Plant a Tree for Posterity!
By Bek Akin
Under the umbrella of a shade tree we can stay somewhat dry.
Here we are in the “dog days of summer” – a Mediterranean term dating from 1538 that describes a moist, hot, sultry period between early July and early September – and what a way to describe this summer! It wasn’t but one year ago that we were practically begging for rain. Remember how dry and parched the landscape was? This summer, however, it might rain one day, and sunshine the next. Or sometimes it rains part of one day and there’s clear to partly cloudy skies the rest of it. And the weather has been doing this back and forth business often the past weeks.
So lately, things are such that it would be wise to check out the weather map before planning your outing. Storm clouds kind of polka-dot all over our countryside and might drop great buckets of water in one area and then trickle thimbles of sprinkle a short ways down the road. It’s rather uncanny. Or we might go a few days with loads of heat and sunshine, and go another few with loads of rain. Indeed it is a good recipe for oppressive humidity and major mosquitoes! And it is further proof that Texas weather can change in a New York minute!
So for this summer and its uncertain weather, a good shade tree strategically placed comes in handy. Whether in your landscape or in a parking lot or while out walking the block, if rain comes and it’s not a thunderstorm, a good tree comes in handy. Almost an instant umbrella! At the same time, a nice shade tree comes in handy when you need a little cool down out of the blazing sun.
Writer Willa Cather (1873 – 1947) once said, “I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do.” Indeed it seems trees are contented to be useful to us especially when they are placed where we need them and when we need them. The key is that they exist for us to enjoy, and to provide for the earth and air.
Imagine an environment without trees. Horticulturalist Doug Welsh says that “thousands of trees are lost each year due to commercial development or to adverse conditions in the urban landscapes.” So it is no surprise that planting trees is important to the Texas landscape.
We should all consider planting a tree whenever or wherever we see a void in our landscapes. Not only can it be aesthetically pleasing and useful, it’s a good way to prepare ahead for any tree decline that may occur. In our area, loss of trees could be from storm damage, concrete encroaching over the root area of an existing tree when building, or disease. Planting different types of trees is a good idea particularly if there is disease on one particular type such as pine bark beetles or oak leaf wilt.
Ask yourself if you prefer fruit or nut trees, shade trees, pines, ornamental or accent trees, or preferably a combination. Do your research! Map out your landscape and plan carefully. Your plan does not need to be implemented all at once. Welsh advocates choosing trees that grow well in your area of Texas. And remember that trees need space, and some more than others. Welsh wrote a detailed chapter in his book (Texas Garden Almanac, Texas A&M Press, 2007) regarding the planting of trees including which trees are right and which ones are not.
The AgriLife Extension Office is also a great place to call for information on which trees are best for your neck of the woods. Also, brochures on the LEAF-PRO method of planting can be obtained at the extension office on Tam Road and Hwy 75N. LEAF-PRO is proven to be an excellent method for planting success.
Last winter this writer recommended to her readers to plan their spring gardens when there was time to research and decide what would delight you in your landscape. Well, now is a good time to plan on the trees you would like because guess what? Autumn is the best time to plant them. The temperatures are lowering so that means less stress for the new tree and the root system will become established over winter.
An added thought to the timing is that the Walker County Master Gardeners will have their annual Fall Plant Sale on October 9. A couple of weeks prior to the sale, this writer will do her best to inform you about what trees will be sold. Perhaps there will be some on your list!
In 1749, Lord Orrery of Ireland wrote, “Trees are the best monuments that a man can erect to his own memory. They speak his praises without flattery, and they are blessings to children yet unborn.” Indeed, a tree may represent life in many ways. Whether as a shady respite or a place of harbor for each of us, or as a memorial to a lost loved one or a commemoration to a newborn child, trees are God’s gift to all of earth and mankind. Consider planting one this year!
For more information on the Walker County Master Gardeners, please call (936) 435-2426 or go to www.walkercountymastergardener.org/ The WCMG website is a bounty of useful gardening information and citizens are encouraged to peruse it often.
If you have any questions about the information in this article or any of the Extension programs, please contact the Walker County AgriLife Extension Office at (936)435-2426, or walker-tx@tamu.edu. Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas cooperating. A member of the Texas A&M University System and its statewide agriculture program.
