You pass by them everyday, whether newly planted or rooted before the American Civil War. The Texas Live Oak is as much a symbol of Texas as barbeque or high school football.
The Texas Live Oak (Quercus fusiformis) is a type of oak tree that is native to Texas and parts of Mexico. It is a large tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall and can live for hundreds of years. They can be easily identified by their evergreen leaves, which are dark green and glossy, and their distinctive "live oak" shape, which is characterized by a wide-spreading canopy and thick branches that droop downward. The bark is dark gray, thick and furrowed. They also have acorns that ripen in the fall. They are commonly found in Texas and in the southern United States and are often used as shade trees in landscaping.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Texas Live Oak has a long and storied past, closely intertwined with many important events in Texas' history and culture. It is often seen as a symbol of strength and endurance, representing the toughness of early Texas settlers and revolutionaries. One such Oak is the Treaty Oak located in Austin, Texas.
The Treaty Oak is estimated to be over 500 years old. It was once part of a grove of 14 oak trees, but stands now as the only survivor of the original grove. It was a sacred tree for the Tonkawa tribe, who used to gather under it for councils and ceremonies. According to local legend, the tree was also a popular spot for Comanche tribes to sign treaties with European settlers. The Treaty Oak is designated as a Texas Historical Landmark and a United States National Historic Landmark.
Another such tree important to Texas history is the Live Oak planted in the Alamo courtyard which is known as "The Big Tree".
The tree was planted in the early 1840s, just a few years after the battle of the Alamo by Susanna Dickinson, who was one of its few survivors. The tree has been a symbol of remembrance and the sacrifices made by the Texans who died at the Alamo. "The Big Tree" is a protected and celebrated landmark and stands to represent the resilience of the Texan spirit.
The branches of the Texas Live Oak can even be found on the state seal of Texas! The live oak is known for its hardiness and ability to survive in harsh conditions, which is fitting for a state that has a history of being a frontier and full of rugged terrain. The tree's broad canopy also symbolizes the state's hospitality and the many people who have taken shelter under its branches. The image of the live oak branches on the state seal serves as a reminder of the state's natural beauty and its hardy, independent spirit.
Planting and Care
Here are some specific instructions on how to plant and care for a Texas Live Oak:
Choose a location: The Texas Live Oak prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid planting it in areas with standing water or poor drainage.
Prepare the soil: Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or peat moss. This will help improve the soil structure and increase the tree's chances of survival.
Plant the tree: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Remove the tree from its container and loosen any tightly wound roots. Place the tree in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with the amended soil and water the tree well.
Watering: Water the tree deeply and regularly for the first few months after planting. Once established, the Texas Live Oak is drought-tolerant and will need minimal watering.
Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the tree to become too vigorous and more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning: Prune the tree as needed to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Texas Live Oak is a slow grower, so heavy pruning is not usually needed.
Pest and disease control: Texas Live Oak is a hardy tree and is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it is important to watch for signs of infestation or infection and take appropriate action if necessary.
Enjoy: Texas Live Oak is a beautiful tree and can be enjoyed for many years. They can grow up to 50 feet tall, so make sure to plan accordingly for the future.
It's important to note that proper planting and care will help ensure the tree's survival and growth, but it's also important to note that it can take several years for the tree to become established. With patience and proper care, your Texas Live Oak will be a beautiful addition to your landscape for many years to come.
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