It’s About Thyme
by CHRIS WINSLOW
We are in the dog days of summer right now, and our triple digit weather last week reminded me what a precious commodity shade is.
If it weren’t for that old post oak in my backyard, why I might never even venture outside… at least until the sun has sunk low on the horizon.
If you don’t happen to have an old post oak or shade tree of any sort, there are a number of beautiful native specimens to choose from. Look after them, water them well, and in just a few years you’ll have a nice tree to rest under.
Ash trees have been a traditional choice for shade because they grow so quickly. The problem is – they grow fast, and die young. About 20 to 25 years is all you can expect. As they begin to fail, they become a costly liability for removal, and can damage your roof, fences and cars.
A far better choice is one of the hard wood trees. They may grow a little slower, but they also have an unlimited lifespan. Many are the oaks in the region that have stood the test of time, flourishing for one hundred or two hundred years or more.
My favorites? The Chinquapin oak, Bur oak, Red oak, Live oak and the Mexican White oak (Monterrey). The first three are deciduous (they shed their leaves in the fall). The last two are considered evergreen.
Although oaks are not thought of as very fast growers, compared to the ash for example, you can boost them dramatically with frequent, deep watering. Expect them to grow three feet in height and width in the first few years.
After that they will grow even faster. A 15 or 30 gallon oak is easily capable of reaching 15’ x 15’ in under five years. Now that’s a shade tree!
Remember your house will also enjoy the shade, and in turn you will enjoy seeing much lower P.E.C. bills!
OTHER GARDENING MATTERS
This is the last month for adding peppers and tomatoes into the garden for a fall harvest. Cucumbers, squash, beans, okra, and black-eyed peas can all be established from seed throughout this month.
Early September will be the time to plant cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and brussels sprouts. Late September, early October it will be the time for lettuce, carrots, radishes and winter greens.
These 100 degree days have me looking forward to the cooler weather of the fall season. I know that it will bring much needed inspiration to us all for our garden and landscape projects. Happy gardening everyone!
If you have a question for Chris, send it via email to iathyme@yahoo.com. Or mail a postcard to It’s About Thyme: 11726 Manchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748 www.itsaboutthyme.com.
