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.

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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.

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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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Saturday - October 20, 2012

From: Winona, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Managing Roadsides, Trees
Title: Can a fallen tree in Texas have pieces of it removed from Winona TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I was wondering if you could tell me if a tree has fallen down, is it legal for me to go and cut pieces off of it in the state of Texas. And if you happen not to know could you tell me who I would contact in order to ask.

ANSWER:

Sure, if it's your tree. If it's not your tree, and it has fallen on your land, you can remove it in the interests of safety. If it is on someone else's land, including TXDoT (Texas Department of Transportation) roadsides, no, you cannot. To remove anything, plant (dead or alive) or other natural features from land you do not own can be considered criminal trespass.