January 2018 - Fannin Tree Farm

Famous Trees

Posted on January 12 2018 by Cassie Cobb, Arborist

Texans have a certain affinity for all things Texas, and taking pride in everything related to our great state. As an arborist who is also a native Texan, I am no different. Texas lays claim to many large, beautiful and famous trees, most of which are Live Oaks (Quercus virginiana) or closely related. Of course, we can’t forget about the state tree, the Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and the part it plays in some of our great state’s history.

One particular tree of note is “The Big Tree”, or it may also be known by some as the Goose Island Oak, found at Goose Island State Park in Rockport, Texas. This tree is thought to be at least 1,000 years old, and has survived many hurricanes. Another notable Live Oak is the Century Tree, the famous tree on the campus of Texas A&M University. It is thought to have been planted not too long after the university’s establishment, in the late 1800s. It’s no coincidence that many of the historic Texas trees still standing today are live oaks. These trees are often planted for their durability, resilience and beautiful evergreen form.

Naturally, we have to include some of the great historic pecan trees in our list! There is the towering La Bahia Pecan, called as such because it lies along what was once known as ‘La Bahia Road’. This was once a major trade route for Native Americans and settlers in Texas and Louisiana. The road is located in Washington-on-the-Brazos state park, site of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence and the historic river ferry crossing where the Navasota and Brazos rivers meet. There is also the San Saba Mother Pecan tree. This tree, still standing in San Saba today, has provided genetic material for many of the popular varieties we have today.

At Fannin Tree Farm, we grow many sizes of beautiful Live Oaks. Come in today to choose a beautiful and resilient tree of your own, to leave a lasting legacy. We also have a selection of 30-gallon pecan trees. If you already have one of these trees and would like for it to be a standout tree of your own, our tree services team has expert knowledge in the care of all trees. Give us a call at (972) 747-9233 if you would like us to prune your tree, or if you would like more information on our other tree services.

Sources:

Aggie Century Tree Project. “History”. 2014. https://www.aggiecenturytreeproject.com/. Accessed 08 January 2018.

Bailey, Walt. “Park Pick: Witness to History, Washington-on-the-Brazos evokes the feeling of early Texas through re-enactors and a historic tree”. Texas Parks and Wildlife, January/February 2013. https://tpwmagazine.com/archive/2013/jan/scout4_parkpick_washington/. Accessed 11 January 2018.

Texas Forest Service. “Famous Trees of Texas”. 2012. http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/websites/FamousTreesOfTexas/TreeLayout.aspx?pageid=16138. Accessed 11 January 2018

Winter Pruning and Tree Care

Posted on January 12 2018 by Fannin Tree Farm

Winter is here and most of the deciduous trees have shed their leaves. The early January freeze reminded us what a winter is supposed to be like. Trees have an appreciation for a good freeze. For the first time in a couple of years, we have had a freeze that last more than a couple days. This slows down the biological processes of trees and allows them to go into full dormancy. As arborist, we love this time of year as well. We can better see structural defects, mistletoe and perform more invasive tree surgery that we have been holding off, until now. The winter is the perfect time to consider tree pruning and other ways to care for your trees.

Structural Tree Pruning

During the dormant season, we are better able to see and correct structural defects in trees. We have trained our arborist and technicians on how to identify structural defects such as: co-dominant stems, included bark, and poor branch attachments. These defects may lead to tree failures if not corrected.

Mistletoe Removal

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that is often identified in Cedar Elms, Hackberries, and many other species of trees. While the trees are dormant, we suggest removing mistletoe prior to blooming to prevent further spread.

Oak Pruning

The window for pruning oaks is closing soon. We recommend pruning your oaks prior to the middle of February and after the middle of June in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This is to prevent an established disease known as Oak Wilt.

Supplemental Support Systems in Trees

Since it is easier to see structural defects throughout the tree canopy in the winter, it is the best time to install a supplemental support system. This may include extra-heavy strength cables, bracing rods, or even props for very old, low branching trees. Support systems help trees withstand the high winds, ice and rain that occur throughout the year. Not all trees need supplemental support, but this should be determined by a trained arborist.

Winter Dormant Oil for Trees

Applying an organic winter dormant oil is an environmentally friendly way to reduce insect and mite populations in your garden. Dormant oils have been used for many years as a proactive method to reduce pest populations. These oils suffocate overwintering eggs of destructive pest. The eggs are laid in the cracks and crevices of your trees and shrubs. In the spring they emerge and feed on succulent plant tissue. This treatment greatly reduces plant injury caused by foliar and stem feeding pest.
At Fannin Tree Farm, our tree services team offers comprehensive list of services. If you are interested in meeting with one of our arborist, give us a call at (972) 747-9233.