Privacy Trees

I finally have my gorgeous live oak privacy trees in my yard! I could not be happier with my choice of mature trees for my landscape. The wholesaler Southern Pride Tree Farm did an excellent job of delivering my trees on time and my landscaper did a wonderful job of planting my new trees. Now when I look out my picture window I see these amazing trees instead of just grass and a road. It really adds a lot of romantic class to my home.

The process was a little intimidating at first but it all went a lot smoother than I thought it would. When I first contacted Southern Pride to order my trees it was explained to me that I would need to contact a landscaper to help move these trees into place. Since the trees for privacy I ordered weigh 10,000 pounds each my landscaper would have to have the proper quipment to handle this job.

Luckily the landscaping company I have been using the last few years had experience moving big trees so that was a big plus for me. Since I was going to have 5 1/2 foot deep holes dug into my yard for the trees to be placed into I also had to contact my ultilty companies to come and mark off where all the lines ran on my property.

So on the day I had set to have my trees delivered the landscapers came out to dig these holes and I swear to you they were big enough for a person to jump down in there and not be seen. I was almost tempted to try it! I was really worried that the equipment might cause damage to my yard or the sidewalks but again my landscaper came through for me and there were no problems.

My live oak trees really do look great now (even the neighbors came out to watch them plant my trees!) and I am sure that despite my lack of a green thumb they will thrive. The owner of Southern Pride Tree Farm Jimmy Gray has been growing live oak trees for over 20 years according to the website. They also assured me that if I ever have any questions or concerns about my trees I can call them for support.

All in all I recieved a fair wholesale price on my three trees, I recieved great service, and I am beyond THRILLED with how my yard looks. I would happily recommend Southern Pride and do business with them again.

For the best privacy trees check them out for yourself if you like: “Southern Pride Tree Farm”

I wanted to go more in depth about my research for landscaping with privacy trees, specifically the trees which are already tall shade trees when they arrive. These are REALLY big trees I am going to be planting in my yard so I find the whole process of how they arrive interesting. One of the best examples of this process was shown in a video I found on Youtube.

As you can see yourself there is a lot of heavy machinery used with trees of this size. I read an article in Popular Mechanics which has a pretty good explanation on this process. “PM’s Guide To Planting Mature Trees” if you would like to read it yourself. The process sounds like a bit of a mess but I think it’s still worth it versus the years of waiting for my trees to mature.

Here is a section of that article:

“The process

Each planting requires the operator to first remove a soil plug from your yard, thereby creating a hole for the new tree (Photo 1). Typically, this plug is then hauled to the nursery and dropped into the hole left by a previous removal.

At the nursery, the operator opens the gate-like rear half of the spade assembly and centers the blades around the tree. With the gates closed, the operator engages the hydraulics that drive the pointed blades into the ground (Photo 2). The trunk is strapped to the machine to keep it from shifting as it’s transported (Photo 3).

Then, the operator uses a second set of hydraulics to lift the root plug from the ground, arching it over the back of the vehicle. In this way, the captured tree lies horizontally across the top of the truck for transport (lead photo).

At the planting site, the truck swings the tree back to a vertical position and centers the plug over the hole (Photo 4). After the plug has been lowered into place the blades are withdrawn.

When planning the job, keep in mind that a truck-mounted tree spade requires room to maneuver. Steep grades, overhead wires, the proximity of buildings and other location features can affect the feasibility of the transplant.

Note, too, that the combined weight of the truck and tree can crack sidewalks and make a mess of wet lawns or new sod. In new construction, it’s best to plant trees before landscaping. Also, be sure to have your operator make the appropriate contact to see if buried utilities are present.”

I am consulting with my landscaper on how to best plant my new privacy trees while minimizing any of the problems mentioned in the article. More on that soon.

The question is often asked as to whether the right and the right time to "prune" your trees? This is always a topical and highly relevant question important when dealing with the topic of tree care – for your yard and garden – if your house or town house or villa.

When considering the opportunity a pruning should take into account several factors. The timing is not always correct when it is easier and more convenient for the artist or technical landscape.

The first factor to consider is that each pruning cut on a branch of life is a direct insult and injury to the plant is a tree, shrub or bush. These wounds take away energy plant vital shopping and reserves. Pruning wounds that the tree will use energy to contain the decay that is caused by injuries to the tree and also in the repair process. Nothing is for nothing, and so does the care of trees and growth. . Make a global rule to prune only the minimum amount necessary. The experience of thousands of landscapers has shown that excessive pruning will result in permanent damage to the plant or tree trimmed. Just as in the future increase frequency of corrective pruning and landscaping will most likely be necessary and required. These repairs later could not otherwise have been necessary.

The second factor to consider is the actual tree species. It is well known that different trees have different growth patterns that affect the time of year that success can prune the tree. Trees like maple, willow and birch should not be pruned later this year – in the winter season and also in the early spring seasons. Pruning of willow, maple and birch at this time they will lose large amounts of liquid sap, which if not slightly weaken the trees, leave a sticky mess in your yard. The trees tend to lose the sap can be best be pruned when they are in their completely leaves later in the spring or summer.

The third factor to consider is the presence of insect pests and diseases. Some trees may be more susceptible to these problems if they are injured by pruning. Therefore, species such as elm and oak must be pruned only in latency, which is typically after the leaves fall and mild winter. In many jurisdictions, there are prohibitions on pruning elm and oak trees during their growing seasons.

In general, most flowering trees can be pruned right after the flowers to allow new buds set. The pruning of these trees may be too late in response to poor flowing next year growing season.

Found that, with many deciduous trees, the last to wait for pruning in the winter season, the greater the amount of adventitious shoots that will develop the following year. If you prune these trees later in the season – best in the fall or late summer is that these succulent shoots are less likely to exploit in his backyard.

Firs and pines, most can be pruned in spring when they are making new growth. In general, most evergreen conifers follow this rule and should not be pruned from mid summer to autumn weather cools.

Finally, it is important that you tools and gardening tools are sharp and to work. Cuts larger than ¾ inch should be done with a sharp saw. If the court is less than ¼ inch below the preferred tool are bypass pruners.

All in all, pruning ornamentals, shrubs and plants properly and at the right time of year to plant species.

Our live oak trees are our neighborhoods crowning glory. So, preserving and caring for them is extremely important to your landscape values and their beauty. One might say, our live oaks eke a survival out of Texas because of the extreme harsh climate and soil conditions in which they must live, and yes they thrive in spite of our latest extended drought conditions.

Our Live Oaks around homes and cities require certain conditions to survive and prosper. The homeowner should be concerned regarding the landscape activities of planting near oaks, irrigation and feeding, pruning, disease and insect infestations. Most native oaks in Texas evolved and prospered in an environment typified by a cool, moist winters and hot, dry summers. Under natural conditions, surface soils are wet during the cooler months and become dry by summer.

Natural vegetation growing around and beneath oaks are usually dormant during the winter and flourishes during spring and by late summer, and into early fall creating the well-known golden-brown landscape, of Texas’ valleys and foothills. Native live oaks, however, remain green because their thick, leathery leaves and other adaptive features reduce their growth rate and water use. The homeowners should attempt to approximate the natural environment in which these magnificent trees are in their natural setting. When cared for properly, live oak has a moderately rapid to slow rate of growth.

Trimming should be done only during the hottest time of year, late June to October and the coldest time, late November to mid February for the evergreen species of oaks. . Keep in mind that the canopy and root system must always be kept in balance, moderation is the best policy as excessive pruning may well jeopardize the tree’s overall vigor and health. Some research has shown that, wound dressings or sealing compounds tree paint do more harm than good. Yet all tree company’s use a wound sealer and I seal all cuts to be on the safe side.

Because of the risk of oak wilt,an inexpensive Black spray paint is best applied to seal the wound and at the same time allow the wood tissue to cure properly. Pruning should be performed by an experienced arborist or homeowner familiar with oak pruning according to the pruning standard of the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture.

“Pruning Notes”

Recognizing Live Oak Pruning maintainance needs and susceptable tree health issues.

All Dead Live Oaks should be removed immediately upon decline.

Most Oaks develop mechanical growth problems which can be caused by self inflicted wounding {rubbing/Branch crossing,abrasions) usually due to neglect which can become a haven for insects,usually ants or a potential disease infection or branch transmission point.

This includes interlocking limbs that rub against each other, prune, remove,repair and seal these issues ASAP.

Dead wood must be removed usually with a small top handle arborist chainsaw( Echo,Stihl,or Shindaiwa) by making a smooth flush cut above the dead branch paralell to the main branch.

A relief cut above dead branch intersection can reduce weight and pressure and prevent the cut and bark from tearing on medium to large limbs Then immediatly seal the cut with tree-cote or a thick coat of cheap black spray paint.

Remember safety is most important and use ropes and relief cuts to prevent binding, Also to secure large branches and be sure of your exit and use a tree safety harness as needed for high work and good common sense will ensure a successful and safe job.

Branches rubbing on roofs,other branches or other structures must be cut back as the abrasion is a potential insect disease transmission point.

This will significantly reduce the possibility of Oak Wilt wound infection by reducing insect vector transmission points.

Trees growing up into and possibly rubbing other branches through the dome or crown of other susceptible Live Oaks. This type of abrasive wounding, will never heal, and will flow sap year around. The flow will be heaviest during peak insect and fungal mat formation periods. All pruning cuts made by man, even large or incompetent cuts, will stop flowing sap within a couple of hours. If these wounds are properly treated with pruning paint, there will be no sap flow at all and the wound will be unattractive to the insect. Therefore, properly pruned Oaks are less likely to become infected by sap feeding insects.

1. Trees that need to be pruned, should be pruned, by a educated tree savy homeowner familiar with safe oak tree pruning practices or experienced pruner or professional Arborist, as soon as possible. Removing all smaller lower and dead branches will help push the growth to the upper branches ands provide better growth structure to the upper canopy and enhance overall tree health.

Overall Live Oak tree health will improve the overhead canopy as the trees “Dome Out” and growth will improve branch health structure by allowing denser growth.

2. Try to avoid leaving knobs sticking out as they are unsightly and susceptable to decay and insects love these places. Flush Cut and seal all knobs and wounds ASAP.

3. When pruning trees of deadwood, cuts susceptible to decay and or harboring insects(usually ants)always remove the safe harbor by eliminating the facilitation and transmission vehicle points of disease infection to the trees.

4. Always use a non-phytotoxic wound sealer such as tree-cote or paint should always be used on every cut ASAP.

source: wynnrock.org

A field-grown Live Oak tree is planted into native soils, grown to a harvestable size, harvested prior to sale, and transported to the job site. Field-grown Live Oak trees are referred to as balled and bur lapped (B&B) because the root system is harvested and wrapped in burlap. Live Oak trees are placed in wire baskets to support the root system and to make it possible to lift the Live Oak by the root ball rather than the trunk.

Many studies have been done to compare B&B Live Oak trees with Container Grown Live Oak trees after planting. One such study from the University of Florida Horticulture Department (1996) shows how B&B take to a new environment as long as certain root pruning and irrigation procedures are done in the nursery. Live Oak trees in our field-grown nursery are maintained with drip irrigation, fertilizer, selective shoot pruning, and root pruning. Root pruning, drip irrigation and fertilizer help build a strong, dense root system, while selective pruning is used to guide the Live Oak tree into the desired form.

Our field-grown Live Oak trees are hardened-off or cured after harvesting. This hardening-off process lasts three to four weeks and it simply involves providing the Live Oak with optimum irrigation during the few weeks after harvesting. This step, as simple as it may seem, is crucial to the health and survivability of the Live Oak tree.

After the Live Oak tree is hardened-off it is ready to ship (see our shipping process page) to the landscape site. New roots that have begun to develop are ready to grow immediately into the landscape. These new roots growing outside of the burlap are a sign of quality. Our Quality Root System Guarantee reminds you of the care taken to assure the survival of our Live Oak trees in your landscape. Look for roots outside of the burlap, our QRS Guarantee assures that you are planting a quality hardened-off Live Oak tree.

source: Southern Pride Tree Farm

Why are live oak trees part of the design for hosting entertainment? It is about creating atmosphere and a wonderful atmosphere is easy under a magnificent tree. To do this you must know the elements that make sense rest, relaxation, elegance, pleasure and organize the elements of landscape design so that everything has a comfortable design and is of interest. The design landscape must create intrigue with the different areas to visit and reflect “the excitement factor.

Create the mood

What creates a great landscape design environment that keeps your guests entertained, fill their glasses of wine, sweet smell and taste of hoers task. Regardless of the budget and the elements a great landscape design for outdoor entertaining should have multiple uses and activities, be comfortable and beautiful. Although very personal, beautiful landscape design must engage with fountains, sculptures, garden art or trees like your live oak in the foreground with stylish and soft lush fall back hedges and bushes. Pathways various guidance materials and the unification of his guests are one space to another with the intrigue and interest, “what else is here” is the emotion you want to generate. How can you make the most of every element of the garden to create maximum beauty, functionality and usability?

Patios and Gardens and plantations

Creating a hierarchy of roads, patios and lawns landscape defines the spaces that have different uses. You can also add details the areas of pavement and concrete. For example, you can create an effect of outdoor carpet by the addition of a mosaic pattern to a patio or yard herringbone brick with white stone edge to add visual interest and detail in the definition of space. You can also change color or material routes transition between the larger spaces such as the use of stone carved with the ground cover planted in the middle to soften the effect of the route and provide greater visual interest and softness with the surrounding garden. Grass can serve as patios open to play with clipped hedges and edges of the garden with seating areas, as in a park public were people love seeing other people.

Pools, Spas and Water Sources

Most of the architectural elements of the pools years have become dynamic features built into the water. Sun decks are common to come and give up the pool. Banks can be built along a length total pool to rest. In the pool, also may be shallow to walk. Water sources can take advantage of vertical add a sculptural element to suck as a large spa that descends into the pool vessel or aircraft may be perfectly woven into the pool for the visual and auditory effects.

The Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens have become multimedia rooms. A beautiful outdoor fireplace can serve as a backdrop for a wonderful night outdoors, serving as the function and art. A simple fire pit can provide all the fun and coordination point that you need in a small courtyard. If built in an area, TV and stereo can add to your grilling enjoyment. There are all sorts of variations on the grid configurations. There are combination of grilling and snuff, and like refrigerators or sinks depending on the amount of cooking you see doing for your guests. Outdoor Kitchens also indoor entertainment outdoors.

Seats

Seats have to change from passive to comfortable. This includes passive seating walls and concrete, stone or wooden benches, the areas were your guests can sit or stand against speaking with someone for a short mix of conversation. At the next level that may be able to eat and socialize. Then, more comfortable chair to sit on large family and relaxation.

Landscape Lighting

The soft light blue glow of a live oak branch and leaves cascading across a stone bench. The environment of flickering light and water and surface brightness in a pool. Floodlit is really what creates the state mood and sets the tone for the enjoyment of all night. High-voltage mercury vapor lighting emits a soft glow at night surreal creating a new effect complete the landscape design. Hot accent lights can be carefully placed to give interest to the sculptures, urns, bowls of flowers or light up the beauty of a ornamental live oak tree.

Build an outdoor extravaganza

The more you can add the above elements, plus the design of your garden landscape becomes an experience for meetings, events and private renewal. Just as the interior of your home provides different use areas for the garden should reflect its many public and private needs and dreams.

Savannah, Georgia, comes to mind when one thinks of live oaks. These trees classic beauty of Spanish moss along streets with historic homes before war are unforgettable.

Live oak grows throughout the southeastern United States. Located on the east coast of southeastern Virginia to Florida and west to southern Texas and central. It grows mainly in sandy soils of low coastal areas, but also grows in rich woods in wet or dry sand. It has an earth resistance and salt fog sea salt and does well in the barrier islands.

Live oak is monoecious. This means they have male and female reproductive units in the same plant. They produce flowers each spring, March to May and the acorns ripen in September and fall in December. Live oak acorns are long, dark brown to black and tapered. They are sweet and very popular between birds and other animals.

If the fall of acorns in moist, warm soil will germinate soon after the fall. Germination is the beginning of seed growth of acorn. The leaves that develop during germination absorb the moisture that makes food available. The roots came after to find its own water to produce outbreaks. Seeds of live oak leaves remain below the soil surface and shoots sprout abundantly from the roots.

Encinas do not get very tall, rarely over 50 feet, but the crown or the extension of the tree can have a length of 150 feet. It is a very popular shade tree because to this. Year oak wood is very tough and strong and was used for shipbuilding ago. The wood is not used today as it is mostly shade and ornamental trees.

Oaks have a tendency to grow in large dense groups with interconnecting roots that make it very susceptible to wilt disease of oaks that is an fungus. This fungus is spread from one oak to another through connected root is one of the tree diseases more severe. They kill hundreds of trees in Austin, Texas, each year in the patches, because of its tendency to grow in forests. Certified arborists provide tree services Austin are very experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of wilting.

The wilting symptoms are usually found in the leaves develop yellow veins that turn brown and fall off the tree. The crown of the tree exits diluted until it dies. Wilting can be costly for the treatment and control and an accurate diagnosis is essential. An arborist certification services of trees should be contacted to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

SOUTHERN LIVE OAK (Quercus virginiana)

A large, sprawling, picturesque tree and it is highly desirable as a landscape tree. The Live Oak is one of the broadest spreading of the Oaks, providing large areas of deep, inviting shade. Reaching 40 to 60 feet in height with a 60 to 100 foot spread and usually possessing many sinuously curved trunks and branches.

Live Oak is an impressive sight for any large-scaled landscape. Give it plenty of room since the trunk can grow to more than six feet in diameter. An amazingly durable American native, it can measure its life in centuries if properly located and cared for in the landscape.

In Texas, live oaks learned ten thousand years ago that Texas soils and environmental conditions are not conducive for propagation from the acorns. They depend on animals and birds to transplant acorns away from the parent tree for the sake of forest diversity. Live oaks are very bad parents and do not want competition from their siblings, so they predispose a fungus to kill the germination of the acorns that remain under the tree.

Live oaks propagate in a very unusual manner, they put out ramets (sending-up root sprouts) from the mature roots, or otherwise a bud that grows off the root. This method ensures 100% survival as the new shoots have a fully mature root system for support. They actually clone themselves, a Mott or grove of a few or up to hundreds of trees are really all the same tree and can cover large acreage areas.