Some Trees Think it's Spring

Fan Tex Ash
This is one of the shade trees in our back yard, which are also used along some of the arterial streets in Higley Groves. It seems like just the hint of spring around the corner has encouraged these trees to get on with it, and the buds have leafed out practically overnight.

The Mister got an email recently from a resident wondering at the selection of some of the varieties of trees, since trees have died and required replacement. Back in the days of planning Morrison Ranch (see an earlier post "Back in the Day" below), beyond the conceptual ideas of rural, community character, and pedestrian-friendly, came the specific ideas having to do with things like aesthetics and shade. So there was much conversation and discussion about the varieties of trees, the benefits and downsides of one type versus another, and which streets should have which trees. The result so far is the 4,000 trees that exist in Higley Groves (East and West), with the continuing theme planned for the rest of the community.

We have learned a few things along the way. The jacarandas don't do as well as we had hoped in the park areas, so we'll have to find color and contrast in other ways. The reason for the loss of several of the trees had to do with improperly installed irrigation - the pecans need to be deep watered, and that requires a separate watering system - which has been corrected. Obviously, the older the trees get, the more likely it is that they will survive (the windstorms have taken out a few trees); and just as obvious is the fact that in twenty to forty years, they will be TOO old and will need replacement. Our Landscape Maintenance Dude is about a week away from getting his arborist certification, so he is educating himself on the best way to care for our trees. We continue to be involved in all the issues surrounding the trees, because they are one of the inviolable facets of Morrison Ranch.

Some have mocked the Mister and me for the numerous trees in our back yard - Sherwood Forest, indeed! But if you notice the temperature gauge in your car decrease by 5 to 10 degrees in the summer as you pull into the community, just think what it's like to step into my back yard at the same time of year. The forest looks pretty good.