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Native Plant Society of Texas

Fredericksburg Chapter

How to Plant and Care for Trees – May 23 Fredericksburg chapter meeting

Robert Edmonson with Texas A & M Forest Service is the speaker for the May 23 chapter meeting. He will share his expertise about choosing trees, how to plant and take care of them, and “what not to do” so you don’t kill the trees you already have. He will also provide recommendations for native plants and shrubs for our region (Edwards Plate

“We are looking forward to Mr. Edmonson sharing his knowledge with us,” said Deborah Simmons, President, Fredericksburg Chapter of NPSOT. “Our region has suffered greatly from oak wilt, drought and severe freezes. We hope new homeowners and long-time landowners will bring their tree-related questions and learn more about the best trees to plant in our area and how to do it.”

Edmonson has been with Texas A & M Forest Service since 1993 and serves the Johnson City Region, which includes Blanco, Comal, Gillespie, Kimble, Llano, Mason and Menard Counties. His current responsibilities include statewide implementation of the oak wilt suppression program; oak wilt research; creating content for the oak wilt partnership website (texasoakwilt.org); training International Society of Arboriculture-certified arborists for oak wilt qualification; implementation of woodland stewardship and conservation programs; assistance with Operation Ponderosa at Davis Mountains Preserve; emerald ash borer detection program; emergency response duties; public education on various tree-related topics; state-wide drought, flood and freeze assessments. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1988 with a B.S. in Wildlife Management. ~ Holly Simonette

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About the Region

New Braunfels, the location of our Fall 2024 Symposium, straddles both the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion and the Blackland Prairie ecoregion. Interstate 35 divides the city of New Braunfels; its path through the city closely parallels the boundary of these two ecoregions, with the Edwards Plateau on the west side and the Blackland Prairies region to the east. The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our four host chapters (New Braunfels, Lindheimer, Guadalupe, and the Hill Country chapters) are located in one or both of the ecoregions above. However, the eastern portion of Guadalupe County also falls within the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion. Annual rainfall averages 35 to 45 inches, with higher averages to the east. A wide variety of hardwood trees are found, including several species of oaks, elms, and in the Bastrop area, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Grasses and forbs dominate in the open savannas, with most common grass being little bluestem. Ranching, agriculture, and fire suppression have allowed woody species to encroach on the once-open savannas.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason