izzy
Pro Member
Posts: 347
Joined: July 2011
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Post by izzy on Oct 30, 2013 1:42:41 GMT -5
I have a spot in the front for an ornamental tree; the area could use a little shade in that spot, and just begs for a nice visual focal point. I'm thinking of a small, understory type Japanese Maple would be nice. The spot I have in mind faces north, on the east side of the property (with afternoon shade provided by a large oak on the west). As most of you know, I come from the land of Mesquites and hard clay soil near the southern gulf coast. Please educate me - what do I need to know in this climate to successfully establish these trees? Soil is sandy, slightly acidic. First freeze usually mid-Nov, with winter lows averaging low 20's; occasional lows in teens. Last freeze date, mid April. When is the best time to get these established --- now, from container, so they can get their roots settled in; or wait until dormant season? Will they fare well in our Texas heat with triple digits in summer? Heavy water usage? In the back, I'd love to see a little more fall color. Never have I had this opportunity before, and would love a taller maple for the reds, oranges. How tall/wide an area should I allow for a sugar maple? Any particular cultural concerns with either of these two maples I should consider? At another time, I'd like to add a brilliant fall yellow to the mix. Suggestions? Currently, most trees are white oak and pecan on my property - with a lovely view of the neighbor's pines.
I have easy access to Bob Well's Nursery, and they have lots to choose from. Thanks for any helpful tips for this north Texas newb.
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Post by coppice on Apr 23, 2014 10:50:17 GMT -5
Izzy I went looking for a way to determine your zone. All I googled up were business with "tiny town" in it. can I trouble you for a USDA zone of an actual city or township? Please.
Maple success will depend on are there maples near you now. I am told that there are archaic maple forests dating back to the last ice age in TX. I dunno if they are anywhere near to you.
Japan maple cook out in zone 8, Sugar maple do likewise about zone 7. Could you compensate for the heat by watering? Maybe, but a tree is a thirsty critter.
I find white oaks get up and grow better than reds. I might look over cork oaks too.
Don't be put off, there are trees out there wanting a forever home.
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Post by Laura_in_FL on Apr 23, 2014 13:52:19 GMT -5
It sounds as though Japanese maples grow in eastern Texas, especially if they have some afternoon shade and wind protection: easttexasgardening.tamu.edu/tips/trees/japaneseMaples.html It does sound like you'll need to water a Japanese maple regularly, though. Red Maples thrive well down into Central Florida, and into eastern Texas (I'm not sure where you are in Texas): www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ACRU I have one in my sandy front yard, and it is carefree. I did prune it when it was young to establish the shape, and watered it until it was established. It's pretty much been on its own since. However, we get more summer rain in Florida - you may have to water yours some in the summer even after it's established. (I don't know what type of Red Maple mine is - it was a volunteer in my sister's yard, and I think the parent tree was there when they cleared the lot.) It's very pretty in spring and fall. The downside to a Red Maple is that it is not a small tree like a Japanese maple. Some of them have a tall narrow shape and others are more rounded. Since you're a gardener, I'll mention that Red Maple leaves are easy to shred with a lawnmower and break down quickly when composted. I don't know about Japanese maple leaves.
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Post by coppice on Jun 17, 2014 14:51:45 GMT -5
After re-finding this post, and re-reading it I'd want to steer you to a Japan maple; a bloodgood or a green, & not a lace-leaf tree.
If it was me doing the heavy lifting I would spend some of this fall digging a hole and mixing half the original dirt with half pine bark mulch (or soil conditioner, which should be the same thing). I'd plant when you get fall color on your leaves.
This tree might need to be bought soonish, but I'd plant late. Last year wally world had some on sale (like $25) that should suit your site.
Lace-leaf Japan maples cam get sunscald even with shade.
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