Texas Arbor Day: Plant a Tree this Fall
November 6, 2014 | By webadmin
Tomorrow, the first Friday of November, is Texas Arbor Day! While much of the country celebrates Arbor Day in April, here in Texas we celebrate in fall. As we’ve discussed previously, fall is the optimal time to plant and transplant trees because of cooler temperatures and added natural rainfall. Trees are better able to transition to their new home and put down healthy roots when the don’t have to fight heat and drought. Chosen well and planted properly, your tree will be a long-term investment that adds value to your home as well as your lifestyle.
Photo by Living Magazine
Why do we love trees: Top 3 reasons
- Trees cool our homes. A large, well-positioned shade tree can reduce up to 30% of your summer cooling costs.
- Trees clean the air of pollen, dust and pollutants.
- Trees provide food and habitat for birds and other wildlife as they migrate through our landscapes.
Choose the right tree:
Size: Be sure to know the mature size of your chosen tree. Remember that we have to deal with power lines and other property structures. Once a tree begins to encroach on power lines,or the roof of your home, it will have to be heavily pruned. This kind of severe pruning not only destroys the look of the tree, but can make it more susceptible to pests, diseases and overall decline. Trees that reach 40-feet or less are generally good options for tighter urban lots with power lines. If you have a large lot or a lot without good clearance from aerial power lines, then go for the big trees!
Evergreen or Deciduous? Do you want a tree that shades your home year-round? Then you will need to plant an evergreen tree that does not drop its leaves. Evergreen trees and large shrubs are good wind and noise barriers. Evergreen specimens are especially good choices to plant on the north side of your home, where they can block winter winds and reduce heating costs. Deciduous trees that lose their leaves in fall are good choices for the south side of your home; once leafless, they’ll allow the direct sunlight to reach your landscape and home during winter months.
Large shade trees won’t do you any good if they are planted on the wrong side of your home. For instance, if you have hot blazing sun on the west side of the house in summer, then that’s where you need to locate your shade tree. However, if you’d like to have the sun’s western rays reach your windows in winter, then be sure to choose a deciduous tree. Large shade trees planted on the east side of your home may look pretty, but they won’t help cool your home once the afternoon sun hits.
Don’t limit yourself to just one tree! This fall, plant multiple trees at home, work or at your local school to celebrate the Texas Arbor Day!
