Thanks for your suggestions, bamboo and fruitnut. Given the accolades, I'm very, very anxious to try Sweetcrisp. I should have bought one last year, but better late than never. I've seen a lot of praise for Jewel's flavor, but, based on your description, fruitnut, I might be happier with another variety. I had my eye on Star and Windsor, so I might go with one or both of those. Have either of you (or anyone else) tried Palmetto? From what I can read, it gets very high marks for flavor. As for your question, rayrose, I do have a couple of potted SHB (O'Neal and Southmoon). The lower chill varieties like Sweetcrisp worry me a little bit because of early bloom times, but I can't resist trying them. I already have to protect some of my early bloomers (mostly rabbiteyes), though, so it shouldn't be too much trouble. I used a heavy weight frost blanket over a small greenhouse frame last winter, and that worked very well. This post was edited by shazaam on Tue, May 21, 13 at 21:26

Its not in Brazoria or Galveston county, but just south of Conroe near "The Woodlands...." there's a nursery called The Pineywoods Nursery. Give them a try he had a several small ones last year. Call Jason, their website is www.thepineywoodsnursery.com.

I got 2 Golden Rain trees from the Arbor Day Society about 8 or 10 years ago, & I have a *bunch* of seedlings. It's still a little hot to transplant them, but I'll be happy to dig some up in early October & send them to you for postage if you still want them then. They're very pretty trees, they have panacles of sunny yellow flowers in spring, followed by bunches of sort of translucent yellow seed pods that look a little like peppers! just let me know.

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.