by Julie Connor, Somervell County Master Gardener
Before heading to the nursery for a tree, do some analysis of your landscape by making a diagram of your property. Are you planting for privacy or to enhance your yards’ curb appeal? There is also the view from your windows. The trees of choice should have a harmony within your yard whether symmetrical, asymmetrical or a repetition of the plantings. The height and form of the tree should have a scale appropriate to the house and yard. The size of the mature tree will dictate where it is planted.
Evergreen trees will have foliage year round thus making a good screen or wind break. Deciduous trees will shed their leaves giving winter warmth, if planted on the south side, but also shade during the summer months. How much maintenance will the tree require? Will it need to be pruned yearly and how suspectible to disease or insects? If the tree is a fruit or seed bearer will this cause a messy yard?
Trees will come one of three ways from the nursery: bare-root, balled and burlapped roots or a container grown plant. The selection will dictate how and when to plant the tree. When selecting a tree at the nursery choose one with a smooth trunk, free of blemishes such as wounds or scarring. Inspect the leaves for insect damage or disease. Just like your Christmas Tree, you want the branches to be evenly spaced around the tree.
Take your diagram with you to the nursery and review your wants and expectations for your yard with the business owner. The nurseryman can give you additional information regarding your selections. Because we live in Texas, keep in mind the native species, as they are more tolerant of our weather conditions. If, at the nursery, you come across a good looking tub of mums, I’m just saying, it IS fall.