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

Tuesday - May 18, 2010
From: El Paso, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Shade tree for El Paso, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
hi there, I am looking to plant a shade tree in front of my house, about 10ft away from my house and about 6ft away from the sidewalk. I live in El Paso TX and I am afraid that the tree roots will interfere with the water pipes which are about 6ft away from where I want to plant the tree. Which shade trees would you recommend?ANSWER:
You can visit our Texas-West Recommended page and use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to select 'Tree' from the GENERAL APPEARANCE area. This will give you a list of trees native to your area that are suitable for landscaping and are commercially available.
Arbutus xalapensis (Texas madrone) has a tap root and is not likely to cause problems with water line.
Chilopsis linearis (desert willow) There is no indication that this tree has roots that will cause problems.
Cupressus arizonica (Arizona cypress) Surface roots are not usually a problem. Here is more information.
Juglans microcarpa (little walnut) There is no indication that this tree has roots that will cause problems.
Prosopis glandulosa (honey mesquite) Surface roots are not usually a problem. Here is more information.
Quercus emoryi (Emory oak) There is no indication that this tree has roots that will cause problems.
Quercus muehlenbergii (chinkapin oak) Surface roots not usually a problem. Here is more information.
Quercus grisea (gray oak) There is no indication that this tree has roots that will cause problems.
You can check out other trees on the Texas-West Recommended page.
Here are photos from our Image Gallery:
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Hedge for Austin
April 09, 2009 - Hi. I live in West Austin and am having trouble finding plants for our heavily shaded yard (thanks to our beautiful large live oaks). I love glossy, dark green leaves and big flowers. I love the came...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen groundcover under pine tree in NY
May 23, 2008 - Hello! I live in upstate NY. I'm trying to find an evergreen ground cover to plant under a pine tree. I believe it's a white spruce (but I'm not postive). I've read conflicting information reg...
view the full question and answer
Need mowable ground cover for shady area under trees in Lake Charles, LA.
July 12, 2010 - I live in Southwest Louisiana. I have a large portion of my back yard that is very shady because I have large trees in the yard. The area dries up fairly quickly after a heavy rain, so it isn't extre...
view the full question and answer
Shade tree for Portland, OR
March 18, 2009 - Looking for shade tree for Portland, Oregon, with non-invasive root system. House will be 20 ft away, with basement.
view the full question and answer
Plants for northern exposure in Wichita, KS
March 17, 2009 - What are good plants for the north side of the house with acidic soil in Zone 6, Wichita, KS?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |