Choosing the Right Tree
There are three major items to consider when choosing a tree: site conditions, such as the amount of space, amount of sun exposure, and soil conditions are the most important things to determine. Appearance, such as leaf size or texture, flowers, deciduous or evergreen, fall color, or structure are some personal choices that need to be made.
Size
Trees that are placed in flower beds are usually considered ornamental trees. These trees should be placed at least 5’ from any structure. Most of these trees will vary in size from 5’ to 30’ tall and 3’ to 18’ wide. Trees that are used to provide shade should be placed at least 20’ from any structure. These trees will vary in size from 40’ to 100’ tall and 40’ to 100’ wide. Each tree will differ in width and root structure; these two characteristics should be the final determination of spacing from structures.
Exposure
Most trees will require a specific number of hours of daylight. Shade trees typically will require 6 hours of sunlight a day. Some others are considered understory trees that are used to growing under tall canopies, and these will require fewer hours of daylight.
Soil Conditions
In Southeast Texas we have many different types of soils, from sand to heavy clay. Fort Bend County’s soil will range from a heavy clay to sandy loam near local creeks and rivers. Soils in Fort Bend are alkaline leaning while in East Texas soils are typically are more acidic. The heavy clay soils we have locally retain moisture for long periods of time which can make it easier to over water or “drown” a tree.
Leaf Size & Structure
Aesthetic appeal falls more into personal preference than into scientific selection. Every tree has its own characteristics, and there is always a tree that aesthetically fits a site better than another. Big leaves, small leaves, fall color, evergreen, deciduous, flowering, symmetrical branching, natural structure, and leaf color are some of the important factors to consider for the best look for your garden.
Flowering Trees
Flowering trees serve a dual purpose. While providing beautiful color while blooming, they can also provide accent and shade. There are many different flowering trees that bloom at different times of the year for differing periods of time. For instance, some trees will bloom in the summer while others will bloom early spring, and the period of time they may be blooming could range between a week to several months. The time of year you'd like your tree to bloom is an important consideration when selecting a tree to compliment your landscape.
Evergreen or Deciduous
Evergreen trees provide a great look during the bleak winter time months and also provide shade year around. Deciduous trees, on the other hand, will provide shade during the summer months while being able to allow sun to warm your home or yard during the winter months. Understanding whether you need an evergreen or deciduous tree is another important decision to determine what's best for you.
Fall Color
Though fall color is not as pronounced in the South as it is in the North East, there are a few trees that are fairly dependable for fall color. Yellow Tree Hibiscus, Japanese Maples, Shummard Oaks, Cypress, and Golden Rain Trees are a few examples of trees that can provide your landscape with beautiful fall color.
Growth Rates
Growth rates of trees vary greatly. Typically, the faster a tree grows the shorter its lifespan. Having a plan and mixing the species is probably your safest bet to achieve a great looking and effective landscape that will last for years to come.
The following tree species are suited to our Fort Bend County environment.
Deciduous Trees
Trees that lose their leaves seasonally, usually in winter.
Red Oak
Water Oak
Burr Oak
Green ash
Chinese Elms
Cedar Elms
Bald Cypress
Pond Cypress
Crape Myrtle
Red Bud
Pecan
Chinese Pistache
Drummond Red Maple
Bradford Pear
Saucer Magnolia
Evergreen Trees
Trees that keep their green foliage year-round.
Live Oak
Holly Trees
Pine Tree
Ligustrum Tree
Juniper Tree
Wax Myrtle
Bottle Brush
Magnolia
Flowering Trees
Trees that flower seasonally.
Texas Olive
Bradford Pear
Crape Myrtle
Magnolia
Red Bud
Bottle Brush