2.26.2012

Planting Pretty Trees: Beautify Your Southeast Texas Neighborhood

By Katherine Parker


We are reminded all of the time about the necessity of planting trees, due to urban development and growth. In some cities as many as 4 trees die or are removed for each tree that's planted. According to the houstontx.gov website, the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area (Houston CMSA) which consists of 8 counties (Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller) is a web of urban growth that is 8,778 square miles, an area larger than the entire state of New Jersey. All this development and growth has meant a bit of deforestation of the Piney Woods area of Southeast Texas, and anything we are able to do to raise the percentage of Texas native trees planted for Texas native trees cut down is not just good for the local environment, but good for naturalizing and beautifying our urban and suburban properties.

Why Plant Texas Native Trees In Urban and Suburban Areas of Houston

Trees, through their shade and their transpiration (their ability to give off water) offer a natural low-tech cooling process. This makes the usual "asphalt jungle" environment of urban neighborhoods not only more beautiful but cooler as well. It saves everyone energy. Trees shield against wind. They provide shade. Actually houses decorated with well-placed trees can reduce heating costs in winter and the cooling costs in summer because they shield the temperatures of all seasons. Additionally, trees are superb filters in that they absorb CO2 and change it into oxygen. Trees are Mother Nature's perfect air purifying system.

Ornamental Texas Flowering Trees and Best Fruit Trees

Trees add beauty and grace to any setting. They invite wildlife and add value to property. They supply privacy. But they can also be the main adornments to your landscape. Ornamental Texas native trees bloom and bear fruit, and are the most well liked and highly recognised varieties of trees. They're generally smaller trees, but some are sufficiently big to be both functional for shade and aesthetically desired for blooms and beauty.

Many urban houses nowadays, having confined space and little yards, exclude the chance for larger trees, the smaller Texas flowering trees and fruit trees may not only be more practical for size but also add beauty and delight. Some of the best Texas flowering trees are the Magnolia, Dogwood, Redbud tree, Crepe Myrtle, and the Texas Mountain Laurel. Of these blooming trees only the Magnolia has species that grow above 30 feet.

The very best fruit trees for the Houston CMSA counties are the pecan tree (the state tree of Texas, you know), fire blight-resistant species of pear tree, and fig trees. Fig trees can be grown as either trees or big bushes. Just remember that fig trees can bear high volumes of fruit, so come the harvesting season in early July you may be kept busy. Also, Of these three, the pecan is the only one that can reach over 30 feet - they can grow to a great 150 feet tall! Growing a pecan also means that your home will be the rally point for all local neighborhood squirrels, as they are likely to snatch your bounty each and every chance they get. Do you desire to invite birds and wildlife? Grow a pecan!




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment