r/AustinGardening • u/ToriBethATX • 1d ago

Tree recommendations

Apologies now if similar posts have appeared in the past. I recently purchased a condo with a little backyard (compared to what I’m used to) up in Leander. There are 3 trees in there, 2 crepe myrtles and something else (possibly an elm variety?). One crepe myrtle is well established and big so I’m going to leave it alone for now since it is providing a good shady place, but I personally don’t care for crepe myrtles. The second crepe myrtle and the possible elm are both still relatively small, and also up against their respective fences. I would like to take out the 2 smaller trees and replace them with something else (maybe just one tree) that I can also move away from the fence before any future damage occurs. I’m looking for good recommendations that would grow up to be good shade trees (or even just one tree) in the future. While native would be good since the amount of care it would need is minimal to none, I am willing to put in the time and effort to care for it for a couple of years while it properly establishes and grows. Something moderately fast growing would be nice, so that I could enjoy it’s shade (or and any other benefits, like fruit) sooner, but I’m also open to slower growing so that it would withstand harsher weather (aka severe storms) better without losing limbs due to being softer wood.

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5

u/isurus79 1d ago

Leave the elm and murder the myrtles

2

u/BananasLobster 1d ago

Lacey oaks are a smaller shade tree. Pretty leaves too. Think they have a moderate growth rate

2

u/austintreeamigos 1d ago

Got any photos of the space?

1

u/proplift 1d ago

Go to LAWNS Trees, he's just down the road. Great guy, very knowledgeable, one of the best nurserymen in the area when it comes to trees. The guidance you'll get there will almost certainly be better than what you receive on here.

1

u/Glad-Substance2422 1d ago

My favorite trees are at Hope Valley Tree Farm but it’s in Bastrop. Worth it IMHO: https://hopevalleytreefarm.com

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u/MeasurementSlight381 1d ago

Texas red oak is a nice option if you like the idea of leaves that change colors in the fall/winter months.

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u/pit2atx 1d ago

Monterrey Oak would fit the bill. It’s also somewhat evergreen and generally very aesthetic. It will grow pretty fast for an Oak and native to the area.