The last three years have really taken a toll on the trees, shrubs, turfgrass, and other plants in our area. Most of have some sickly looking ones in our landscape that for all practical purposes really should be cut down or pulled up and replaced. Now the question becomes what type or variety do you go back with? We have received some much needed rain but remember we are still in a drought situation and we still have outside watering restrictions.

Choosing a tree, shrub, or a plant that is adapted to our area is very important. Otherwise it could easily become a labor intensive task just caring for it. For instance, many plants/trees grow best in soils with a low pH which are acid soils. These plants/trees will not grow very well here in our area because the soil pH is too high. The vast majority of our soil is alkaline. Magnolia trees suffer here in our area and require acidifier to be added around the tree several times per year. Many fruit trees are classed according to the number of chill hours that are required before the tree will bloom. If you choose a fruit tree with a low hour requirement, chances are it will bloom too early and the crop will be lost due to a freeze after the tree blooms. Everyone wants a tree that is fast growing. In many instances these fast growing trees become a nuisance with roots, dropping limbs, disease susceptibility and other problems.

Choosing a tree that fits the desired space is also important. Chances are you do not want a pecan tree near an area where cars are parked. Late season aphid problems with pecan trees lead to honeydew being dripped on the cars. Remember, if tree limbs touch, the roots are overlapping. There is overcrowding and competition for available soil moisture and plant nutrients intensify. Overcrowding leads to less than desirable plant growth, shading out sunlight to low growing plants and increased landscape management. Not to mention increased demand for irrigation water. In many instances a slower growing tree, shrub or plant or a dwarf variety that is adapted to our soils, our rainfall and our area may be a better choice.