Landscaping

Q. My husband and I are moving to a new house that comes with no landscaping. The house is a steal but we don't know what kind of trees or grass to plant. We really need help! The house we are moving to has an "aerobic septic system" so watering is not a problem. Since we live in the Dallas Texas area we want trees and grass that will grow well (and fast!) in our climate. Any suggestions?

A. Growing conditions in the American Southwest are difficult at best. Rainfall averages about 15" a year. Soils are clay and alkaline. Often there is an expansive layer of caliche a solid rock just below the surface. The wind blows hard almost constantly and the sun is hot and strong. For these reasons it is easiest for landscaping purposes to grow native plants or others that are suitable for this harsh environment. All plants need water and protection when newly planted but once they are established they will tolerate poor desert conditions. All should however be watered deeply in a severe drought even in winter. Of course the more supplemental water they receive the more they will grow.

Your area being hot and dry you are not going to find extremely fast-growing plants. Here are five trees and shrubs that are suited to southwest desert conditions. I also recommend that you visit your local nurseries and ask them what is popular and grows successful in the Dallas area.

Pinon - Pinus edulis
This is a slow-growing evergreen tree that will eventually get to 30'. Its deep roots make it drought-tolerant. It also is wind-resistant and heat/cold tolerant. Planted with other shrubs and trees it is an effective screen and windbreak. It naturally occurs in pinon/juniper forests. In the yard its bushy twisted shape makes it a beautiful accent plant with wildflowers.

One Seed Juniper - Juniperus monosperma
This is another evergreen growing to 20'. It too is a slow grower with an irregular shape and a deep root system. It is more tolerant of drought and alkaline soils than the Rocky Mountain Juniper. It grows well on slopes making it effective for erosion control. It provides food (blue berries) and shelter for wildlife. Plant with other shrubs and pinon as a windbreak or underplant with wildflowers as an accent plant.

Aspen - Populus tremuloides
This is a deciduous tree that grows to 40'. It's very graceful as it moves in the slightest breeze giving it the name "Quaking Aspen". Aspens do better with supplemental watering although they will tolerate poor conditions. They do need a cold winter and do best planted on the north side of the house. Plant in groves for erosion control or as a wind break mixed with pines and juniper. As an accent plant aspens go well with perennials or wildflowers. They are famous for their golden fall color throughout the Rocky Mountains.

Serviceberry or Shadbush - Amelanchier alnifolia
This is a deciduous shrub/tree that grows to 20'. There are beautiful white flowers in early spring followed by blue berries in late summer that birds love. You can also make jelly from them. This can be pruned to a tree shape or left to grow wild and sucker into a thicket. This makes a good screen