FYI... not sure what's up with the "all�" in my above message. It should just say "Hello, all."

Thank you, John! This is extremely helpful information and I'm very appreciative. Since I've already purchased this tree, I'll put it in the ground and provide the additional level of aftercare, but going forward I will definiately follow your advice and plant any trees or shrubs in the fall. A question for you though, if I plant it in the full sun location, but provide it with a steady stream of water for the first year or two, will it be self sufficient down the road?

If not, I could place it in another location in the back yard where it would get morning sun and shade in the afternoon. I was just hoping to have this beautiful tree out front. Do you have any suggestions for a flowering small to medium tree (to avoid power lines) that would be happy in central Texas full sun without heavy watering needs?

Thanks again!

Glad to help =)

First, I don't want to imply you must keep the soil very wet all summer. Rather, just as the soil is getting crumbly and dry an inch or two down, soak it for a good while until you have saturated the surrounding soil. You do not want to water it every day. And the supplemental watering you provide is only if you don't get natural rains.

Now for your first question. If you can get it to grow some good long extensive roots by deep watering the first year, it will be MORE self sufficient next year. This is not a fast growing tree and takes some time to get used to its surroundings. You will nearly always want to supplement this tree in bad droughts in full sun in your zone even as it gets older. But don't worry, you will get a handle on its water needs as the two of you get to know each other. It will not be an every week watering affair after the first or second year.

You could always plant another in the back if the front tree croaks. The back sounds like a much better location in your zone for this tree to me.

As far as small flowering trees that do well in your area that is a little beyond my experience. Hopefully some Texans can chime in. The ones I am familiar with are Prunus mexicana, Cercis canadensis var. texana, Lagerstroemia spp,
Cornus drummondii, and Crataegus marshallii.

Below is a great resource for selecting trees that would do well where you live.

And remember, during the first 1-2 years, you will have to water anything you plant until you get it established.

Good luck!

John

Here is a link that might be useful: Tx AandM

I don't know anything about planting a tree in Texas, but I have had a Jane Magnolia in my yard for a few years now and I have to say I really love it! It's getting ready to break out in full bloom right now (very early for us here in Illinois) and it usually has a few blooms on it for the entire season. What a treat! I hope it goes well for you too.

Most root growth is in the fall, one of the main reasons fall planting is preferred - except when planting tender annuals and vegetables, of course.

To take advantage of fall root growth you have to get the plant in place before this growth starts. You can tell when this is likely to be underway by looking at the stem ends, if overwintering dormant buds have been set root elongation is likely to be happening.

Thank you, all for your advice! I've decided not to plant the magnolia in the full sun location in front of my house. Instead, I'll plant it i the back yard where it will get morning sun and shade in the afternoon. Now I'm on the search for a low maintenance small to medium sized flowering tree that will thrive in 8b full sun. I'm not against crepe myrtles, but I already have a bunch of them, so I'd like something different. Any thoughts?

John--Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and expertise! I'm going to start looking into your suggestions.

You're very welcome!

Don't think I would call it expertise, but you pick up a thing or two hanging around the characters on this forum after a year or so ;)

I think you made the right decision with the magnolia FWIW. A good indicator of how hardy it might be is a drive through some local neighborhoods and see if they have any planted for a length of time in a similar sun exposure that appear healthy. You might also get other ideas for your new front yard choice while you are at it.

John