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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - March 09, 2016
From: Salado, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Trees
Title: Growing Loblolly Pine in Salado, Texas
Answered by: Mike Tomme
QUESTION:
I would like to plant a loblolly pine in Salado, Texas. Will these grow well here?ANSWER:
The easy way to know if a tree will grow well in a certain area is to look around that area and see how many are growing. See any Pinus taeda (Loblolly pine)? That's what I thought. Loblollies prefer moist, sandy or sandy loam, acid-based soils. Is that what you have at your place? That's what I thought.
Salado is well west of the normal range for loblolly pines in Texas and the soils there are far from ideal for their growth. Does that mean you shouldn't try? Not at all. Mr. Smarty Plants has seen many trees growing where the textbook says they shouldn't. Just be aware that it will require a great deal of soil preparation before planting, treatment to increase the soil acidity and lots of water.
It will be an uphill climb, but I wish you luck.
From the Image Gallery
More Planting Questions
Permit to transport trees in Ivanhoe TX
December 02, 2010 - Do you have to have a special permit to transport trees on a semi truck and trailer in Texas? They are Texas grown trees, just going to a different location inside the state.
view the full question and answer
Possibility of contaminants leaching from asphalt driveway to adjacent vegetable garden in Tucson
April 13, 2011 - We have planted a vegetable garden next to a driveway. The driveway has recently (within the last 2 years) been covered with asphalt. My concern is that the oil may leach into my vegetables. Is thi...
view the full question and answer
My newly planted Redbuds are not doing well.
June 24, 2009 - I ordered and received 2 Red Bud trees from one of the popular ordering houses. They explained that they were dormant and not dead, and gave us instructions on how to plant them, which we followed. Th...
view the full question and answer
Need something to compete with Virginia wild rye in Bristol, TN.
July 29, 2011 - I have been working for 4 years to convert a large area of sunny lawn (150' x 40') to a native woodland planting, using native trees, shrubs, flowers and grasses. Although I used seeds of a variety ...
view the full question and answer
Pinus taeda (Loblolly pines) for a property in Van Zandt County, Texas
March 17, 2015 - I want to initiate a stand of loblolly pine trees on our property in Van Zandt County in NE Texas. Assuming the ph factor is within range, how do I obtain seedings for this endeavor? Any other advic...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |