Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - May 11, 2015
From: Elgin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Poisonous Plants, Trees
Title: Fruit and nut trees safe for horses.
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
My husband and I just moved to Elgin. We have always wanted to grow fruit/nut baring trees but didn't take in to consideration that horses might eat them. We have never had land or horses before, so we are learning a lot. What can we plant that the horses won't eat?ANSWER:
Horses are likely to browse on leaves and bark and to rub on just about any tree within their reach, especially if they're bored. You will need to erect horse-proof barriers around any young trees you plant.
You should not plant cherries, peaches, apricots or plums anywhere near where you plan to keep horses. Nor should you ever feed the foliage of these trees to your horses. Likewise, you should not grown Black Walnut anywhere near horses. However, Pecan is safe for horses, though horses may not be safe for young pecans. For a much more thorough discussion, there are any number of lists of trees and other plants toxic to horses published on-line.
More Trees Questions
Erosion controlling plants for a shady Minnesota lakeside
August 11, 2015 - I live about 50 yards from a lake and there is a steep embankment. Recently someone decided to cut the trees off the embankment and now the dirt is eroding off the embankment as well as off my back ya...
view the full question and answer
Need a native tree for full sun in Hockley, TX
October 27, 2009 - What native trees should I plant for full sun. I am building on a 1/2 acre previously used as grazing land on the original Katy prairie. I need one large shade tree, a few smaller ornamentals, and a...
view the full question and answer
Non-native Japanese maple for East Northport NY
August 20, 2013 - I live in NY and I am looking to plant a Japanese maple in front of my house. It would be in front of a window so I'm thinking should I get a dwarf? Or a semi dwarf? I know I want a red color but un...
view the full question and answer
Pruning mature cedar elm trees in San Antonio
September 14, 2008 - When is the right time to prune my several mature cedar elm trees? I'm in San Antonio, and they have never been trimmed in the 55 years we have lived in this home. I have several that are at least 7...
view the full question and answer
Cottage-style landscaping for Chesapeake VA
August 02, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plant staff,
I recently moved into a cottage style home that has a poured concrete/paver patio. I am trying to come up with ideas for plantings that would 1. give me a bit of privacy,...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |