Heritage trees are an integral part of our community. Not only do they provide a context for community identity but also significantly contribute to the betterment of our environment.
Alamo heritage trees are no different; they provide the area’s residents with a sense of place and permanency, and a host of environmental, health, and economic benefits. You will find them in historic parklands and estates, native woodlands, agricultural fields, along roadsides, or as lone specimens in housing estates.
Here, we explore the Live Oak and pecan, the two most popular heritage trees in Alamo. Read on.
The 2 Most Important Alamo Heritage Trees
1. Live Oak
The Quercus virginiana aka, Live Oak is one of the oldest trees not only in Alamo but across Texas. It grows to about 70 feet, with a canopy spread of 100 feet, which makes it one of the best shade trees in Texas. This is an evergreen tree and its beauty shines all year round, withstanding hot, scorching summers, and cold, freezing winters.
Related Posts: Oak Trees In Texas & Evergreen Trees Texas
If properly sited and cared for, a Live Oak will grow moderately fast and may produce up to 3 feet of growth per year. But the growth rate decreases with age, with mid-aged oaks growing only half a foot or less per year. These trees can live for many years, with some Live Oak Alamo species living up to 200 years. They are drought tolerant and can withstand some of the most common tree diseases in Texas.
But oak wilt, a deadly tree fungus in Texas is still a problem is Alamo, and Live Oaks are some of the oak species that are susceptible to this infection. If you have the tree in your yard, therefore, you need to constantly care for it to prevent this deadly fungus.
Caring for Live Oak Alamo species properly means trimming the tree every year for the first two to three years. The tree should never be pruned early in the spring or at the beginning of summer, as this could attract the insects and pests that spread the oak wilt fungus. It is also important to water the trees when young to help them establish a strong root system that will enable them to suck water and nutrients deep from the soil for continued growth. Most homeowners will have a certified tree service Alamo company manage the care and maintenance of their trees for them.
2. Pecan
The pecan is a tall, gigantic tree that has been grown in Alamo for many years both for its tasty nuts and for its deep shade. It can grow up to 150 feet tall and spread up to 80 feet wide, which means you need to have a large enough yard to plant it, as it has no dwarf varieties. The tree has dark-green foliage that turns into pretty golden yellow in the fall.
Pecan trees love the heat, so they will grow well anywhere in Alamo. They also prefer well-drained soils although they can still thrive in poor soils. Regular watering is essential, especially for the newly-planted trees. Water at least once a week for the first three years until strong roots are established. It takes a pecan tree about 12 years to mature but once it has reached maturity, it can live and remain productive for more than 200 years.
It is important to note that pecan trees are not self-pollinated, so you have to plant more than one to allow for fertilization if you hope to harvest a decent amount of pecans. If you have a neighbor who grows pecan trees, then it may be possible for you to get away with growing just a single tree. But if there is no other pecan tree nearby, you will need to plant more than just one to encourage cross-pollination and ensure your trees give you harvestable nuts.
Related Post: Texas State Tree
Pecans are considered relatively tough trees and can withstand harsh weather and do well in a wide range of soil conditions. But like most trees, pecans are vulnerable to a variety of killer tree diseases like the anthracnose and powdery mildew. Keeping your trees healthy by constantly applying fungicides and having them checked by a tree service Texas company could go a long way in keeping these diseases at bay.
Related Posts: Pecan Tree Diseases & Types Of Pecans In Texas
The Local Tree Experts Overview
The Live Oak and pecan are the most popular Alamo heritage trees, providing residents with a sense of belonging and increasing the value of the property in which they are planted. If you have a yard big enough to accommodate a giant tree, why not try one of these heritage beauties? But remember, just like any other tree you have in your garden, these two species require proper care and maintenance to stay healthy and protected against pests and diseases, so do not forget to include them in your tree-care program.
