Leaf Removal in El Paso, TX
After a long, hot Texas summer, you probably look forward to fall. But for homeowners, the fall season is not a time to sit back and relax. Autumn is prime time for yard work. Many trees start dropping their leaves as the weather changes. Even though winters in El Paso are generally mild, you'll still want to get your leaves off the ground so that they don't accumulate on the surface. If they do, they can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the soil and grass beneath. In the spring, you'll have to do even more work to restore your lawn back to optimal health. Although it's generally a good idea to remove leaves from your property before winter anyways, the type of trees that you have on your lawn affect the timing and maintenance requirements for seasonal leaf removal.
Common Trees in Texas
While Texas is known for its hot, dry climate, it sustains plenty of trees, too. Some are historical landmarks in their own right. One of the largest and oldest trees in the state is a coastal oak near Fulton. This tree is estimated to be 1,500 years old. If you're wondering what kinds of trees might grow in your yard, here's a guide to the most commonly encountered varieties.
- Acacia
- Bigtooth Maple
- Texas Madrone
- Boxelder Maple
- Desert Willow
- Flowering Ash
- Walnut
Acacia trees are picturesque trees native to parts of Africa. Naturally, they are well-suited for the climate in Texas. The Acacia family includes over 160 varieties of shrubs and trees. Acacia trees can be classified as either deciduous or evergreen. Their foliage ranges in color from blue-green to bright green depending on the species. The blooms also vary in color from off-white to bright yellow.
Bigtooth maple, Texas A and M University notes, can reach heights of up to 50 feet. This tree is native to Texas. Therefore, unlike maple species that grow farther north, Bigtooth maple is comparatively tolerant of heat, dry soil, and low moisture levels. Like other species, however, Bigtooth maple does change color. Its leaves will change from green to yellow or red in the fall. Bigtooth maple is a deciduous species with a long lifespan.
Texas madrone is a species in the heather family. The tree produces picturesque buds, too. It is also classified as an evergreen, which means it won't drop its leaves in the fall. Instead, it retains a lovely dark green hue throughout the year. This tree is native to the Southwest, parts of Texas, Mexico, and Central America. It is a hardy species adapted to rocky, low-nutrient soils, hot sun, and minimal moisture.
Boxelder is another species of maple. This tree grows quickly and has a wide range throughout North America. Boxelder also goes by the name of "ash leaf" or "ash-leaved" maple. It is a tree of medium stature that grows between 35 and 50 feet tall. Boxelder has a relatively short trunk in comparison to its broad canopy and widely-spreading branches. Boxelder doesn't tolerate cold well, which is typical for a tree that is native to Texas. Boxelder is a self-seeding species that generates new seeds fairly rapidly and aggressively.
Desert willow is a drought-tolerant species as well. It grows to be up to 40 feet tall. Desert willow is a low-maintenance species that is quite drought-tolerant. Its leaves are mostly either blue-green, medium green, or dark green in spring and summer. They turn an amber-gold color in the fall. Desert willow produces showy, fragrant pink flowers in the summer.
Flowering ash is an adaptable species with a wide growing range. It is indigenous to Asia, Europe, and North America. Flowering ash, and the ash family share commonalities with the lilac and olive family. There are about 65 species in the family. Most are deciduous and lose their leaves in the fall, but some are evergreen.
Walnut trees are common in the South and Southwest. They are also an adaptable variety that is native to Texas. Walnut trees have distinctive leaves and nuts that separate them from similar species. They are deciduous trees that drop their leaves when colder temperatures arrive.
At the very least, you should remove leaves from your lawn thoroughly before winter arrives. It's also a good idea to aerate the lawn too, which allows essential nutrients and oxygen to reach the soil. If you have trees near your home, be sure to check the gutters for leaf accumulation, too. Since the climate is mild, you'll still be able to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in El Paso after removing leaves in the fall.
Getting Outside in El Paso
After you've tackled the challenge of leaf removal, you'll have more free time to get outside and admire El Paso's natural attractions.
Franklin Mountains State Park
A scenic landscape of desert with mountains in the background makes Franklin Mountains State Park an outdoor enthusiast's delight. This park contains almost 25,000 acres. Its recreational activities include hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. There are also plenty of places to camp in the park.
El Paso Zoo
The El Paso Zoo, which opened in 1930, contains animals from around the world. It has some species native to Texas, along with several kinds of rare, endangered, and exotic animals from various locations. The zoo contains three major exhibits, which include Animals of the Americas, Animals of Asia, and Animals of Africa.
Chamizal National Memorial and Park
Chamizal is a combined park and museum located close to the US-Mexico border. It is a tribute to the peaceful settlement of the Chamizal boundary by the two nations. This park was created in the 1840s and established in 1974.
Even though Texas has a hot, dry climate, it still supports plenty of plant life. By learning about the trees in your backyard, you can figure out when to remove the leaves and prepare your property for winter. If you need help, don't hesitate to reach out to Lawn Love.
