Yearly Archives: 2019

Texas Arbor Day 2019

Posted on October 15 2019 by Fannin Tree Farm

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. Not only is the weather cooling down and college football and tailgating is in full swing, but Texas Arbor Day is the first Friday of November in, which is prime time to buy and plant your favorite shade or ornamental trees. You might be thinking, “Isn’t Arbor Day in April?” Yes, if you live in most of the country. The first Arbor Day in the United States was celebrated April 10, 1872, in Nebraska, and the idea of an official day promoting and planting trees quickly spread throughout the country.

Why does Texas have it’s own Arbor Day?

One hundred years after its first celebration, a National Arbor Day was declared as the last Friday in April. The only problem with this is that many times (including this past National Arbor Day), North Texas can see temperatures well into the 80’s with heat indexes into the 90s during late April. Although Fannin Tree Farm has a year-round 98% success rate planting trees, fall is most often a better time to establish trees. Cooler temperatures create more favorable conditions for a successful transition into the tree’s permanent home. This is why in 2013, Texas established Texas State Arbor Day, which falls on the first Friday of November.

What are some ways to celebrate Texas Arbor Day?

There are lots of things that you can do to celebrate Texas Arbor Day. In Texas, the official state Arbor Day celebration is held in a different host city each year on the first Friday in November. On National Arbor Day, Texas A&M Forest Service announced that this year’s state celebration will be hosted in Plano, Texas. “The idea is for everyone in Texas to take one day – the same day – to truly appreciate trees and plant one,” said Paul Johnson Texas A&M Forest Service urban and community forestry program coordinator. “Planting a tree leaves a legacy for future generations while beautifying the spaces where we live, work and play today.”

Plant the Seeds for the Next Generation

Today, above all, Arbor Day is for children, parents, and grandparents to strengthen the bond between generations by planting trees together. It presents a tremendous opportunity to teach fundamental lessons about stewardship of our natural resources and caring for our environment. There is no more powerful demonstration than helping children plant and care for trees that their own children and grandchildren will enjoy.

Here are some things you can do with your family, school or community for Texas Arbor Day:

Celebrate by planting a tree
Take a class of students on a tree identification hike around campus or within your community
Plant trees on your school campus
Challenge schools within the local districts to create Tree Trails on their campuses
Have a contest for students to find the oldest trees in the community and research the history of the tree. For example, when the tree was 10 years old, what was going on in your community, the nation and/or the world
Hold an essay contest where students describe the importance of trees to their community
Select special trees to plant as a memorial or honorary trees (link to the celebration tree graphic with the tree types and meaning)
Invite a local arborist to give a tree-climbing demonstration
Ask an arborist or Tree Company to come out and give a talk on trees, how to maintain trees or other tree-related topics for your school, community group, church or scouts group.
Take a Family walk at a local park and talk about the trees and what trees provide to our world.

Fannin Tree Farm would love to spend part of your Arbor Day with you, come out the 1^st to the 3^rd for our Texas Arbor Day Sale. All of our trees will be on sale and select inventory up to 30% off. We will have Arbor Day Activity Books for the Kids, a food truck on Saturday and lots of great Texas Shade Tree’s to choose from.

Sources:

How-To Care for Your Trees This Fall

Posted on October 15 2019 by Fannin Tree Farm

Colder temperatures, football back in season, and the leaves are starting to change, which could only mean one thing… fall is here! While we as Texans enjoy our break from the sizzling hot summers, your tree needs a little extra help preparing for the colder months ahead. At Fannin Tree Farm, we recommend following these tips to properly prepare your tree for the colder weather ahead:

Start from the Ground Up With Mulch

Putting down a fresh layer of composted mulch under your tree is a great way for your tree to retain moisture and protect its roots from extreme temperatures. Fall is the perfect time of the year to do this since your tree has not been fully exposed to the extreme cold temperatures that lead to stress.

Hydrate Even in The Cooler Months

While the temperatures may be cooler, your tree can still suffer from drought. Much like a summer drought, occasional watering (especially with younger trees) in the fall and winter can be lifesaving.

Rule of “tree”: Only water when both the tree and its soil are cool but not frozen.

Protect Your Tree from Harmful Outdoor Elements

Ice and snow accumulation are one of the main causes for limb breakage or splitting during the cooler months, right along with gnawing and rubbing by animals. These two factors can be easily avoided by wrapping the tree at its base with a solid plastic guard or metal hardware cloth. These forms of protection are another means to also prevent temperature damage in the winter months.

Rule of “tree”: When spring arrives, be sure to remove the base cover to avoid any potential damage during tree growth.

Prime Pruning Season

Late into the fall season is a good time to prune trees. This is the time of the year when trees become dormant due to the colder weather. When in their dormant state, trees drop their leaves and make it easier to see the structure of the tree, allowing you to identify any signs of disease and insect problems. Pruning is a vital component to the health of your trees because it helps relieve any stress on trees and tender new growth.

Rule of “tree”: When your tree has dropped all of its leaves, that means your tree has become dormant and is ready for pruning. Pruning later into the fall season, the better, to prevent any chance of injuring your tree.

Fall Time is The Best Time to Plant Trees

Not only is fall the best time of the year, but it’s also the best time to plant trees! After the cooler temperatures have been around for a while, conditions are prime for stimulating root growth in new trees. Set you and your tree up for success this fall by following our Fall and Winter Tree Planting checklist.

If you’re needing more help on how to care for your trees this season, feel free to contact the professionals at Fannin Tree Farm at 972-747-9233. Our team of Tree Experts are ready to answer any questions you may have and work with you to find your next tree!
Contact Us Today

Shaded Koi Pond Backyard Oasis – September 2019 Customer Spotlight

Posted on September 16 2019 by Clair Skinner, Business Manager

Koi Pond Oasis: Carol and Kenneth B., Plano, TX

There is no doubt that Fannin Tree Farm has amazing customers with some pretty cool hobbies and outdoor spaces.

One of our favorites is Carol and Kenneth B, of Plano, Texas. They have the most amazing backyard Koi ponds I have ever seen! In 2005, they were needing shade for their pond because their canopy was no longer working for the space. They came in and bought three Chinese Pistache Trees and returned in 2018 to add another to a newly-designed part of their yard.

That is when I got the chance to meet them and learn more about their passion for their Koi pond and fish. Their Koi pond was featured on the cover of KOI USA Magazine in their May/June 2019 issue, along with a multi-page spread, complete with Fannin Trees. Their Koi pond is over 15 years old, yet they’ve their oldest koi fish is 16 years old! They bought it as a baby and raised it indoors until it was big enough to go in the pond.

They have been so happy with our service that they have asked Fannin Tree Farm to speak at the North Texas Water Garden Society in October. The topic will be on trees for shade and décor, best practices for care and maintenance of trees, and a general Q&A. We will also be doing a giveaway! Whether you have a water garden or not, everyone is invited to attend on October 8th @ 7:30 pm. You can join us at TD Industries, Inc. 13850 Diplomat Dr. Dallas, Texas 75234. You can find more information here. We would love to see you out there and share some tree tips!

If you are looking for the perfect shade tree call us at 972-747-9233 and let one of our North Texas tree experts help you – Koi pond or not!

Remembrance and Celebration Trees

Posted on August 10 2019 by Clair Skinner, Business Manager

When I think about Trees, one of the things that fascinates me the most is their incredible potential for longevity. While there are a few short-lived trees, many of your “normal,” Texas native trees outlive the average person by fifty to a hundred years. And this doesn’t even consider the extraordinary, ancient trees that live a thousand years or more—in fact, some of the oldest living organisms on earth are trees.

Oak Tree: Symbolizes strength of character, wisdom, nobility, loyalty, and courage

Knowing this, it makes sense that people in many cultures throughout history have been drawn to the planting of trees to mark significant occasions or cultural rite of passages in our lives, or to honor, celebrate, or remember a loved one.

Celebrate Your Loved Ones by Planting a Tree

I often find myself wondering what to give as a gift to celebrate milestones like a birthday, new birth or adoption, wedding, employee recognition, retirements, and graduations. Planting trees on someone’s behalf is a great way to honor them and provide so many natural benefits.

A tree is a gift that keeps on giving! Trees clean our air by absorbing harmful carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. They help to clean water for the millions of Americans who depend on a tree every time they turn on their faucets.

Red Bud Tree: Symbolizes a breath of fresh air

Remembrance Tree: A Living Memorial

When I lost my son, Richard Carol, I wanted something that would continue to grow and bloom every season that was in memory of him and to commemorate his short life. I found myself drawn to a memorial tree for him as a meaningful way to remember and honor him. I did not realize it then, but I have been able to experience the joy of watching the tree grow and knowing it is in his memory for many years now and for many more to come.

When memorial trees are planted in honor of a person who has passed away, these memorial trees sometimes have plaques with the honoree’s name, birth and death dates, or a short motto.

Pine Tree: Symbolizes reaching for the stars and eternal life

Fannin Tree Farm provides a certificate of remembrance on all of our memorial and celebration trees. Memorial trees can be planted with or without the person’s ashes. Some people may choose to select a tree in a park where groves of trees are planted in memoriam.

Some families prefer to plant the tree on private property — at the family home or place of personal meaning. Wherever you choose to plant your memorial tree, the practice can be very healing as a life-affirming way to remember and honor a loved one, as it has for me.

Celebration Trees: The Gift That Never Stops Giving

Not only are trees a wonderful gift of celebration and remembrance, but some people choose to plant a tree for other celebration and memorial events. Some plant trees for each of their children, while others plant a tree in honor of building or moving into a new home.

Another wonderful idea that’s gained popularity is a wedding unity tree ceremony, where the bride and groom combine the soil from each of their homes into the pot of a single tree, then plant it in their new home in honor of their marriage. What a great symbol for a couple’s growing love!

Wedding Unity Tree Ceremony: Symbolizes the long-lasting growth and bond of marriage

The traditional gift for the fifth anniversary is wood. The wood symbolizes a relationship that has become solid and long-lasting, representing the growing strength of the bond of marriage.

The Symbolism Behind Celebration Trees

In honor of a parent who has passed away, one might plant an oak tree where, when it becomes older, they might visit to sit peacefully in its shade and feel connected to their loved one. After losing a pet that was part of the family for many years, planting a tree in their favorite spot in the yard is a good way to remember them. After all, they carved out a special place in our hearts and in our lives. These are just a few of the reasons people plant a celebration or memorial tree.

Fannin Tree Farm Celebration Trees

Fannin Tree Farm would love to help you commemorate a special occasion, celebration or loss in your life or your family’s life. Come in and talk to one of our tree specialists to learn more about the native trees we carry. Fannin has an assortment of tree sizes starting in 30-gallon containers to commemorate these celebrations and memorial events in your life.

Request a Quote Today

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall Sale

Posted on August 9 2019 by Fannin Tree Farm

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall Sale

Friday, August 23 – Sunday, August 25

It has been an eventful summer here in North Texas. It started out a bit wetter than normal, with a rash of storms keeping our crews busy. Then the heat returned full force to remind us all what Texas summers are really like. Even though summer’s not officially over, fall is right around the corner, which means the perfect time to plant trees is upon us.

That means it’s also time for the Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall Sale at Fannin Tree Farm.

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall Sale Details
We welcome the fall with an awesome sale on our full stock of trees plus a fun party for the whole family to enjoy. Here’s the when and where:

Dates: August 23 – August 25, 2019
Location: Fannin Tree Farm in Frisco, TX

Offers: Sale pricing on ALL Fannin trees

Family Fun: Every sale at Fannin Tree Farm is an excuse to have a party. Here are some of the fun activities to look forward to over the weekend:

Food Trucks
- Easy Slider: August 23, 4pm – 7pm
- King Kups: August 24, 11am – 2pm
Radio Show – See The Hardline sports radio broadcast live on August 23, 3pm – 7pm. Brought to you by The Ticket.
Concessions – Beat the heat with soda on us.

It’s the perfect kick off to the fall planting season, and we want to see you there. Don’t miss our Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall Sale, August 23-25, 2019.

Why plant in the fall?
When it comes to trees, spring is the time for new growth, and fall is the ideal time for planting. Why, you ask? The soil conditions from autumn rain and cooler temperatures provide the perfect planting environment, allowing trees’ root systems to acclimate to their new surroundings as they head into dormancy and before they wake up for spring growth.

So, if you’ve been thinking about getting a new tree for your residential or commercial property, take advantage of this time to select the perfect one! View our tree inventory here. As always, we are happy to help you during the selection process in any way we can! Feel free to give us a call or contact us here anytime.

One of the Good Ones & Many More

Posted on July 22 2019 by Clair Skinner, Business Manager

One of our long-term employees retired this month. Bill has been with Fannin Tree Farm over 40 years. He wore many hats here over the years at Fannin, from tree installation, to crew chief, to tree expert in the sales office. I know one thing for sure: Bill will be missed by all of us.

Bill plans to spend his retirement on the lake catching up on his passion for fishing (and hopefully catching a few fish while he’s at it.)

As I thought about Bill’s departure, I realized how many long-term employees we have here at Fannin Tree Farm. Fannin is a family owned and operated business that has served the North Texas community for over 43 years. Not only is Fannin Tree Farm family run, we have a lot of families that work here: brothers, cousins, uncles and their grown children. As we move forward, I realize we need to not only celebrate those who have given so much to Fannin, but we should also celebrate those who still do. Be on the lookout for more “Get To Know Fannin” pieces in our monthly newsletter.

Bill and the Retirement Party

Girl Scout Tree Badge

Posted on May 10 2019 by Clair Skinner, Business Manager

Every day I am thankful to drive into work and see Trees, but I am even more thankful to work for a company that gives back to our community. Fannin Tree Farm does a lot for the community, but I think my favorite thing I have been able to do, in giving back with Fannin, is working with Girl Scout Troop 6544 to get their tree badge. This group of girls are 12 now and have been together since 1st grade. They are what I hope our future is. Leaders that are strong, kind, knowledgeable, always learning, supporting each other and honestly making the world a better place.

To get a Girls Scout badge for Trees there are several things you must do:

Try some tree fun
Dig into the amazing science of trees
Make a creative project starring trees
Explore the connection between people and trees
Help trees thrive

We worked in the classroom and on our tree lot to learn about trees, their uses, living green, how to identify them and how to create and make a field guide for scientific research. We went out to our tree yard and worked on identifying trees by leaves, shape, bark and other identifying features. We also started their field guide books and they started their first pages.

I started the training saying, “When I’ve earned this badge, I’ll have gone to the root of what trees are all about and branched out as a naturalist.” I hope that the knowledge they left with will keep them encouraged to help our environment, save trees and be advocates for our world’s nature as a naturalist.

I’ll leave you with a reminder of 10 reasons to be thankful for trees:

Trees shade and cool
Trees reduce stress
Trees improve the soil
Trees reduce violence
Trees clean the air
Trees increase property value
Trees bring people together
Trees reduce noise pollution
Trees Support wildlife
Trees enhance the view

If you looking for new trees, Fannin Tree Farm would be happy to show you around and help choose the perfect tree for you and your family. Call one of our tree specialists at 972.747.9233.

Valley Ranch Tree Transplant

Posted on April 3 2019 by Fannin Tree Farm

When Valley Ranch was bought by Centurion American Development Group they asked Fannin Tree Farm to help transplant and preserve the large live oaks on the property. Fannin spent about a month on the property transplanting and pruning the trees for the new housing development that will be going in Legends Crossing. As we celebrate Earth Day in April, we are pleased to be able to work with companies and individuals that want to preserve trees. The same trees that kept Dallas Cowboys players cool during workouts at the Valley Ranch practice facility will now provide shade for the next generation of up-and-coming football players playing in their yards.