Fast growing trees for N central TX

15 years ago

I am needing to plant a lot of fast growing trees for my land. We have a large area to plant in (75 acres) that is all farmland. We are wanting to establish some shade/windbreak quickly (3-5 years) grown from bare root stock (to save money since we will be planting so many) that we can use for firewood 10 years down the road. I know that they will be "trash trees" hence using them for firewood later down the road, when my "good trees" (slower growing) will be getting a little size to them. Our "good trees" will be mostly natives. They will not be planted close to where we are building our home so it should be ok. We also have a well nearby.

I was looking into some kind of poplars and maybe evergreens. I understand that the poplars have to have a lot of water to get them to grow quickly though. I will be planting some timber, running bamboo to help with windbreak as well (they will not be planted close to our living area). If someone has some pointers for me that would be great. Thanks

The area is close to Wichita falls and the soil is sandy. I have access to lots of mulch however.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
15 years ago
i just got a mailer from the SOIL CONSERVATION district offering trees .... they would be native plants for your specific area .. if available ...

look in the phone book for your local office ... perhaps under state or US government ...

good luck

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: second link for archer co?????
lou_spicewood_tx
15 years ago
Texas Forest Service sells all kinds of trees. The one from east Texas used to sell pretty cheap seedlings but it closed down so you're stuck with a little more expensive ones grown from another nursery out in the northwest Texas (Lubbock?).
Related Discussions
Anyone have experience with fast-growing-trees.com?
Q
Comments (32)
I recently ordered from them, not knowing my order would come from China. The only tracking number they could provide was the one from China Post. I knew for a fact that these deliveries get transferred to USPS. Never got one from USPS. Tracked the shipment via Track17. Until one day, it said it was delivered, but I did not receive anything. Communicated the problem and they insisted that it was delivered to the right address, that neighbors might have received it. My neighbors know me and they'd surely give me the misdelivered item, which has happened in the past. We went back and forth on the refund. Finally settled on 50% refund. The first and the last order from them. Be warned. Sounds more like a scam now to me.
...See More
Good VS Evil Trees for Central Tx
Q
Comments (42)
I agree that for the most part, what trees you like are a matter of taste. That said, there are some trees that, while having some nice ornamental properties are highly invasive. Chinaberry, Ligustrum and Chinese Tallow (another "evil" one) are extremely invasive around here, displacing native species. I think most of us can agree that's a bad thing. I also agree with Lou that over planting any variety of tree, native or not can be a bad thing. Ask anyone in the northern part of the country where American Elm was the dominant boulevard tree if a little more variety wouldn't have been nice when the majority of them succumbed to Dutch Elm disease in the 80's. Like the Live Oak around here, it was a quality, native tree that was just over-used. I hope our neighborhood never experiences Oak Wilt since the builder planted Live Oaks almost exclusively and they are mostly now 20' to 30' trees, along with some mature ones that were preserved. I'm seeing Monterrey Oaks planted more and more, which I find encouraging as they are supposed to be wilt resistant and are also evergreen or nearly so. Bug-the reason I dislike AZ Ash, above all else, is the root system. We have a neighbor that has one on the west side of their house that's about 25' tall, so it's giving off nice shade. The problem is the roots are on top of the ground everywhere, including large ones pushing up against their foundation. I can't see that situation getting any better... If in doubt, go over to Dave's Garden and check out some of the pictures and reviews of AZ Ash. I think if TX Ash was more widely available and it was more well known it would help. People are going to keep planting AZ Ash and its cultivars if nurseries and the big boxes keep selling them. After all, they wouldn't be selling it if it was a "trash" tree, would they? ;^)
...See More
Fast growing trees in zone 8 or 9 Houston tx
Q
Comments (4)
Don't you think that you'd like to invest in your existing trees? It might be appropriate to bring in two or three ISA Certified Arborists to have a quick look at the condition of your trees and offer estimates for suggested work. Live oaks can respond to something as little as a substantial mulch application! An educated professional will take into account the history of the site, soil conditions, maintenance, etc. I lived in live oak territory long enough to know that you don't have to sit idly by as they decline. Sometimes they are beyond our help, but some can benefit enormously from professional care. click HERE to find Houston area ISA arborists Just use the search for Houston.....there are numerous listings.
...See More
I Need A Recommendation for A Fast-Growing, Disease-Resistant Tree
Q
Comments (34)
Not surprised about the Blue Spruce...they are super popular, but prone to disase in many places, and very picky about humidity levels. Unfortunately most fast growing trees are short lived and disease prone. It is sort of a "live fast die young" kind of thing. As other have suggested, Dawn Redwood and Baldcypress are exceptions..fairly fast and disease resistant. Norway Spruce and Eastern White Pine are fast and fairly disease resistant...although, depending on what exactly is afflicting it, they may be vulnerable to the same problems as your spruce. Both would likely be more resistant, particularly the Norway Spruce. And pine have their own borers. Another Tulip Tree is a good possibility, if your current one is doing well. They are pretty fast. Unfortunately I don't think anything in Zone 6 is going to catch up to a 100 year old Tulip Tree in your lifetime...except maybe a hybrid poplar, and those are disease prone. Birch are susceptible to Bronze Birch Borer...River Birch less so then most others. Attractive trees.
...See More
scotjute Z8
15 years ago
Can't believe they closed! I've gotten pines from them several times for planting in east.

Green Ash is a fast-growing firewood/wind-break tree. That's what I was going to plant for that purpose.

Eastern Red Cedar will be the most dependable conifer you can plant for that area(and all of Tx). 18" annual growth is typical, more can be achieved with regular watering. The ever-green color is appreciated in the winter.

Hackberry, Cottonwood, Bur Oak, ERC, and Green Ash are probably the big 5 when it comes to quick-growth, drought- resistant, no-care dependable trees for central Texas.
Followed by Arizona Cypress, Sycamore, Shumard Oak, Cedar Elm, and Pecan. Some make good firewood, others leave something to be desired.
Pamchesbay
15 years ago
Hey Lou - Did the nursery at Indian Mound close? Noooo ... I planned to order from them again this year. Best seedlings I've found.

I just went to the Indian Mound web site - it says: "Indian Mound Nursery is closed. If you are interested in ordering hardwoods, please visit our West Texas Nursery online seedling store, where you will find a wide variety of quality hardwoods for sale."

There is no link to the West Texas Nursery online seedling store. When I googled that name, the link took me to the Indian Mound site. Do you know if this is permanent? Bummer!
scotjute Z8
15 years ago
Has anyone ordered trees from the "Arbor Gen" website?
They lood about twice as expensive as the State place.
scotjute Z8
15 years ago
Here's a web-site with recommended trees for north central Texas :

http://www.arborilogical.com/articles/recommended_tree_species.htm

Fast growing trees for N central TX

Comments (6)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

lou_spicewood_tx

Related Discussions

scotjute Z8

Pamchesbay

scotjute Z8

scotjute Z8

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US