This year Texas is experiencing record drought conditions, which have taken a sharp toll on our natural resources. As a result, many landowners and homeowners across the state have lost numerous trees. The positive effects of trees in nature are well known. Aside from their natural beauty, trees provide a host of services, ranging from oxygen production to wildlife browse. As an integral part of the ecosystem their value cannot be understated.
As people prepare to replace trees lost to drought, there may be confusion in exactly what to plant. Every individual has a different set of needs and desires for the trees on their property. Thanks to the Texas Forest Service, there is an easy selection tool to identify the best tree for your location and needs: the Texas Forest Service’s Texas Tree Planting Guide. Two methods are available, based on desired selection complexity:
· Express: Simply provide your county, and the desired size at maturity. A list of matching trees will be provided.
and
· Custom: Select your tree according a number of selection criteria, from county and size, to leaf type, wildlife value, and flowering type. You may also choose based on how much free space you have for your tree, and soil composition. These added choices help ensure the best match of tree to area, which encourages a healthier tree with better chances of survival.
In addition to the selector tool, the Texas Forest Service provides Tree Planting Tools to assist individuals with the proper techniques of tree maintenance and care. These guides cover a variety of topics, from planting and pruning techniques, to how to select a tree from the nursery and planning planting spaces.
Photo Courtesy of Texas State University:
http://txstateu.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/p11-252-10798-cr2.jpg