Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Friday - April 02, 2010
From: Georgetown, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Evergreen tree to provide block for treehouse in Central Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I live close to Austin TX and need an evergreen tree to block neighbor's newly constructed, metal roof tree house. It looms over our garden and yard - can you suggest a nice evergreen tree for hot morning sun with afternoon partial shade? Our soil is rocky and alkaline. Thanks.ANSWER:
Here evergreen trees native to the Austin/Georgetown area. All of these grow to at least 25 feet high.
Juniperus virginiana (eastern redcedar) and here is more information
Quercus fusiformis (plateau oak)
Condalia hookeri (Brazilian bluewood) and here is more information
Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel)
Prunus caroliniana (Carolina laurelcherry)
Here are some smaller native evergreen trees/shrubs that could also work. These all grow to around 12 feet high.
Garrya ovata (eggleaf silktassel)
Morella cerifera (wax myrtle) There are dwarf varieties of wax myrtle so, if you purchase one from a nursery, you need to check carefully to avoid getting one of these.
Here are photos of the above from our Image Gallery:
More Trees Questions
Mystery tree in Ontario
July 06, 2011 - I found a tree (similar to an apple tree in blossom) in a shaded area by a stream on our property. I have never seen anything like it. It is again, like an apple branch with the blossoms, however, t...
view the full question and answer
Having a problem with my Mexican Plum in Houston, TX.
July 05, 2011 - I am having problems with the Mexican Plum Tree in my backyard, sap is oozing from the branches and several large branches have died. I am inclined to think that it I have infestation of borers? How ...
view the full question and answer
Replacements for Ashe Junipers in Georgetown, TX
November 03, 2012 - We have cut down several cedar trees on our property in Williamson County Texas. We would like to replace the cedar trees with another variety of tree. Do you have recommendations for what type of t...
view the full question and answer
Drought affecting native trees from The Woodlands
August 18, 2011 - I've been trying to grow native trees in my yard for the past 3 years and I'm starting to question whether the amount of time required to spend watering them during the long hot season in Texas is r...
view the full question and answer
Problem with mesquite tree limbs
June 13, 2014 - i keep finding some smaller branches of my mesquite tree in the turf area around the tree. when looking at the cut ends, they appear to have a smooth cut around the circumference of the limb about 1/...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |