Texas Forest Service Tree Orders and Holiday Classic
Tree loss in the county has been very high this past year. Our poor trees have had a lot to contend with over the last several years and then the 0-to-3-degree temperatures this past winter have been the final straw for many trees. Of course, oak wilt continues to decimate many of our beautiful live oaks. Not to be morbid, but trees like people do not last forever, while a few species can live well over 100 years, most tree species life cycle is less than that. I always encourage folks to plant a few new trees to help cover those that Mother Nature takes.
If you would like to replace some lost trees or cover potential future losses, we have a deal for you. Once again this year, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Comanche County will again make available to homeowners and landowners a chance to purchase tree seedlings for establishment on your property. You can purchase either evergreens or hardwoods to dress up your landscape, improve your property value or improve wildlife cover and food.
These trees are grown by the Texas A&M Forest Service located in Idalou, Texas. They are offered to landowners as a conservation tool, but they also make excellent trees for any landscape. The final date to order seedlings is by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 17, 2022 and delivery date will be around Friday, February 24, 2022.
Trees offered from the nursery include containerized species (plastic tubes) or bareroot species (bundled). The containerized species are limited this year and include Afghan Pine and Italian Stone Pine. These trees are available in boxes of 30 for a price of $65.00. The bareroot species include Bur Oak, Chinkapin Oak, Shumard Oak, Pecan, Sand Plum and Aromatic Sumac. These trees are available in bundles of 25 for a price of $50.00.
All these order dates sound like a long way off but orders for trees are processed every week and if you wait, your favorite tree may be sold out. For more information, please contact the Extension office located in the basement of the courthouse at 325-356-2539.
Holiday Classic
The Holiday Classic Clinics and Prospect Shows are intended to provide a FREE educational opportunity for new families participating in the livestock project area. The main purpose is to teach the basic principles of livestock management as they relate to facility maintenance, selection, nutrition, animal health, handling, showmanship, and transportation, facilitate the ethical care, development, and exhibition of livestock. All FFA and 4-H members from 3rd grade through 12th grade are welcome. This year’s Holiday Classic will be on Saturday and Sunday, November the 6th and 7th. This is truly a great event for all families that want to learn a little more about their livestock projects. Please call the office for more information, 325-356-2539.