do these do well in texas. plant files says most varieties are hardto to z7 but there are a couple of ones hardier than that. pls let me know. thanks. I'm also posting in tree forum. thanks
beech tree
Both the European and American Beech need acidic soil. The American Beech tree is supposedly difficult to transplant, but it would grow in Zone 9. The European Beech may not be able to handle the heat or it needs more cold than zones 8 - 10 can provide.
If your soil is neutral or basic, think about another tree. I bought a Franklinia 3 years ago not knowing that it needed acidic soil. It grew well last year and actually bloomed. This year, it put out only a few small yellowish-green leaves. I fertilized and added Ironite, but it continued to go down hill. That's when I found out the tree needs acidic soil. I'm sure it would have died if one of our calves hadn't sneaked under the electric fence and trampled it to death. It is very, very difficult to change the pH of soil. Aluminum sulfate is recommended for hydrangeas only as aluminum is toxic in high levels. Sulfur can be used, but you'd need a good deal of it and it would have to be added yearly to a larger area as the roots grow. It would be a matter of playing catch up every year.
Thanks Veronica. Plantranch on ebay has some seedlings for sale, but I will pass. Sounds like my success w/ it would be as good as my success w/ dogwoods, NONE. Don't know anything about this vendor, but sounds like a good deal, has 100 avail at $5-6 or so.
Nery, how about River Birch, Betula nigra? http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/1051/index.html
They do well in the Houston area, Mercer Arboretum has a bunch of them at the front entrance, I planted one in Oct '03. I love it!
Thanks maggie, truth is, I have over 50 oaks/pecans in my property, don't really need more. That excludes ornamentals. I was just in a mood to ebay-buy. plus it never hurts to have a couple of small trees on the side for when the biggies bite the dust. I will keep this info in mind. thanks
Stay away from plantranch!!!! They are tiny for the price and no matter what he says you have to pay shipping for the replacements plus you have to prove it died due to him or he will blame it on you and you will never see your new plant! Ahhh Run away and spread the word.
ah, the power of word of mouth....