Comments for Austin Tree Experts Blog

Comment on All About Bradford Pears by E. Rowell

E. Rowell — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:50:21 +0000

I have a BP that was planted in September of 2004 when my house was built. My neighbors on both sides also both have BPs, one was planted at the same time as mine and one that was planted a few weeks later. Their trees are leafy and beautiful and tall, just gorgeous they are taller than the rooftops! Mine, on the other hand, looks like the Charlie Brown version of a BP tree. It grows maybe an inch or so every year, but it is spindly with curled up eaves that will turn brown or yellow on the odd occasion and fall off only to grow more and start the process all over again–it also goes through this lose all the leaves and then rebloom thing every spring and every fall. I asked the local nursery if they had any idea as to what might be wrong and after they saw a pict of mine versus the neighbors they said it was probably something buried under my tree that caused the roots to form improperly. They suggested I dig it up, check underneath, clear out debris and try replanting it, or of course, I could get rid of it and buy a new one. It is maybe 12-15 feet tall and 10 feet wide and like I said, it looks just pathetic. Should I give up and put the poor thing out of its misery or try something new? I wondered if I over fertilized and put the tree stakes to close after I moved into the house causing burned roots and stunted growth. Help, please?

Comment on All About Bradford Pears by Charlotte Stone

Charlotte Stone — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:32:22 +0000

I have a 15 yr. old bradford pear tree that is full of holes from top to bottom on the main trunk of the tree. What is this and can it be saved ?

Comment on What is a Good Fast Growing Shade Tree for Austin and Central Texas? – Red Oak by Keith

Keith — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:28:28 +0000

Houston is so different than Austin I really hesitate to make a recommendation. For large trees that are “less” messy, I like cedar elms.

Comment on What is a Good Fast Growing Shade Tree for Austin and Central Texas? – Red Oak by Monica Benton

Monica Benton — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:38:38 +0000

We had a beautiful Post Oak in the back yard of our 50+ year old home here in Houston that came tumbling down in December ! We would like to replace it with either 2 more ornamental trees that still provide shade (Japanese Blueberry ?) or 1 large tree. This tree is to be planted next to our pool so no dropping leaves of any kind or roots that can be destructive either !! Any suggestions ???

Comment on Don’t Top Your Crepe Myrtles! by Keith

Keith — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:41:42 +0000

If you are going to top them, now is the time. However, I do not recommend this style of pruning. If you are going to do some normal pruning ( deadwood removal, canopy raising ), the pruning can be done any time.

Comment on Don’t Top Your Crepe Myrtles! by David Valentine

David Valentine — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:55:58 +0000

I have two very tall 20 year old crape mytles in my front yard. I think I want to prune them but aren’t sure its good for them. They get full sun all the time. We live in northwest Florida/ What is your opinion?

Comment on Tree Pruning & Oak Wilt Prevention: TFS/ISAT Official Recommendation by Keith

Keith — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:29:18 +0000

I do not know of any reason to avoid pruning in the summer.

Comment on Tree Pruning & Oak Wilt Prevention: TFS/ISAT Official Recommendation by Nashville Trees

Nashville Trees — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:32:01 +0000

You know I had a customer ask me about this a few weeks back. My advise was to have a professional deal with the trees pruning issue. Regarding time to prune, I will say this depends on your weather condition. You certainly do not want to prune during the hot summer days if you live in Texas or Tennessee, for example. Let me know what you think. Thanks for sharing this though. I am sure other readers really appreciate this information and advise.

Comment on Tree Removal Permit in Austin by Keith

Keith — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:25:32 +0000

Any tree 19″ DBH and larger requires a permit, even on your own property. If the tree is not dead, dying or dangerous, you will be required to do mitigation (plant new trees or care for existing trees).

Comment on Tree Removal Permit in Austin by Flavio

Flavio — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:50:49 +0000

I work in Nashville. The steps here appear to be totally different. In Austin, do you need permit to have trees removed from your property?