Last week we visited about how windmill palms are a great way to add some shade and uniqueness to the landscape design of your house. However, today we want to tell you a little more about the trees you will see more frequently in this area of Texas.
There are a number of trees that you can grow here in Abilene and the Big Country and with how hot the summers can be here, are a great way to cool you and your home. In fact, arborday.org says “planting the right trees in the right places conserves energy” and could help “reduce your energy bills”. They go on to say “properly placed trees save energy by providing summer shade, winter warmth, and winter windbreaks”. While each tree can effect homes in different ways. Picking the right tree for your home should be based on your taste, future growth of the tree, and the type of maintenance you hope to do moving forward. Today we want to tell you about 3 types of trees you should want to consider.
The red oak is a fast growing tree. They can grow to over 100 feet tall and can cover a large area with shade. They are especially beautiful in the fall when they turn very vibrant colors.
The pistachio tree does not grow as fast or as tall as the Red Oak but it is a very beautiful tree. Its’ leaves have good fall colors and has a more rounded shape than the oak. Another great attribute for this area is that this tree withstands heat very well.
One of the best trees for this area is the Afghan Pine or “Eldarica Pine”. This is an evergreen tree and keeps its foliage throughout the year. It grows at a rate closer to the Pistachio Tree and can grow up to 60 feet but usually between 30-60 feet. The Eldarica Pine is also an amazing windbreak tree and is used in planting throughout the southwest.