Fast Growing Shade Trees for Central Texas

[Minerva Velasco]

I am buying a new house near Austin, Texas. It's a new subdivision and
there are no big trees on any of the lots. The builder provides 3 small
oak trees for the front yard, but none for the back yard. I'm hoping
that someone can give me some advice on good fast-growing shade trees
that will grow well in this region to plant in my back yard. I'm new to
this newsgroup thing, so please respond by e-mail.

My e-mail address minerva...@ibm.net.

Thanks, in advance.

Minerva Velasco

[m&v]

Fast growing also translates into soft wooded and weak crotches, along
with other problems for Texas soils. A moderate fast tree is a
Chinese Pistache, but it does not look fabulous for the first few
years. It takes time to develop then is beautiful. Do not plant any
of the willows unless it is desert willow, a native. Don't be tempted
to plant fruitless mulberry, either. Keep in mind also that grass
will not grow in shade. Not in Texas. We don't have the varieties
for that, as they have up north with the fescues, ryegrasses, etc...

Victoria

[Minerva Velasco]

Thanks for the information. Another question, though.

m&v wrote:
>
> Fast growing also translates into soft wooded and weak crotches, along
> with other problems for Texas soils.

I was also concerned about invasive roots and smelly fruit.

> Don't be tempted
> to plant fruitless mulberry, either.

Why? Too soft? Won't do well?

> Keep in mind also that grass
> will not grow in shade. Not in Texas. We don't have the varieties
> for that, as they have up north with the fescues, ryegrasses, etc...

I live in Austin, and I've noticed that lots of people here have the St.
Augustine planted under large Oaks or Pecans. It seems to do well, and
that's the kind of grass toward which I was leaning. The contractor
will plant that in front, but I was considering puting the Zoysia grass
(spelling?) in back. Actually, if you can tell me anything you know
about Zoysia in Texas that would be helpful.

-=Gabriel=-

[Zhanataya]

Minerva Velasco wrote:

> I live in Austin, and I've noticed that lots of people here have the St.
> Augustine planted under large Oaks or Pecans. It seems to do well, and
> that's the kind of grass toward which I was leaning. The contractor
> will plant that in front, but I was considering puting the Zoysia grass
> (spelling?) in back. Actually, if you can tell me anything you know
> about Zoysia in Texas that would be helpful.
>
> -=Gabriel=-

Seems is the operative word. St Augustine will not thrive in shade. Every
three years you will need to resod the St Augustine in shade. Can't plug
it. Not enough light for it to thrive and spread. Has any one mentioned the
problems with chinch bugs and St Augustine grass. It's pretty, very high
maintenance, takes lots of water and not comfortable to lay on to look at
the stars. You got excellent advice with the buffalo grass. Its a narrower
blade, much softer on bare feet, and will save you big bucks on a water
bill.

Zhanataya
How to know you've been out of college too long?
Your potted plants stay alive.

[DFStoneJr]

In article <36FEE78A...@ibm.net>, Minerva Velasco
<minerva...@ibm.net> writes:

>I live in Austin, and I've noticed that lots of people here have the St.
>Augustine planted under large Oaks or Pecans. It seems to do well, and
>that's the kind of grass toward which I was leaning.

St. Augustine requires four hours of direct sunlight to maintain, and an
additional two to fours hours to spread. That makes it the most shade-tolerant
warm-season grass for Texas, which obviously isn't saying much. If you want to
put something under a shade tree, try a shade-tolerant ground cover such as
liriope, vinca minor or ground ivy.

DFSt...@aol.com (cc on replies to group appreciated)

[RITAMARIE8]

DFStoneJr wrote;

If you want to put something under a shade tree, try a shade-tolerant ground
cover such as liriope, vinca minor or ground ivy.

What about Fescue? My neighbor (Garland, Texas) has fescue and it looks
awesome right now. It was green all winter; drawback because you have to
mow--so what? The builder put Elms I think, between the sidewalk and the
street (What is that called, we call it the parkway) so our yards our about
75% shaded. These trees were completely leafed out by March 15, but his yard
looks great. He may have something else mixed with the fescue. The only thing
I don't like about it is the fine bladed grass; I really wanted St. Augustine,
but it looks like I may have to pass on that.
Still searching for best method for new lawn; we are at a standstill until the
sprinkler system is installed.
Rita
Garland, Texas
Zone 7b-8a