Gardeners thinking of planting a tree this year have hundreds of choices. Here are some characteristics of trees that gardeners in West Texas might keep in mind when choosing a tree.
Choose trees that are adapted to our growing region, the soil and climate; resistant to pests and are long-lived. Many garden centers and box stores sell trees that the customer wants, not necessarily trees that are adapted to our growing region. Do some research before going to a box store for trees or picking trees out of a catalog.
• Growing region. Consider that West Texas soils are alkaline, with high pH. Trees have to be able to survive our winters; choose trees that are adapted to USDA hardiness zone 7.
• Placement. Consider the size of the tree at maturity. Container-grown trees when seen in the nursery or garden center seem small when placed in the landscape and there is a thought to plant trees too close together and too close to structures.
—Place trees 15 feet from the edge of house walls, doorways. This distance gives trees the room they need to reach full form when mature.
—Avoid planting under or near utility lines.
• Lifespan. Follow the same suggestion as choosing trees adapted to our growing region above – take care to avoid the flashy pictures in catalogs of ‘fast growing’ trees and trees on sale in the box stores. Trees that promise fast growing also have a shorter lifespan and become unsightly in just a few years. Choose trees that are proven to last many years in our harsh West Texas climate.
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