Yearly Archives: 2021

Winter Tree Wrapping

Get a 3”x50’ roll of tree wrap at Fannin Tree Farm

There are some tree novices that think sunscald and sunburn mean the same, but they don’t.

Sunscald is caused by freezing temperatures preceding or following warm winter day temperature with high levels of sun exposure. The injury tends to happen on the southwest side of a tree with thin bark.

During the spring, as the tree begins to grow in trunk diameter the bark sloughs off and the injury becomes apparent. Wrapping sensitive thin bark trees, regardless of size, is advisable between November and March.

While many trees develop this condition, the Mature Red Oak is no longer considered to be sensitive to sunscald.

If you have any questions about sunscald, the importance of this preventative measure and other tree care related topics, contact Fannin Tree Farms to speak with one of our tree specialists.

Interested in having your tree wrapped for winter?

 

Contact Us!


Top 5 Evergreen Trees in Texas

Evergreens are beneficial in many ways, such as providing full-year screening for privacy concerns and bringing a full dense tree all throughout the year. The term “evergreen” means that trees will keep growing leaves as other leaves fall off. Most people think of Pine and Christmas trees when they think of the word Evergreen. These trees are best known for being able to endure cold weather and dry seasons. Evergreen trees are perfect for planting as privacy screens and windbreaks. And there are many different types of evergreens, from tiny dwarf shrubs to massive trees. Evergreens can add character to your yard, offer year-round foliage, and will enhance your landscape for years to come.

1. Live Oak

Live Oaks are large stature trees that are commonly around 50 ft tall with a short stout trunk that casts a huge amount of canopy to create shade against the Texas heat. Their wood is very hardy making the tree easy to protect in stress. Live Oaks are some of the most popular and well-known landscape trees in Texas.

live oak tree

2. Magnolia

Magnolias are commonly known as “southern” trees and strive well in the more Eastern part of Texas. They have large, waxy, fragrant white flowers and large glossy, dark green, leathery leaves that appeal to the eye. Magnolias typically prefer full sun which Texas has no problem with providing and require deep well-drained soils to perform the best.

southern magnolia

3. Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Red Cedars are large stature tree, natively found full to the ground. However, can be pruned to have a raised canopy in more of a tree form. This native species is drought tolerant and can really found anywhere throughout North and Central Texas. It provides a dense evergreen canopy that can be used for screening purposes and can provide a beautiful blue fruit. The Eastern Red Cedar has a distinctive smell and aesthetically pleasing red wood.

Eastern Red Cedar Tree

4. Elderica Pine

Elderica Pine is more native to desert and arid climates in the Middle East, however, seems to be a promising species throughout a wide range of soils in Texas. Eldarica Pine is a tall, upright tree providing medium size needles and cones. It is a drought tolerant species and does very well in well-drained soils.

Elderica Pine Tree

5. Carolina Sapphire

Carolina Sapphire is an evergreen that produces a beautiful sliver blue foliage and has a relatively fast growth rate. These trees along with Eastern Red Cedars can provide a wonderful screen for privacy purposes. It does very well in Central and North Texas, overall is a very well growing species that is aesthetically pleasing as well.

Where Fannin Has Been: Katy Trail Outpost

 

 

With fall around the corner, it is time to start thinking about patio time! Who does not love a fall afternoon or evening on the patio with a fire pit, good friends, family, good food, amazing cold drinks, and amazing trees? I know I do! I was delighted when Katy Trail Outpost in Plano, Texas asked us to help them install about 40 new trees in their patio area and surrounding the patio. We installed new Live Oaks to the patio for shade using a crane. Then we installed 34 new Eastern Red Cedar (ERC) to the surrounding of the patio.

 

 

An Ongoing Relationship

We have worked with Katy Trail in the past and love the creativity, shade, and ambience they put into their patios. This project was no different working with their general manager, Kyle. He was very hands on during the project. We could not be happier with the way the project turned out or had much fun we had installing the trees.

 

 

Stop by for a Visit

If you are ever in the area, stop by, grab a bite, and drink and check out the Katy Trail Outpost, Fannin Tree Farm’s trees and the patio. Tell Kyle we sent you! Don’t forget if you have any tree needs for your home or business, we would love to help you with your project or maybe a patio!

 

Request a Quote of your Own!

 

Five Common Mistakes for New Tree Owners

Newly Planted Tree

Here at Fannin Tree Farm, we enjoy helping our customers with any issues regarding their newly purchased trees. From providing expert tree care assistance on our sales lot to professional tree installation  at their destinations, our tree specialists love lending our customers a helping hand because we want everybody’s Fannin trees to survive and thrive for many years to come. This being the case, our tree experts have compiled a list of five common mistakes new tree owners tend to make. To protect your tree investment and ensure its livability, be sure to not engage in the following mistakes.

Improper Watering

One of the easiest ways to harm your new tree is to water it improperly, which includes under watering and over watering. To ensure you do not under water your tree, keep in mind that new trees need about five gallons of water for every caliper inch. For example, if your tree measures four caliper inches, it needs 20 gallons of water at least three times a week. As a general rule, newly planted trees need to be watered at least three times a week using a deep-watering method (e.g., hand watering, Gator Bags, soaker hoses and zoned drip systems). To keep from overwatering, check the dampness of the soil at the base of your tree. It should have about the same water content as that of a damp sponge – it should never be soggy.

Soil Compaction

It is essential to have the optimum soil conditions as your new tree strives to acclimate itself to its new environment. Compacting the soil at the base of a newly planted tree is a good way to strangle it and thus inhibit its growth and vitality. Soil compaction has two main effects. First, too much soil density will keep your tree’s root system from expanding and will stifle growth. Second, soil compaction prevents the flow of water and nutrients to the tree’s roots. To prevent soil compaction, do not walk near the base of your new tree or place anything heavy (like lawn equipment) anywhere under the tree’s canopy.

Mechanical Damage

One of the most common, preventable mistakes people make with their new tree is damaging it with lawn mowers, weed eaters, bicycles or other pieces of equipment. Hitting or leaning these objects on your new tree injures its bark, which makes it harder for the tree to repair itself. Sometimes tree wounds are unable to heal if the tree sustains further injury, which makes the tree vulnerable to disease and hinders the proper flow of vital water and nutrients. Be sure to exercise caution when you maintain your yard to be sure you do not damage your new tree in the process.

Improper Pruning

Pruning a tree is essential for optimum growth and health. It ensures appropriate distribution of sunlight, prevents damage to vital limbs, strengthens trees’ structures and promotes long-term vitality. You should never prune haphazardly to keep branches in check, nor should you severely cut your tree’s topmost branches if they appear to be too tall. To prune your new tree, start with ridding it of dead or damaged branches, and then clear overgrown and smaller branches. The best time to prune your tree is in late winter before the spring flush.

Using Chemicals

Using chemicals to kill weeds in your yard or to control other non-tree related issues can be a real detriment to newly planted trees. Be very careful to not spray any chemicals on your tree’s foliage or root zone when you’re working in the yard.

If you have any questions about these five common tree care mistakes or how to care for your new tree, do not hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to help in any way we can!

Celebrate 2021 Arbor Day with Fannin!

Friday, April 30 – Sunday, May 2nd

Arbor Day in the United States dates back to 1872 when a man named J. Sterling Morton left his legacy by leading an agricultural awareness campaign to plant more than one million trees in a day. Fannin Tree Farm encourages everyone to carry on the tradition of planting and growing trees. We invite you to celebrate Arbor Day on the farm by taking advantage of our massive sale on all inventory.

Our Arbor Day Sale is an entire weekend-long event from Friday, April 30th through Sunday, May 2nd. Stop by to pick out the perfect tree for your landscape. All trees will be on sale! Some of our best sellers include:

Select inventory will be on sale!

Help preserve the planet, beautify your yard and save money all at the same time. Remember, every tree purchased at our Arbor Day Sale includes professional installation plus Fannin’s one-year guarantee.

Save the date. You won’t want to miss this opportunity!

 

Want to Win a FREE Tree?

In honor of the season, we are giving away a FREE 45-gallon tree to one lucky winner. If your yard could use a little transformation, be sure to enter our Spring Free Tree Sweepstakes for a chance to win a free 45-gallon tree of your choice (restrictions apply). For more details, click the button below.

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Get Directions

Fannin Tree Farm, 15700 State Highway 121, Frisco, TX 75035

2021 Earth Day

 

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” — Native American Proverb

Earth Day is an annual event created to celebrate the planet’s environment and raise public awareness about pollution.

The day, marked on April 22, is observed worldwide with rallies, conferences, outdoor activities and service projects. Earth Day is a time of the year to reflect on how your life impacts the planet. On this day, people think about new ways to reduce their carbon imprint and improve water quality.  They get together to get their hands dirty and make earnest strides towards making the Earth a better, and healthier, place to live.  Earth Day is an important day for people to take the time out of their busy lives to consider the impact that humanity has on the environment and for taking steps to minimize these impacts. As a result, we all can live happier and healthier lives in tune with nature.  While it would be nice if we all lived as if every day was Earth Day, this holiday serves as a friendly reminder each year, to respect the Earth and to show a little gratitude to Mother Nature.

Started as a grassroots movement, Earth Day created public support for the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and contributed to the passage of the Clean Air Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act, the Endangered Species Act and several other environmental laws. The idea for Earth Day was proposed by then-Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, who died in 2005.  The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970, a monumental day that is widely credited for launching the modern environmental movement. 20 million Americans from all walks of life participated in the very first Earth Day. Twenty years later, Earth Day went global, mobilizing 200 million  people in 141 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage.

Earth Day is a time to reflect and be thankful for everything the Earth does for us.

It is also a time to strengthen our relationship with nature, to give back, and to think of ways we can work to better support the Earth for future generations.  This year the theme for Earth Day is Protect Our Species.  Nature’s gifts to our planet are the millions of species that we know and love, and many more that remain to be discovered. Unfortunately, human beings have irrevocably upset the balance of nature and, as a result, the world is facing the greatest rate of extinction since we lost the dinosaurs more than 60 million years ago. But unlike the fate of the dinosaurs, the rapid extinction of species in our world today is the result of human activity.

This year, Earth day hits especially close to home for Fannin Tree Farm as it is focused on climate change and restoring our earth.  Trees curb climate change directly by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Through the process of photosynthesis, forests offset 10 to 20 percent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions each year. Additionally, trees help protect against climate impacts such as flooding, which is getting worse with more locally heavy precipitation. By catching rainwater, reducing erosion, and creating more permeable soils, trees help prevent nearly 400 billion gallons of runoff annually in the continental U.S., which is enough water to fill about 600,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Trees are equally crucial for water and air quality, as over half of Americans depend on forests to capture and filter their drinking water. Tree leaves also absorb airborne pollutants and intercept particulate matter, helping reduce the throat irritation, asthma, and even premature death that these pollutants may cause. By annually removing over 35 billion pounds of these pollutants in the continental U.S., trees prevent over half a million cases of acute respiratory symptoms each year.

Not surprisingly, areas with more trees provide more benefits, like in the Southeast and Pacific Northwest.

However, some benefits are higher in urban areas, which often have higher air pollution and flood risks. Trees in urban areas can also reduce the urban heat island effect and lower air conditioning needs as much as 30 percent by providing a natural shade. Urban trees reduce U.S. energy bills by over $5 billion each year. And since lower energy consumption means fewer carbon dioxide emissions, planting trees can contribute to a healthier planet while improving our daily lives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What can we do:

Here at Fannin we are always looking for ways to lighten our carbon foot print.  We re-use all of our plastic container buckets for growing trees.  We stopped buying plastic water bottles for our staff and gave everyone a Fannin Tree Farm bottle. We installed a water cooler that purifies the tap water.  We eliminated 100’s of plastic bottles a month.  I found this list that had some great ideas about other things we can do on Earth day and every day to support a healthy earth.  https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/different-ways-to-celebrate-earth-day.php

Earth Day Activities for Kids

Kids are a lot of fun on Earth Day: they have a natural instinct for conservation and preservation, they like to get their hands dirty, and they love any kind of celebration. Planning Earth Day activities for kids is easy; you should start by asking kids what they would want to do to help the Earth. This brainstorming session will help you decide what sorts of things you and your kids can do to help the Earth. Here are some suggestions:

  • plant a tree or a group of trees to beautify your neighborhood, provide shelter and food for birds, and prevent soil erosion.  In honor of Earth Day and Arbor day, you can pick up a tree to plant at your home for 40% off.
  • have a recycling party where friends and neighbors gather recyclable materials and turn them in for prizes
  • gather a group of kids and clean up garbage at a local park, beach, or other public area

Earth Day Books for Kids

If you read enough of my blogs, you know I love books and reading and love finding books for kids that teach about trees and saving the earth.  I found a few cool book lists about Earth Day and wanted to share them with you.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/kids/8-inspiring-picture-books-earth-day/

https://www.weareteachers.com/best-earth-day-books-for-kids/

April Fun for Kids

I love April. It’s springtime in Texas, the trees are turning green, flowers are blooming, the weather is amazing (fingers crossed) and the tree farm has a smell that I love.

 

Along with all of that April, also, has Earth Day (April 22nd) and National Arbor Day (April 30th.).  At Fannin Tree Farm we love celebrating these holidays!  This is a great month for activities for the kids to celebrate these holidays inside and outside and read some great books.  I have listed just a few fun websites that have some cool activities and book lists as we go into April to celebrate our great earth!  I hope you and your family are able to take advantage of this wonderful weather, get out and enjoy!

 

Activities:

https://wehavekids.com/parenting/10-Earth-Day-Activities-for-your-Family

 

Book Lists:

https://holidappy.com/holidays/Childrens-Picture-Books-About-Trees-for-Arbor-Day-Earth-Day-or-Every-Day

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/kids/8-books-about-trees-for-arbor-day/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/kids/8-inspiring-picture-books-earth-day/

https://www.weareteachers.com/best-earth-day-books-for-kids/

 

Top 5 Flowering Trees for Spring in Texas

Add Some Color to Your Landscape

 

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As longer days of sunshine summon us outside, the prettiest trees in Texas begin to show their true colors, dropping hints that spring has arrived. Whether you are looking for the perfect photo opportunity or a beautiful backdrop for a picnic, these are the trees to keep your eye on when warmer weather rolls around.


Redbud

redbud_smallTexas Redbud trees enthusiastically announce spring with a vibrant cloud of pink and purple blooms. As one of the most picturesque signs of the season with their heart-shaped leaves and brilliant buds, these are the perfect ornamental trees to brighten up any yard or garden. Redbuds can withstand drought and easily adapt in alkaline soil conditions, reaching heights of up to 20 feet tall.


Crepe Myrtle

crepe-myrtle_smallAvailable in an array of sizes and colors, the Crepe Myrtle is a southern charmer with its brilliant blooms in both the summer and fall. Because of its extra long blooming period, it has been called the “flowering tree of 100 days.” Add a dwarf variety as a standout addition to a landscape, or plant a large Crepe Myrtle tree as a front-yard focal point. These flowering beauties love sunlight and can grow up to 25 feet tall.


Desert Willow

desert-willow_smallGreat for the low maintenance gardener, this hearty desert tree will survive in dry soil conditions with full sun in the Texas heat. A well-drained, raised bed is the best location to plant desert willows, especially in areas where annual rainfall is greater than 30 inches. Its pink and violet orchid-like flowers are members of the bignonia family. Surprisingly, this species is not related to the willow, as the name might suggest.


Vitex

vitex_smallYou’ll know a Vitex tree by its ostentatious canopy of purple flowers it produces in the summer and fall months. The Vitex is a hardy tree that boasts aromatic green leaves and grows quickly in most climate and soil conditions. This gorgeous Southern native grows about one foot per year, reaching anywhere between 10 and 20 feet tall when it is fully grown.


Magnolia

southern-magnolia_smallThe prominent, large white flowers of magnolia trees are synonymous with Southern style. Little Gem Magnolias, which produce flowers for six months, make a stunning addition to dress up an indoor garden or smaller landscape. Larger varieties like the DD Blanchard Southern Magnolia will flourish as the glorious centerpiece of a yard, standing 60-70 feet tall.

If any, or all, of these trees suit your fancy, head on out to Fannin Tree Farm to pick one out today!

 

Best Fertilizer for Trees

Fannin Tree Farm highly recommends using Osmocote Flower and Vegetable on all your trees twice a year in April and August. It is a pelletized slow-release fertilizer that releases its nutrients over several months. It will not burn plants or trees and only requires two fertilizations per year. It can be expensive, but very effective and mistake-proof.

Why Osmocote

  • Two applications a year – one early Spring and another in early Autumn
  • Contains everything plants need for healthy growth
  • Releases nutrients at the same rate plants are able to take them up through the roots – no wastage or run-off into waterways and drains
  • Includes a wetting agent to help water and nutrients soak into the soil

Features of Osmocote

Boosted magnesium

To keep leaves green for longer, especially on citrus

Feeds when plants need it

The release of nutrients depends on temperature – more when it’s warm and plants are growing and less when it’s cold and growth is slow

Sustainable & environment-friendly

Scotts Osmocote® uses advanced prill technology that ensures even and controlled nutrient release with no wastage Controlled release means feeding less often and more effectively; less frequent feeding is more economical and environment-friendly

Wetting agent

The added wetting agent enhances water absorption into the soil or potting mix and helps plants take up nutrients

Where can I get Osmocote?

  • Amazon
  • Garden Centers

Fertilizer Reminders for Trees

  • Trees require a more “well-balanced” or “complete” fertilizer which provides nitrogen for green, healthy foliage and phosphorus and potassium for flowering, fruiting, and root development.
  • Fertilizer isn’t medicine for sick trees. Force-feeding a declining tree can make matters worse.
  • Don’t fertilize during dry periods. Plants can’t use fertilizer without adequate moisture. Fertilize before a rain, or water after application.
  • Fertilizer is especially effective on younger trees.
  • If in doubt about quantity, always err on the low side, as too much can burn trees. Follow the label.

Remember: Your trees are the most enduring, the hardest-working, and often the most valuable elements of your landscape. They protect you and your home from heat and wind, reducing energy costs and cleaning the air while beautifying the world. Isn’t a good fertilizer program the least they deserve?

How to Treat Freeze-Damaged Trees

I was so glad to see the sun come back out this week and the freezing cold go away.  As my granny always said, if you do not like the weather today just hold on, it will be different tomorrow in Texas.  As you are starting to recover from the historic low freezing temperatures during the week of February 15th through February 19th and checking everything in your home, I want to remind you to check on your trees and start watering them. The most important thing you can do right now for your trees is water (view the Fannin Water Guide).  As the spring starts it will be important to do a deep root fertilization and prune as needed.

As we shared several weeks ago, trees are going to have stress from the deep freeze we just went through last week. The good news is for most of the tree this will only cause a set-back. Most trees will recover from this type of freeze damage. It often takes months for all of the damage to be evident, if any. You may even find that some trees that look damaged immediately after a freeze actually aren’t. The foliage of some trees may look dark and water-soaked and later turn bright green and healthy again.

Fannin Tree Farm is currently seeing that Evergreen trees have experienced excessive leaf burn due to the freezing temperatures. Typically, when freezes occur those leaves will shed, and new leaves will push but the tree will need time and possibly some fertilization assistance. We will be monitoring this situation closely and will be assessing tree conditions and their response to this historic freeze over the next 4 to 8 months. Our current recommendation is to deeply water your trees 2-3 times per week and to highly consider a deep root fertilization program going into Spring. Fannin Tree Farm will be able to provide a deep fertilization program, pricing for these treatments will vary from tree size and number of trees needed to be treated.

To get a quote on Fannin Tree Farms, deep root fertilization program or pruning needs click here or call one of our tree experts at 972-747-9233.