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 I recently checked a property in the Texas Hill Country, I noticed a blooming Spanish dagger, also known as yucca, with its flower spike covered in leaf-footed bugs. At first glance, it might look like an infestation, but this is actually a natural and fascinating part 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 the health of the land. The Unique Pollination Part

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

Owning land in the Texas Hill Country is a privilege that comes with unique responsibilities. The rolling hills, native vegetation, and diverse wildlife create a landscape that requires thoughtful care and management. As someone who has walked these lands and worked alongside landowners, I understand the importance of a steady, knowledgeable hand in maintaining the health and beauty of your property. This post will guide you through the essential aspects of comprehensive land

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 your property tells a story. Some are thriving, others are struggling, and a few stand dead or declining. 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 your land. In this post, I’ll walk you through why standing d

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

When you own a large piece of land in the Texas Hill Country, your trees are more than just scenery. They are living, breathing parts of your property’s ecosystem. Keeping them healthy means protecting your investment, preserving wildlife habitat, and maintaining the natural beauty that makes this region special. That’s why I always recommend a thorough tree vitality assessment as part of your ongoing land stewardship. A tree vitality assessment helps you understand the healt

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 these properties before and after major weather events, I’ve seen fi

As summer stretches into September, it's prime time to transition your garden and landscape for the cooler months ahead. While the...

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

Adult corn leafhopper. Photo by S. Biles While it may not be top of mind for every landowner, corn leafhoppers  are back on our radar...

As we slide into the heat of Central Texas summer, many gardeners think it's too late to plant—but that’s not true. Late May is still a...