By Mary Ann Miron, Waller County Master Gardener
Have you ever wanted to purchase an oak tree but wasn’t sure which one to choose? Here’s your chance! The Waller County Master Gardeners will have an online Tree & Shrub Sale starting September 5. Here are some interesting information tidbits about these majestic oaks!
In the late 1800’s Adam Henry Stockdick, Katy’s original ‘land man’, would pick up acorns whenever he traveled to the Rice area in Houston, bring them to Katy, and plant them. Many lived up to 200 years with some lasting more, and many of the old oaks seen in the area are descendants of those trees.
Oaks are home not only to birds, racoons, and squirrels, but more butterflies and moths than any other type of tree. The larvae and adult insects attract hungry birds and other animals who use them as food. In fact, birds depend on caterpillars to give their babies enough protein to grow and thrive.
Other benefits of oak trees include being a giant air filter by taking the polluted air and cleaning it. The oxygen they produce not only helps you but the animals around it. Oak trees also emit a water vapor which helps keep the air humidity stable. The large roots of an oak support the soil and prevent it from being eroded away. Leaves that fall onto the forest floor provide habitat for many organisms.
There will be five types of oaks (Live Oak, Mexican White Oak, Nuttal, Shumard Red, and Chinkapin Oak) available in 1- and 3-gallon pots. The online sales will begin Friday, September 5 at 8 a.m. and ends October 5 at 5 p.m. Orders may be placed on the WCMG website: txmg.org/wallermg and pickup will be on October 25th at the Christian Community Academy from 8 until noon.
When deciding between red oaks or white oaks varieties, the red oaks have bristle-tipped leaves and their acorns take a full year from when pollen lands on the female flower until the seed is pollinated. Squirrels prefer red oaks because they last longer when buried instead of germinating quickly and ruining the acorn.
White oaks do not have bristle-tipped leaves. The pollen fertilizes the seed the same season as it falls on the flowers of the white oak. In addition, white oak tree leaves contain more nutrients and make the soil more fertile when they fall then red oak trees.
In addition to the oaks, the WCMG will have a variety of 41 hardwood, ornamental trees, and fruit trees along with shrubs. Please note that if you purchase trees, especially those that are in larger pots, you will need appropriate vehicles to safely transport them due to their length.
If you have any questions, submit them on the [email protected]. When you make your purchase, know that you are doing your part to help the environment.