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Oak Trees Elaine Cameron Angelina Master Gardener We have about a dozen oak trees in our yard. They keep our house cooler in summer and the tall sturdy trees are attractive in every season. We enjoy watching the squirrels and blue jays that eat the many acorns. Recently I learned oak trees play a large role in our ecosystem. According to Dr. Doug Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home, “the value of oaks for supporting both vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife cannot be overstated.” Tallamy writes that oaks provide nut forage for deer, raccoons, turkey, squirrels and wood ducks. Many species of birds use oak trees for nesting and shelter. Tallamy’s research reveals that oak trees are the host plant for over 500 species of moths and butterflies or Lepidoptera. Caterpillars from these species are then food for birds, providing essential protein for fledgling birds. (Click on link below to read rest of article) http://lufkindailynews.com/life/community_news/article_117c9f18-fe52-11e0-8ae5-001cc4c002e0.html
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Leaves can be composted to enrich soil.
Leaf Management Elaine Cameron, Angelina Master Gardener Leaf disposal requires several hours of work for most homeowners in our area each year.. Many folks burn leaves and yard waste during the fall and winter.Leaves contain 50 to 80% of the nutrients taken from the soil and air during the growing season and are a valuable resource. Consider these other options for dealing with leaves this year: · Mow light leaf accumulations with a mulching lawn mower. If you mow leaves on a regular basis you will greatly reduce the quantity that need disposal.
· Mulch with leaves: Shred leaves with a lawn mower and use them for mulch. Apply a 3 to 6 inch layer of shredded leaves around the base of trees and shrubs 2 to 3 inches in flower beds. In vegetable gardens a thick layer of leaves between the rows will give you a walkway.
· Use shredded leaves as a soil improvement. Till 6-8 inches into garden soil to improve drainage and aeration. Add a little fertilizer to speed up the decomposition. Let beds rest during winter and they will be ready to plant in the spring.
· Compost leaves. Compost is a natural source of nutrients that enriches the soil, and improves aeration and drainage. It can be used as mulch around landscape plants. Composting can be done with simple, inexpensive materials. To learn more about composting go to your internet search engine and type in “Don’t Bag It-Leaf Management System”. This publication from Texas A & M horticulture has good composting information.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/travis/docs/CompostBringsLife2010.pdf
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/kindergarden/kidscompost/compostingforkids.pdf
Skip Richter, Extension Agent for Travis County has more information about composting. The first link above explains how compost will benefit your soil. The second is a PowerPoint showing kids the essentials of composting. If kids can do it, you can too!
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Hello to Mrs. McVey and her 5th graders. They have been working on a class gardening project and using resources they found on this website. They shared a link with us that can be found on our links page. |
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Native Plant List Dawn Stover, Research Associate of Stephen F. Austin University Arboretum, prepared this list of native plants for East Texas. This list will be useful in landscape plans for homes and businesses. It is helpful to carry along when you shop for native plants at area nurseries. Many local nurseries are willing to order native plants from their wholesalers upon request. Clink on the link below to get a copy: articles/Native Plants/Native Plant List by Dawn.pdf
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Master Gardener Association
Officers for 2012:
President - Richard Campbell Vice-President - Virginia Mc Haney Secretary- Felicia Dark Treasurer - Belinda Hilliard
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