Gardener's Guide
In addition to useful information from outside sources, we invite you to open our Gardener’s Guide. Lots of info just for gardeners in the Trans-Pecos – available nowhere else!
Trees of Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas
Sul Ross State University campus is an oasis in the Chihuahuan Desert region. Over 40 species of native and nonnative trees can be found there. Download this list of trees on the Sul Ross campus and go on a tree treasure hunt!
1. Choose the “right tree” – trees that are native to and well-adapted to our
desert environment (drought tolerant and ability to thrive in harsh conditions).
2. Prepare the Soil
a. dig a hole just slightly larger than the root ball
b. loosen soil at the bottom and sides of the hole to encourage root growth
c. fill the hole with water and let it drain out before you plant
d. mix about 1/2 bag of compost to the native soil that will be returned to
the hole – compost helps the tree establish its root system
e. add “Osmocote controlled release” fertilizer to the hole before planting
(see product directions – 1 to 2 cap fulls).
3. Planting
a. carefully remove a tree from its container without disturbing the root ball
b. remove any circling or girdling roots that may restrict growth
c. carefully place the tree in the hole – rotate the root ball of larger trees
and gently slide the root ball into the hole
d. ensure the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the
surrounding soil
e. fill the hole with the native soil mixed with compost, avoid compaction.
4. Watering
a. to contain water, construct a 3-4 inch high circular wall of soil around
the tree trunk that is greater than the diameter of the root ball
b. water the newly planted tree immediately and thoroughly
c. add 1/4 teaspoon “SUPERthrive Vitamin Solution” per gallon of water to
promote initial root growth (see product directions)
d. minimize water loss by using a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver
water directly to the root zone
e. water infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
5. Mulching and Protection
a. apply a layer of organic mulch (pine bark, cedar mulch) around the
base of the tree, not touching the tree’s trunk, to help retain moisture
and suppress weeds
b. protect the tree from harsh desert conditions – strong winds and intense
sunlight (such as shade cloth and temporary support).
Grasses
Our thanks to Mountain States Wholesale Nurseries near Phoenix, one of our wholesalers, for sending this info on five grass species that work well in the Trans Pecos.
We have tried selling grasses at a couple of our past plant sales, but have never had much interest. They are beautiful, they are easy, they take minimal care, they hold the soil in place like no other plant and they are inexpensive to buy and maintain. What’s not to like?
If you find, after reading this, that you would like to buy grasses at our plant sales, please let me know via our Chapter email address.
Click on the photos below to find useful information to make each grass a success in your landscape.
