Tree with sunlight streaming (Photo credit: Dawn Gagnon)
Trees in the south have to be strong. They face environmental stresses that can take them down quickly or have them struggling for centuries. Many diseases prey on trees that have been damaged from lightening strikes, wind, heat, and low rainfall averages.
Oak trees are no exception, and botanists and homeowners alike have seen an acceleration of death taking place with the giant oak trees and it is due to the fungus hypoxylon canker. Unfortunately, once there is signs of this fungus present on your tree, it is too late to do anything to save the tree.
If the tree is large and next to a structure, it is a good idea to have it removed as the fungus will eventually make the branches weak and damage to any surrounding structures will occur.
One tree that will bring a beautiful boost of color to your spring garden is the Eastern Red Bud tree also known as the Judas Tree. This is the state tree of Oklahoma and with good reason. It is a beautiful and welcome site that Spring is on the way with its lovely bright purple flowers that arrive early in the Spring. One lovely trait of these trees in addition to the purple blossoms are the beautiful, large heart shaped leaves.
A small tree with a sturdy upright trunk which divides into stout branches that usually spread to form a broad flat head. Found on rich bottom lands throughout the Mississippi River valley; will grow in the shade and often becomes a dense undergrowth in the forest. You will see these trees growing in abundance in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and eastern Texas.
The Eastern Red bud is hardy as far north as zone 4, grows rapidly and an ideal ornamental tree. It has low water requirements and displays a high tolerance to salt and alkali soils. One variety that you may want to check out when selecting a Red bud tree is the beautiful weeping Red bud tree which is available at the *link at the end of this article.
Red bud care and specifications:
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
Height: 30 ft
Spread: 25 ft -30 ft
Form: rounded
Type: deciduous tree
Annual Growth Rate: 12 to 20 inches
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Moisture: Grows best in moist soil
Flowers: Purplish-pink small and grow along the branch
Caring for Red buds:
Soil type: Red buds can grow in almost any garden soil, preferring soil that is a little on the moist side.
Lighting: They do well planted near other trees that can filter some of the sunlight so that they have a partial shaded environment.
Pruning: Pruning lower branches helps the the Eastern Red bud develop a lovely crowned top and always remove dead, damaged limbs. Pruning should be done in late Winter or early Spring before the blooms appear.
Fertilizing: Slow release light fertilizer
Diseases and pests: Red buds are sometimes prone to caterpillar infestations and do well to have a preventative spraying of borer spray. Fungicides can also be used where there may be leaf spots and can be applied mid to late Spring ideally.
Tree with sunlight streaming (Photo credit: Dawn Gagnon)
