The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Forest Education => Topic started by: tstex on January 15, 2009, 06:28:12 PM

Title: when and when not to cut
Post by: tstex on January 15, 2009, 06:28:12 PM
Gentlemen,

Have about 100 acres in NW Colorado Cty, TX.  About 40 acres are wooded with mainly cedar, live oaks and youpon.  There are two huge live-oaks that are at least 200-300 yrs old.  in the mix that i have a question.

I wanted to clear-out and cut some of the cedar, youpon and scrub brush so you could get a much better view of these trees. The thatch/compost on the ground around these trees are pretty thick and most of the ground is nicely shaded.  Since we have been having some bad droughts, would clearing out around the trees cause enough moisture loss to cause havoc with the root structure/dip line?  The last thing I want to do is disturb anything that could cause these trees succumb to disease by weakening their immune system.

If you have any questions, pls let me know. Thank you very much for your advice.

Be safe,
tom
Title: Re: when and when not to cut
Post by: LeeB on January 15, 2009, 10:54:50 PM
TAking out the cedars will help the other trees. Cedars suck up lots of water. Where is Colorado Cty?
Title: Re: when and when not to cut
Post by: WDH on January 15, 2009, 11:32:35 PM
Like Lee said.  Clearing around the big oaks should help not hurt them.  All that brush sucks up water and competes for water and nutrients.
Title: Re: when and when not to cut
Post by: tstex on January 16, 2009, 08:21:06 AM
Quote from: LeeB on January 15, 2009, 10:54:50 PM
TAking out the cedars will help the other trees. Cedars suck up lots of water. Where is Colorado Cty?

Thanks guys...CO Cty is about 65 miles WNW of Houston...Columbus TX is dead centeron I-10.  we are in the NW quadrant.
Title: Re: when and when not to cut
Post by: Texas Ranger on January 16, 2009, 10:55:48 AM
Like the boys said, clear out the competition and the rest will benefit.

Welcome, a few more Texans and we will own this joint. 8)