Recalling trees bring back childhood memories
Trees in a family yard create new memories and renew old ones
BY JOE DANIEL

Azalea bushes are in full bloom throughout East Texas. This is a wonderful time to drive through the towns and see the beautiful blooms.

If asked, most of us could recall a tree that brings a pleasant memory to mind. The setting could be urban or rural. It may be as a laborer, grandparent, fiancée or tender of toddlers that the memory appears. Oh wouldn't the neighborhoods of East Texas be grander if there were more trees like that one. Here are some tips on making a tree in your yard a place of memories.

Consider making three 16 to 24 inch diameter sphagnum peat lined baskets and hang no more than chest high from the tree's limbs.

The further from the trunk the better is a good guide to use when hanging.

Consider planting shade tolerant flowering plants like impatiens, colorful foliage plants like coleus and cascading or trailing plants like ivy or moneywort.

Hanging with a strong black wire doesn't draw attention from the basket or the tree.

Consider adding a tree bench. The bench can be octagon, hexagon or round. It could have a back or be backless. It could go entirely around the tree or only half way.

The gorgeous Dogwood blossoms have bid East Texas farewell until next spring. Area woodlands were painted with dogwood, redbud and other blooming trees and shrubs

This unique bench will let an average or grand tree step it up a notch. Keep scale and proportion in mind.

The overall scale of the garden and size of the tree will need to be considered. Home improvement books and the world wide web offer plans for building tree benches.

Consider adding a swing. Choose one that is functional for your family.

It may need to be a two seater that is low and slow or perhaps one for a three year old that will fly high into the sky. Most any type will make the area appear more inviting.

Consider adding a bird or squirrel feeder.

A hummingbird feeder would be the choice of many of us who cherish simplicity. The last time I checked bird seed mixes were more costly than sugar water.

Never-the-less use a feeder that will attract those you enjoy.

Spring flowers are everywhere and East Texans are busy tilling their flower gardens. Nurseries throughout the area offer potted flowers of all sorts. For those better at garden work, seeds are also available. In addition to flowers everyone likes to include a few vegetables in their gardens.

Remove things that harm the feet. Stickers, sharp rocks, fire ants and the like can take the fun out of an otherwise neat place.

Be very careful about filling soil or even course sand on tree roots. Trees die when roots are deprived of air. A great tree is far more valuable than the time needed to pull a few weeds.

Be very careful with herbicides around prized trees.

Consider removing some of the limbs and twigs from the tree.

This should be done in the dormant season. Observe the tree until two or three limbs catch your eye as particularly desirable.

It may the size of the limb or a twist or turn that gets your attention. At this point consider removing a limb below or above the notable one. If nothing seems too obvious wait a year and take another look.

When removing limbs always use the three cut method with the final cut being from the ridge to the collar of the limb.

A beautiful tree not only makes life-long memories but also makes a more appealing piece of real estate.

Joe Daniel is horticulturist at the Cherokee County extension service.