if you’re asking about the Types of Trees usually grow in Houston, we have to talk about its climate first. Houston is a city that has a wide variety of trees, both native and introduced. Houston has a subtropical climate that allows many different types of trees to grow and flourish.
Some of the trees that are native to Houston are bald cypress, live oak, pecan, sycamore, and yaupon holly. These trees are adapted to the local soil, water, and weather conditions and provide benefits such as shade, wildlife habitat, erosion control, and food. Some of the trees that are introduced to Houston are Nuttall oak, Drake elm, mandarin orange, southern magnolia, and Mexican fan palm.
These trees are from other regions or countries but have been planted in Houston for their ornamental, edible, or environmental value. They add diversity, beauty, and interest to the urban landscape.
One might think that Houston is very bountiful with a variety of trees, and that is something to be proud of and appreciate. Trees are not only important for the environment but also for the culture, history, and identity of a city. Trees can reflect the character, heritage, and aspirations of a city and its people.
Trees can also inspire, educate, and connect people with nature and each other. One might think that Houston has a lot of potential to use its variety of trees to enhance its quality of life, economy, and community.
Common Types Of Trees usually grow in Houston Area, Texas
If we go into more detail about the whole Types of Trees that Usually grow in Houston, we have a list of names and descriptions of every tree you could probably find in Houston.
- Nuttall oak (Quercus texana): A large shade tree that tolerates wet and clay soil. It has yellow-green catkins in spring and red foliage in fall.
- Drake elm (Ulmus parvifolia): A fast-growing and drought-tolerant tree that provides light shade and has flaky bark in grey and orange colours. It has small green flowers in summer and yellow leaves in fall.
- Mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata): A fruit tree that produces sweet and juicy oranges that are easy to peel. It has fragrant white flowers in spring and glossy green leaves all year round.
- Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis): A small ornamental tree that has pink-purple flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. It has heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in fall.
- Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora): A majestic evergreen tree that has large white flowers with a lemon scent in summer. It has dark green leaves with brown undersides and red seed pods in fall.
- Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta): A tall and slender palm tree that has a crown of fan-shaped leaves and clusters of small white flowers in spring. It has a smooth grey trunk that can be pruned to expose the rings.
- Crimson Pointe purple leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera): A narrow and columnar tree that has white flowers in early spring and purple foliage all year round. It produces small red plums that are edible but sour.
- Arapaho crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica): A medium-sized tree that has bright red flowers that last for months in summer and fall. It has dark green leaves that turn orange-red in fall and smooth grey bark that peels off in patches.
- Red Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus): A compact and easy-growing tree that has deep maroon-purple flowers with a red eye that blooms from summer to fall. It has dark green leaves that drop in winter and can be pruned to shape.
- Fig (Ficus carica): A fruit tree that has large lobed leaves and produces sweet and soft figs that can be eaten fresh or dried. It has small green flowers that are hidden inside the fruit and can grow in containers or in the ground.
- Persimmon (Diospyros kaki): A fruit tree that has glossy green leaves that turn red in fall and produces orange-red fruits that are sweet and astringent. It has small yellow flowers in spring and can tolerate drought and frost.
- Pomegranate (Punica granatum): A fruit tree that has narrow green leaves and produces red flowers in summer and large red fruits in fall. The fruits have juicy seeds that are rich in antioxidants and can be eaten fresh or juiced.
- Lemon (Citrus limon): A fruit tree that has thorny branches and produces fragrant white flowers in spring and yellow fruits all year round. The fruits have sour juice and zest that can be used for cooking and cleaning.
- Plum (Prunus domestica): A fruit tree that has oval green leaves and produces white or pink flowers in spring and purple or yellow fruits in summer. The fruits have sweet and juicy flesh and a hard stone in the centre.
Types of Trees That Usually Grow in Houston for Landscaping?
Houston is a city that has a lot of potential for landscaping trees. Landscaping trees can enhance the beauty, value, and environmental benefits of a property. They can provide shade, privacy, windbreak, noise reduction, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic appeal. They can also reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and prevent soil erosion.
However, not all trees are suitable for landscaping in Houston. Houston has a warm and humid climate that can pose challenges for some tree species. Some of the factors that affect the growth and survival of landscaping trees in Houston are:
- Soil type: Houston has mostly clay soil that is poorly drained and compacted. Clay soil can limit the root development and oxygen availability for trees. Therefore, landscaping trees in Houston should be able to tolerate wet and heavy soil or be planted in raised beds or containers with well-drained soil.
- Water availability: Houston receives an average of 49.8 inches of rainfall per year, but it also experiences periods of drought and flooding. Landscaping trees in Houston should be able to withstand both dry and wet conditions or be watered regularly and properly.
- Sun exposure: Houston has an average of 204 sunny days per year, but it also has high temperatures and humidity. Landscaping trees in Houston should be able to tolerate full sun or partial shade or be protected from excessive heat and sunburn.
- Space: Houston has a population density of 3,977 people per square mile, which means that space can be limited for landscaping trees. Landscaping trees in Houston should be able to fit in the available space or be pruned and trained to control their size and shape.
- Maintenance: Houston has a variety of pests and diseases that can affect landscaping trees. Landscaping trees in Houston should be resistant to common problems or be treated and monitored regularly. They should also be fertilized, mulched, and pruned as needed.
Some other good choices for landscape trees in Houston are:
- Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata): An evergreen conifer that has long needles in bundles of two and produces brown cones. The tree has a straight trunk and a pyramid-shaped top.
- American holly (Ilex opaca): An evergreen tree that has spiny green leaves and produces red berries in winter. It has small white flowers in spring and attracts birds and wildlife.
- Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda): An evergreen conifer that has long needles in bundles of three and produces large cones. It has a fast growth rate and a tall and straight shape.
- Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana): An evergreen conifer that has scale-like leaves and produces blueberries. It has a reddish-brown bark that peels off in strips and a conical or columnar shape.
Why Choose Tree Service Houston Fantastic?
Choosing the right tree for your landscape can be a challenging task. You need to consider factors such as soil type, water availability, sun exposure, space, maintenance, and pest resistance. You must also know how to plant, prune, fertilize, and care for your trees to keep them healthy and attractive.
That’s why you need the expert advice and service of Tree Service Houston Fantastic, the best choice for consultation in such matters. Tree Service Houston Fantastic is a professional and reliable company that offers a wide range of tree services in Houston and surrounding areas. We have a team of certified arborists who can help you select, plant, and maintain the best trees for your property.
We also offer tree removal, trimming, stump grinding, disease diagnosis, and emergency services. We have the experience, equipment, and skills to handle any tree-related problem you may have.
Whether you want to add a new tree to your landscape or need to take care of an existing one, Tree Service Houston Fantastic is the company you can trust. We are committed to providing quality work, customer satisfaction, and competitive prices. Get free estimate and consultation by contacting us now. We are looking forward to hearing from you and serving your tree needs.