Trees

The Top Choice Austin Landscaping Blog

Ever wonder why some plants bloom in the fall?

By Jessie Lacap / December 13, 2024

Here’s why these plants make their move when the seasons change: Some top fall bloomers in Central Texas: 1. Mexican Mint Marigold 2. Gregg’s Mistflower 3. Rock Rose  4. Turk’s Cap  5. Goldenrod 6. Maximilian Sunflower 7. Lantana We love planting things, especially fall bloomers that make your yard come alive this time of year.…

Read More

Must-Do Yard Cleanup Tasks

By Nolan Gore / December 9, 2024

Here is your quick list for yard clean up (healthy yard and a bit more peace of mind). 1. Refresh Your Mulch Mulch is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your landscape this season. A fresh layer of mulch insulates plant roots, decreasing the chances of cold damage or even…

Read More

Top 5 Trees for Fall Color in Central Texas Landscapes

By Nolan Gore / October 29, 2024

Best Tree Choices for Central Texas Fall Color In Central Texas, the warm autumn days and cool nights can coax some stunning fall colors – if you know where to look! Adding trees that change color can bring a bit of that seasonal magic to your yard. While the fall foliage isn’t as intense here…

Read More

Live Oaks in Central Texas: Facts & Stories

By Nolan Gore / July 15, 2024

Surrounded by massive live oaks – that was my childhood. My parents moved to Austin in the 1980s. They decided to buy the house before they stepped inside. It was the oaks that made the decision for them. Century oaks. Gnarled and bent. Big and grumpy. Long and horizontal. I got to know these trees…

Read More

Texas Live Oak: Quercus fusiformis and Quercus Virginiana

By Nolan Gore / July 15, 2024

What are the differences between the Quercus Virginiana and Quercus Fusiformus? These are two species of trees that are very closely related. In fact, the Fusiformus used to be considered a variance of the Virginiana but is now considered its own species. You ca

Read More

How to Trim Live Oak Trees (and Prevent Oak Wilt)

By Nolan Gore / June 14, 2024

At the time of writing this blog, it’s almost time to trim live oak trees in Austin. Watch our video below or read on to learn why and how you should trim live oaks—and how to prevent that nasty Oak Wilt! Why trim live oak trees First…why should you trim your live oak trees in…

Read More

Check Out this Austin Backyard Makeover

By The Top Choice Team / November 14, 2023

With a growing family of six, Bob Smith (a very fake client with a very real house) moved into a new home earlier this year. Things have been working out great, but the backyard left a little something to be desired. With little to no shade, grass, or landscaping, it was a dust bowl in…

Read More

Oak Wilt FAQ

By Nolan Gore / July 7, 2023

We know you care about your yard, and especially your trees, so we thought we would pass along… It’s tree-trimming season! Across Central Texas, HOAs, municipalities, and well-meaning neighbors will yell at you if you trim oaks in the spring. Why? Because February-June has the highest likelihood of spreading oak wilt. Now that it is…

Read More
Live oak leaves and catkins

The Wonders of Live Oak Pollen and Catkins

By Nolan Gore / April 5, 2023

It’s your favorite time of year again… live oak pollen and catkins. As an Austin resident, you know that spring is in the air when these two start to make their presence known. Sure, they may make your eyes itch and your nose run, but let’s take a moment to appreciate them for what they…

Read More

Sycamore Trees in Central Texas

By Nolan Gore / February 20, 2023

Sycamore trees are a common sight in central Texas, where they can be found growing in yards and native areas. The warm climate of the region makes it an ideal habitat for these majestic trees, which can reach heights of up to 100 feet. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) are also known as the American planetree, occidental…

Read More