According to a Texas A & M study after this year’s ice storm, Austin lost approximately 30% of the tree canopy. This canopy loss could result in a $5 billion loss to environmental economic benefits from trees. (This number came from a 2014 City of Austin Tree Survey that said that the total environmental economic benefit of trees was approximately $16 billion.) Most of us were shocked by the damage to our beautiful trees and the loss of shade and beauty in our landscape. We can’t change the past but we can begin to reshape the future of Austin’s tree canopy. And that begins by planting new trees on your property.
According to an age old adage from Confucious, the best time to plant a new tree is 30 years ago! Since we’ve already determined that we can’t change the past, the second best time to plant a new tree is today! And literally, we are about to enter the best time of year to plant.
It is super important to get new trees installed when our average temperatures have begun to cool. Usually, that is the end of October or first part of November. The goal is to give newly installed trees the longest time possible in the ground before the blazing heat of summer kicks into gear. Generally, it’s best to plant trees in the fourth quarter of the year.
Two of the most common problems I have observed with newly installed trees are that they are installed in the spring and the specimens are too large. The later you plant trees after the first of the year, the more likely your new trees will struggle to survive or thrive. The other problem is many people plant trees that are too large.
My friend and mentor Don Gardner told me many many years ago to tell my clients to plant the biggest tree they could afford. Ten years later, Don said “Oops, we had it all wrong. Smaller trees are outperforming larger trees.” Don recommended generally not to plant bigger than 35-gallon trees. They usually suffer less transplantation shock and are more adaptable.
There are a multitude of tree species worthy of planting in our landscapes. Now more than ever, weather considerations are especially important. It is also important to understand the goals for your trees. Are they intended for shade? Are there power lines or structures nearby? What are the pros and cons of different species?
Shameless Plug: I can help you with these considerations and many others. Call me to schedule a time to discuss new trees in your landscape. Now is the time to contribute to our future tree canopy.
