A land steward's take on a piece of household orthodoxy that doesn't quite hold up. I was rinsing out a milk jug at my kitchen sink the other day. Hot water was running, sloshing around to break up the film of dried milk along the inside. I caught myself doing the math. We're in the third year of on-and-off drought across most of Central Texas. The Edwards Aquifer just dropped from Stage 4 to Stage 3 restrictions a week ago, only because spring rains pulled J-17 back above 63

When you own a large property in the Texas Hill Country, your trees are more than just part of the scenery. They are living assets that contribute to the health, safety, and beauty of your land. Taking the time to perform a thorough tree maintenance evaluation is one of the best ways to protect those assets. It’s about understanding what’s happening with your trees, spotting potential problems early, and making informed decisions that support long-term land stewardship. Trees

When checking a property in the Texas Hill Country, one might notice a blooming Spanish dagger, also known as yucca, adorned with leaf-footed bugs. At first glance, this may seem like an infestation, but it is actually a fascinating aspect of the plant’s ecology. This blooming yucca transforms into a small ecosystem, supporting a variety of insects and predators that play important roles in maintaining the health of the land. The Unique Pollination Partnership of Yucca and Mo

Owning land in the Texas Hill Country is a privilege that comes with a unique set of responsibilities. The rolling hills, native oaks, and diverse wildlife create a landscape that requires thoughtful, ongoing attention. Maintaining your property seasonally is not just about keeping things tidy; it’s about nurturing the health of your land, protecting your investment, and ensuring your property thrives for years to come. I want to walk you through what I’ve learned as a land s

Choosing the Right Tree Species for Your Land When I help landowners select trees, the first thing I emphasize is compatibility . Not every tree thrives in the Hill Country’s rocky soils, variable rainfall, and hot summers. Native species like live oak, Texas red oak, and cedar elm are often the best choices because they have adapted to these conditions over centuries. Here are some practical tips for species selection: Prioritize native trees : They require less water and ca

When managing land in the Texas Hill Country, every tree on a property tells a unique story. Some trees thrive, while others struggle. A few may stand dead or in decline. It might seem natural to remove these lifeless trees immediately, but in many cases, leaving them standing is a thoughtful choice. These trees, often called snags, play a vital role in supporting local wildlife and maintaining the ecological balance of the land. In this post, the focus will be on why standin

Pruning is more than just trimming branches. It’s a thoughtful practice that balances the health of your trees, the safety and beauty of your property, and the needs of the wildlife that call your land home. When I walk a Hill Country property, I see pruning as a conversation with the land - each cut made with intention and respect for the bigger picture. Different goals call for different outcomes, and understanding those goals helps me guide landowners toward decisions that

Winter Storms in Central Texas: Lessons From the Last Five Years ================================================================= Winter storms in Central Texas have shifted from rare, once-in-a-generation events to something landowners now need to expect and actively prepare for. Since the historic February 2021 freeze—followed by multiple ice storms and prolonged cold snaps—the landscape, and our approach to land stewardship, has changed. As someone who regularly walks the

Central Texas: Drought, Fire Risk, and Tree Survival Tips As we move into the heart of summer, Central Texas faces increasing heat,...