Comments 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.

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 ???

By: Keith

Keith — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:41:27 +0000

Fall/winter is best time to plant. Size of tree is in direct relation to your patients and budget. Assuming everything is done correctly, size is not much of a survivability factor. However, I prefer balled and but lapped trees over container grown; b-n-b is generally not available in small trees.

By: Justine Andrus.

Justine Andrus. — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:37:15 +0000

I would like to plant a Southern red. Oak in my yard. What is the best size to start ? What time of the year should I plant? I live in Baytown, TX. Thanks for the information,

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 13 May 2011 12:10:30 +0000

Any idea where I can see mature sized Chikapins in Austin? Yeah, most of the ones I have seen in the area are relevantly small. I most see Cedars, Pecans, Live Oaks, Bradfords, Red Oaks, Southen Magnolias, and Catalpa trees (I think thats the name it has white flowers and heart shaped leaves) in Austin mature size

By: Keith

Keith — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:00:39 +0000

Red oaks are the only variety of oaks that can produce the fungal mat, however, that occurrence is VERY rare. You are more likely to be struck by lightening three times in a row on clear day than to have that happen. The vast majority of oak wilt spreads underground through interconnected root systems. Also, I don’t like making decisions of what trees to plant based on one fairly uncommon tree disease. Red oaks are great trees for the area and oak wilt is not even in the top 10 most prevalent tree disorders I run into. There are many more other problems that are more likely to make your tree planting go bad. Focusing on oak wilt is the wrong focus.

By: Keith

Keith — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:51:31 +0000

There is very little difference between the varieties of red oaks, visually. Shumard or southern red are probably the best bets.

By: Keith

Keith — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:39:35 +0000

You should never plant a Northern red oak in Austin. That’s asking for trouble. I was referring to Shumard, spanish or Southern Red.

By: Keith

Keith — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:38:33 +0000

I don’t really think of the Chinese Pistache in the same light that I do oaks and other large hardwoods. In Austin, pistache typically don’t get bigger than about 25′ tall and don’t live much longer than 30 years or so. I LOVE chinquapins. However, I always tag on the disclaimer that they are not native to the Austin area and they have only been popular for about 10 years or so. They have not yet passed the test of time. Same thing for the Monterrey oaks. I also like Mexican sycamore, bur oak, cedar elms, Arizona cypress…

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:13:35 +0000

I have to disagree with your theory that the Red Oak is the best shade tree for Austin, TX. The Shumard oak (which technically is part of the Red Oak family) would be a much better choice.
But my pick would either be the Chinkapin Oak or the Chinese Pistache (‘Keith Davey’ cultivar only.) These two trees are both listed as Texas Superstars for their proven performance in the harshest climates of Texas.
http://texassuperstar.com/plants/index.html