Different shades
Choosing and planting the right tree this fall an investment in comfort and property value
Now is a good time to plant shade trees in San Antonio.
When you live in the type of climate we do, shade trees are an important part of the landscape. Temperatures of 100-plus degrees are difficult to tolerate in the shade and are even more unpleasant when shade is lacking.
Among the issues to consider when selecting a shade tree is its ultimate size, growth rate, appearance, drought tolerance, soil preference, and susceptibility to pests and diseases. Quite often area gardeners remind me that we describe live oaks as “evergreen,” but they do, in fact, lose their leaves for a short time each March.
Live oaks are relatively slowgrowing shade trees compared with other choices, but they are held in high regard for their appearance, drought tolerance and longevity. If your landscape includes a 50-foot live oak, it may be 100 years old and is probably adding $30,000 to the value of the property.
A lot of attention is given to live oaks’ susceptibility to oak wilt, but it is recognized that the disease is relatively easy to detect and prevent if a homeowner does a bit of research and is alert to the situation with trees in the surrounding neighborhood. One of the most effective ways to protect the value of live oaks and other shade trees is to establish a relationship with an arborist.
Texas red oak is like a live oak in size, attractive shape and drought tolerance. It is different in its faster growth rate and that it is a deciduous tree, meaning it loses its leaves every winter.
Depending on the soil, it is not unusual for a Texas red oak to add 6 feet of growth each year for several years after it is planted. Texas red oaks also are susceptible to oak wilt through wounds, but they’re not susceptible through the roots like live oaks.
Deer are common in many San Antonio neighborhoods and are a factor in successfully growing a shade tree. Bucks in their rutting season rub their antlers on the smooth trunk of young shade trees, often girdling the tree and greatly reducing its growth rate. The girdling involves damaging the tree’s vascular system.
In addition to deer, similar damage can occur when the young smooth bark of a shade
tree such as Texas red oak is damaged by a string mower or other piece of equipment. Protect your newly planted tree from deer with fencing and from string mowers with mulch.
Another species to consider for shade is the Mexican white oak, also called a Monterrey oak. In terms of growth rate, ultimate size, drought tolerance and pest resistance, it is in a league with the Texas red oak. Mexican white oak is generally evergreen but will sometimes drop its leaves in response to drought.
A deciduous tree with showy leaves and bark, Mexican sycamore has the same large angular shaped leaves and patterned bark as the American sycamore, but it has much more resistance to disease and pests. Sycamores grow even faster than Texas red oaks. Recognize the Mexican sycamore for its fuzzy coating on the underside of the leaf. The American sycamore has a smooth surface.
Cedar elm is a deciduous shade tree that grows more upright and even taller than the other recommended shade trees. In my experience, they seem to grow faster than live oaks but not as fast as Texas red oaks or Mexican sycamore. Cedar elm is a good choice if your neighborhood is dominated by oaks and you want to diversify but not to the degree of planting a Mexican sycamore.