keep
soil acidic.
Soutlrern C-atalpa, Cat a lp a b ign o no i des.
Messy leaf and seedpod drop. Needs extra
watering to do well.
Japanese Ligustrum" Iigustrum lucidutn.
Introduced from Japan. More often seen as a
shrub but also pruned to have a single trunk.
Susceptible to freeze damage.
Sycamore, Platanu.s occidentalis. Native.
Needs well-drained soil. Messy due to leaf
disease and drop in heat of summer.
Loquag Eriobotrya japonica. Introduced.
Susceptibleto fire blight. Blooms in the fall
and produces edible orange fruits. Freeze
may destroy fruit. AIso known as Chinese
Plum.
There are several good specimens of these
trees in the Corpus Christi area, but that
doesn't mean that they can be grown
throughout the city. There is a significant
difference bervreen just surviving and truly
thriving in the landscape. Consult your local
nursery, the Texas Forest Service Regional
Urban Forester, or the Texas Agricultural
Extension Service for information on your
particular growing conditions.
Mexican Buckeye, tlngnadia Wciosa.
Native. Not frequently available. Grows
easily from seed. Producesfragrant purple
flowers. Good for smallerspaces;height
up to 20'. Do not eat seeds.
1B
Tbink Trees...
OW TO CARE FOR ESTABLISHED TREES
INSPECTION
Before investing time and money in your tree,
perform a thorough inspection to determine the
health of the tree. Many of the Chinese tallows
and ash trees in Corpus Cfuisti have reached
their maturity and are starting to decline. If a
tree is in poor health, it's probably wiser to
remove the tree and plant a young, healthy
tree. It will cost less to prevent a problem than
to cure one, so treat any problems when they
first occur. Contact your local arborist or tree
care professional if you are uncertain about
what should be done.
Stem decay and crown dieback are syrnptofiis
of poor health and indicate problems that
began several years before. Also, smaller leaf
size and reduction in the extension of shoots
are signs that the tree's health has recently
changed.
MAICITING
Using an organic mulch around the base of
your tree is probably one of the best things that
you can do for the tree. Some of the benefits
of mulch are:
o Stabilizes soil temperatures and retains soil
moisfure which reduces soil cracking that
can damage small roots.
. Reduces competition from grassesand
weeds which rob water and nutrients from
the tree.
o Improves soil fertilicy as organic mulch
decomposes.
. Helps prevent soil compaction and
improves the soil structure. Increases aeration and improves temperature and moisture
condition.
o Eliminates the use of lawn mowers and
weedeaters around the base of the tree. This
equipment will damage the trunk and can
kill the tree.
Organic mulches include shredded leaves and
fwigs, decomposed grass or composted wood
chips.
The mulch should be two ro four inches thick
and should extend out past the edge of branch-
es for smaller trees. For newly planted trees
extend at least two feet from the base of the tree.
FERTILIZING
Fertilizers provide three maior nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, and other
minor nutrients.
A- Nitrogen - most critical, maintains the
green color in the leaves and promotes
normal wig growth.
B. Phosphorous - assists in the maturation
of tissues and stimulates root growth.
Particulady important in flower, fruit, and
seed production.
C. Potassium - assistsin the manufacturing
of sugars and starches, helps tissues mature
properly, and heightens the color of flowers.
Apply in the late fall through early spring.
Choosing a fetilizer depends on soil pH,
organic matter content, and soil composition.
Consult your local garden center for a fertjlizer
blended for this area.
Younger trees, less than five inches in diameter,
should be fertilized yearly. Older trees usually
don't need additional fertilizer because of their
extensive root system.
WATERING
Proper s/atering is one of the most important
factors in producing top quality plants. Check
the soil and only q/ater tf dty.
Improper watering may consist of too liftle, too
much, the wrong method, or incorrect timing.
Trees lose water through a process called transpiration. If roots don't absorb water as rapidly
as the leaves transpire, the plant wilts.
Transpiration rates will be greater with higher
wind speed, low humidity, and waffner
temperatures.
Trees should be watered slowly to allow the
water to soak in. Watering to a depth of L0" to
1-6"deep will allow tlre roots to penetrate deeper into the soil.
."?z
Tltink Trees...
REE PRUNING
bepruned sparingly and onlyfor a specificreason.Don't pnt'ne just to prune
or becauseyour neigbbor ispru.ning bis tree. Ouerpntning will reducetbe ualue of your tree
and your bouse. So wben, wby, and bou to prune are outlined below.
WIIY PRUNE
,{- Remove dense growh by thinning the
crown. This reduceswind resistanceand the
chance of branches and the trunk breaking
in high winds
C. Remove crossing branches before they
start rubbing against each other. The rubbing will create a wound and give insects or
disease place for entry into the tree.
B. Remove watersproutsand suckers. They
are unsightly and rob water and nutrients
from the rest of the tree.
D. Remove dead or broken branches when
they occur. If left, insects and disease may
enter the tree.
To Thin Crown
Crossing Branches
'Watersprouts
+
Iow-Hanging Branch
Root Suckers
**tT
20
Broken Branch
E. To direct or control growth. Remove low
branches over a sidewalk or driveway or
branches growing against a building. prune
back to a lateral bud or branch that poinrs
upward or away from the building.
always prune back to the main trunk or the
next largest branch. Don't cut into the
branch collar.
C. Always make a clean cut and never
iagged. A smooth cut will heal the quickest.
D. On large branches use the three cut
method as illustrated on the next page.
WITEN TO PRUNE
pruning and removing dead branch^{- Light
es can be done at any time.
PROPER
B. N7inter is the best time because there will
be less sap flow, and will result in a vigorous
burst of new growth in the spring.
PRANING
TOOLS
A- Pruners - use on wigs and smaller
branches up to about'L/2".
B. Loppers - use on branches from'L/2" to
about 1 t/2".
C. Prune spring flowering trees after they
bloom (redbud and flowering fruit trees).
Prune summer and fall flowering trees (crape
myrtle) in the winter.
C. Hand saw - use on larger branches.
D. Pole saw or pruner - use on high
branches.
D. The best time ro prune live oaks is
when they are dormant - from late October
through mid-February. Pruning live oaks
during the rest of the year will make them
more susceptible to the oak wilt disease.
E. Chain saw - Use on largest limbs.
REMEMBER TO BE SA-TE
.d Keep your tools sharp.
B. W'ear safety boots, safery goggles and
leather gloves.
IIOW
TO PRANE
.{- Inspect the tree first and determine what
needs to be pruned.
C. Never us a chainsaw while on a ladder.
B. Be careful never to leave a stub. Always
prune back to the branch collar or ridge or
to a lateral bud. ril/hen removing a branch
D. Leave maior tree pruningto
arborist.
a professional
E. Take care to avoid electrical lines.
ON'T BAG IT PROGRAM
This program was started as a joint effort
between The Texas Agriculrural Extension
Service and the City of Corpus Christi as an
environmental action that could not only: 1)
save this community money by significantly
reducing the volume of waste material hauled
to its sanitary land fill, but also 2) reclaim
organic matter for use by anyone engaged in
horticultural activities. The program specifically
targets the wanton discarding of grass clippings
and tree leaves from the residential yard.
These materials are so easy to compost that the
program has a great deal of logic to support it.
As an enhancement to its credibility, part of the
program sponsored selected individuals in a
year-long program of home lawn care whereby
special watering, mowing, and fertilizing techniques proved to develop a better lawn at less
cost and decreased the clippings handled or
discarded.
There is no question that this program has high
merit to both the municipality and the individuals
who participate in it.
21
Tbink Trees...
Usetbis method to remouea limb witb a sau),so tbat tbe limb does not
"tear" dor,untbe remaining brancb or trunk.
Loppingsbearssbould be usedon branrbes smaller tban 3/4" in d.iameter.
Remouebrancbeslarger tban 3/4" (witb band or chain sau) using tbefoltowing tbree-cut metbod:
1. Undercut 12"-24"up
from the branch collar.
This stops the bark
from tearing.
2. Make the second cut
from the top all the way
through the branch, 2" to
3" above cut 1.
B*rr.H
3. The final cut should
be just beyond the
branch collar. Support
the stub so it does not
tear the bark.
coLrAR
Before you remove any limbs it is
important to locate the branch collar. Look for a slightly swollen area
where the branch ioins the trunk.
The collar is perpendicular to the
branch, and tapers out from the tree.
22
Your final cut should follow this
taper. A proper cut made in this
way will encourage the tree's own
defense systems and will allow new
tissue to grow over and encase the
wound.
Tlsink Trees...
EVER TOP A TREE
Topping is an improlvrpruning tecbnique uhicb rernoueslarge brancbesand leauessbort
stubsoff tbe main tntnk. Toppingis tbe taorcttbing you can do to the bealtb of your tree. If a treeSets
too large or is grouting into utility lines it can bepru.ned properly to reduce its size, yet retain its
ualue. A common practice in tbe Corpus Cbristi area is to top your tree becauseof tbe
tbreat of burricanes. Howeuer a topped tree will be in greater danger in a buticane tban
a properly tbinned tree wbicb utill bauea bettercbance of uitbstanding stronger winds.
REASONSNOT TO TOP YOUR TREE
,{. Removes too much leaf surface which the
tree needs to produce food.
B. Remaining branches may get sunscald.
C. I-arge stubs can't heal properly and invite
insects and decay.
D. New branches form weaker branch angles
and break more easily in strong winds.
E. The tree will produce rapid new growth
and form a denser crown. The tree will tend
to be more susceptible to damage from
high winds.
F. Some older trees won't re-leaf after a
severe pruning and then will die sooner than
normal.
G. Topping a tree destroys its narural shape
and beauty.
H. It will reduce the value of the tree and
the property, add expense to remove the
tree and replace it when it dies, increase liabiliry from weakened branches and increase
future maintenance.
NEVER TOP A TREE
23
THE RIGHT PLANT F'OR THE RTGHT PLACE
MichaelWomack,Ed.D.
TexasCooperativeExtension
NuecesCounty ExtensionAgent - Horticulture
Plant selectionis the key to landscapeutility and is importantto everylandscapeendeavor. All plants
functions. Selectingthe right plant for the right placewill transformyour landscapenot only into a thir
beautybut utility aswell.
The landscapeis your outdoorliving room. We all have specific furniture in our indoor living room to s
specific functions (i.e. couches/chairsfor comfort, television"/stereo
for entertainment,area rugs for :
protection,lampsfor light, picturesfor beauty). Similarly, plants serveas our outdoorliving area"fumitr
Looking at different typesof plants and their functions will transformyou landscapedesigninto a thir
beauty and utility--a true outdoor living area.
TREES
Treesarevital to landscapes,
especiallywhen trying to apply the water savingXeriscapingprinciplesbec
they provide one of the key water saving devices,shade. The temperatureunder a shadetree may be as n
as 10-15degreescoolerthanin the open. The lower temperaturereducesevapotranspiration-thatis water
from plant sur ces--whichin tum reduceswater consumption.Also, treesand large shrubsare often son
the lowest water usersin the landscapedue to their extensiveroot systems. One final use for treesis en
savings. Propertreeplacementaroundyour residencecan also reduceyour electric bills.
Think about the size,growing habits/speedand life expectancyof the tree you select. You might also tl
about someof the following questions:Do you want evergreentreeslike live oaksfor privacy, or do you r
to also include deciduoustrees(treesthat drop their leavesin the winter) to allow more light into your ho
Will the tree be brittle and susceptibleto wind damage? Does the tree have a shallow root systemthat
damagewalkways and foundations? Will the tree grow well in high wind areasor doesit needprotection f
other establishedtreesuntil it getsestablished?
SHRUBS
Shrubs may be consideredthe foundation or the skeleton of the landscape. They are smaller than tr
characteristicallymulti-trunkedandhavean extensiveroot system.Largeshrubsalsoprovide shadefor sm
plants. They can be trimmed into a largehedgeto serveas fencesor barriers,as a screenfor unsightlyare:
as a greenbackdropfor smallerplants. Shrubswith thornsor prickly leavescan also be usedas a deterren
animals or burglars. Be awareof the wide arrayof sizes,forms, leaf texturesand flowering habits.
PALMS
Many of us naturallywant to include palms in our landscapedue to our semi-tropical,coastalenvironn
Many will survivewith little waterafter establishment.Theycomein multiple sizeswhich canbe clumpe,
increasedfunction. A groveof tall palmscanprovideshadewhile clumpsof smaller,ornamentalpalmsr
an attractivescreenthat alsoprovidesa tropical setting.
VEGETABLES & HERBS
Ifyou enjoygardening,you mayconsidergrowingyour own produce.Vegetablescanbeaddedto the larids
in a specializedareasuch as a raisedvegetablegardenor by including them in beds with other plants
similar needs. That is particularly effective for growing some herbs such as rosemary,mints or pax
Rememberthat most vegetablesneedat least6 hoursof full sun. Vegetablesalsorequirehigh levelsof v
and fertilizer, and good drainage.
OTITER TIPS:
KNOW THE PLIINTS YOU CHOOSE!
Before you makeyour final plant selections,you needto find out the maturesize of the plant. Many no
landscaperswork on tight budgetsand fall into a commonpitfall. They buy smallerplants and conseque
install them too closeto houses,sidewalksandotherplants. Plant spacingand placementcannot be base,
currentsize,but maturesize. Ifyou areunsureaboutplant characteristics,
askquestions.Nurseryprofessio
will help you makeinformed choicesso that you will havea successfullandscapingexperience.
GROUP PL,/INTSBY WATER NEEDS!
Think about groupingplants with similar water needs(high, moderate,or low) together. Plantswith high w
use should probablybe locatednearyour house. Native plants and thosewith low water requirementsm
be best usedaroundthe perimeterof your yard wherewateringmay be a problem.
Keeping theseconceptsofutility, maturesizeandwaterusewill help you developa beautiful landscapede;
and a functional outdoorlivine areaas well.
For more information, contact TexasCooperativeExtensionin NuecesCounty (767-5217).
Extension programs servepeople ofall agesregardlessofsocioeconomic level, race, color, religion, disability or national origin.
The TexasA&M University System,U.S. Departmenlsf dgriculture, and the County CommissionersCourts of TexasCooperating
ANNUALS
Annuals are plants that completetheir entire life cycle in one growing season. We often use annual bed
plants for a quick splashof color, focusingattentionto an otherwiseunnoticedarea. In our area,we have
seasons.Cool seasonannualsareplantedin the fall or earlyspringand includefavoriteslike alyssum,pan
petunias,and snapdragons.
By mid-May, we often arereplacingthem with heattolerant plants to survive our sweltering summers. W
seasonannualsinclude salvi4 zinnias, purslane,moss rose and vinca (periwinkles). Many annualsrequ
large amount of water due to their large leaf areaand large numberof blooms.
PERENNIALS
Perennialsareplantsthatsurviveformultiple seasons,
providingcoloryearafteryearwithoutburdenofsea
replacement. Someannualsmay be considbredperennialin our areadue to our mild winters. Wildflowers
many native plants fall into this group and require less water than annuals.
VINES
Vines include all plants with elongatedstems. They grow up trees,fences,posts,andtrellises becausethey n
additional support. Vines can cover fencesto provide an attactive screeningdevice. They can also pror
quiok shadeif tained up arborsor trellises.
ORNAMENTAL
GRASSES
Ornamentalgrassesare naturals for Xeriscapes. They require little maintenanceand often survive with li
water after establishment. Thesegrassesare under usedin our area. They can add interest to your landsc
by providing a different texture. Their colorful leavesand plumesalso add color to the landscapeduring
summerand fall.
GROTJI\DCOVER
Groundcover include a wide variety of low-growing vines and spreadingplants. They are a mainsta;
Xeriscapesbecausethey frrlfill many of the functions of grassexceptwearability. They can be usedin pla
where lawns are impractical such as highly sloping areasthat can't be mowed or shadedareaswhere gr
doesn'tgrow well.
TIJR.F'
Turf includes gftIssesusedin high traffic areas. Turf should be reducedwhereverpossible becauseof it's h
maintenance and high water use. Selecting a grass that is more drought tolerarrt than the traditional
Augustine lawn will also help to reducesummerwater use.
Earthkind LandscapeCourseHomework
Week5
Do researchon treesyou're interestedin and build them into
your
landscapedesign.
Make "plan of attack" for pestmanagement.
Locate the following documentson your computerfor next
week:
EK: Fertilization
Earthkind.tamu.edu/pub
FertilizingTexasLawns
tcebookstore.org,
a' E_436
EarthwiseGuide to Lawn problems
(Seeweek 2)
Turf GrassVarieties
aspmastergardeners.org
EK: Inigation SystemAuditing
Earthkind.iamu.edu/pub
EK: Water Conservation
Earthkind.tamu.edu/pub
Drip Irrigation
aspmastergardeners.org
Water IQ
spmastergardeners.org
Basic Drip System
aspmastergardeners.org
Performingan Inigati on Audit-Home Lawn aspmastergardeners.
org
Inigation Do's and Don'ts
aspmastergardeners.org
RainwaterHarvesting
tcebooksto-re.org,
8_6153
BackyardBirds in Texas
tpwd'state'tx'us/pub'
Type in title
Recipesfor the Birds
same
TX. WildscapesBackyardHabitat prograrn same
OrnamentalGardenpools
aces.edu/publications,
Search:ornamentalGardenpoors,serect:ANR-789
AttractButterflies
National Wildlife Fed.
Search: Tip Sheetsand Information,serect: Gardening
Tipsheets,searchfor article
Createa BirdFriendly Habitat
same
Lawn Reduction
same
BackyardPonds
same
7 Principlesof Xeriscape
XeriscapeCorpus
Christie,choosearticle
WaterwisePlant List
same
EK: Native Habitat
Earthkind.tamu.edu/pub
Basicsof Wildlife Gardenins
aspmastergardeners.
org
Conserving Water Outdoors
TexasWater
DevelopmentBoard,publications,brochures,Title
Earth-Kind Landscape Course Homework
Week 5
Do researchon treesyou're interestedin and build them into your
landscapedesign.
Make "plan of attack" for pest management.
Locate the following documentson your computer for next week:
EK: Fertilization
Fertilizing Texas Lawns
Earth-Wise Guide to Lawn Problems
Turf GrassVarieties
Earthkind.tamu.edu/pub
tcebookstore.org, E-436
(See V/eek 2)
aspmastergardeners.
org
EK: Inigation system Auditing
Earthkind.tamu.edu/pub
EK: water conservation
Eanhkind.tamu.edu/pub
Drip Irrigation
aspmastergardeners.org
Water IQ
aspmastergardeners.org
Basic Drip System
aspmastergardeners.org
Performing an rrrigation Audit-Home Lawn aspmastergardeners.org
Irrigation Do's and Don'ts
aspmastergardeners.org
RainwaterHarvesting
tcebookstore.org,8-6153
Backyard Birds in Texas
tpwd.state.tr.us/pub,
Type in title
Recipes for the Birds
same
TX. IVildscapes Baclryard Habitat Program same
Ornamental Garden Pools
aces.edr.r/publications,
Search: Omamental Garden Pools, selecf ANR-789
Athact Butterflies
National Wildlife Fed.
Search: Tip Sheetsand Information, select: Gardening
Tipsheets,searchfor article
Create a BirdFriendly lfubitat
same
Lawn Reduction
Backyard Ponds
7 Principles of Xeriscape
Christie, choose article
Waterwise Plant List
EK: Native Habitat
aspmastergardeners'org
Basics of Wildlife Gardening
Texas Water
ConservingWater Outdoors
Title
DevelopmentB oard, publications' brochures'