The Pecan Bayou Soil and Water Conservation District will again be selling evergreen seedlings. The District Office in Brownwood is currently taking orders for trees as part of its 2011 Windbreak Seedling Tree Program. Trees must be ordered by February 2, 2011, and deliveries will be made February 10, 2011. The project is designed to not only provide beauty and wildlife habitat around structures, but also to provide windbreak protection to homes, farmsteads, barns and corrals.
Windbreaks, when properly installed and maintained can reduce home fuel consumption by as much as 15 percent, District officials said.
Seedling trees being offered in a root-pruned tube pack include the Afghanistan Pine, Red Cedar, Austrian Pine, Italian Stone Pine, Pinyon Pine, Arborvitae, Deodar Cedar, and Bald Cypress. They are approximately 12-inch in height and are priced at $3.00 each. No minimum orders on the Afghanistan Pine but all other evergreens have a minimum order of 30.
Minimum wind protection can be provided by a single row of trees, but the greatest protection is provided by two or more rows of trees. Spacing recommendations vary according to the type of trees used.
All trees offered are suited for this area, but additional care will ensure their survivability.
After planting, seedlings should be protected from grazing by domestic animals as well as by wild animals such as deer and rabbits for up to 3 years.
Competition from weeds and grasses must also be controlled. Water is essential and five to eight gallons per week per tree is needed.
Orders for trees will be taken through February 2nd and must be paid for at the time of ordering. Orders will be taken at the Natural Resources Conservation Service Office at 2608B HWY 377 South in Brownwood or phone 325.643.1587 extension 3. Office hours are 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday.
