Planting trees add to community pride with their tranquility and beauty and also help the environment. Trees planted near an air condition unit or next to walls and windows can reduce home energy consumption by up to 30%. Trees also provide food, nesting sites and protection to a wide variety of birds and animals.
There are several native Louisiana trees that are wind resistant and hurricane tolerant. The Bald Cypress is the oldest-known wetland tree species on earth. It can tolerate a variety of challenging environments and adapts to many soil conditions and moisture.
Live Oak is another native Louisiana tree. This tree has a type of beauty that is grand, dignified, and inspires awe and admiration. It supports a wide variety of bird species and supports more butterflies than any other native tree.
The Southern Magnolia tree produces large creamy white flowers with a rich fragrance. It is an evergreen that blooms in April, May, and June. The seeds are high fat content which supports a host of migrating birds as well as local butterflies.
To get the most success from planting a new tree, plan now what trees to add, and in November through February plant them. In Louisiana, during the fall and winter months the soil temperatures are still warm enough to promote new root growth while the cool air keeps the tree from diverting energy to foliage growth.
Proper planting will ensure the success of your new tree. The hole for the new tree should be no deeper than the existing root ball and five times wider than the diameter of the root ball. The top of the root ball should be at grade level. Place the tree with the burlap wrapped root ball in the hole but opened and pull away the burlap from the sides and top of the ball. Remove any wires or plastic ties. Fill the hole half full with the original soil and slowly fill with water. Do not over-compact the soil, just enough to keep the tree upright. Repeat until the hole is full. This process removes large air pockets but keeps small spaces for air and water which promotes good root growth. Three to four inches of mulch should cover the entire loosened area of soil leaving a space open around the trunk.
The Cypress, Oak, and Magnolia are beautiful large shade trees but require a 15- to 20-foot planting distance from a house. There are several smaller shade trees native to Louisiana that can be planted closer to a house. Examples are the Crape Myrtle, Little Gem Magnolia, Redbud, and Sweetbay Magnolia. These trees offer good shade without growing excessive large.
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Don’t stop be-leafing, journey into tree planting
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