Pecan Tree Hazards and Summer Garden Care: Expert Advice for Texas Homeowners
Published July 13, 2025
Homeowners across Texas are facing common gardening challenges this summer, from hazardous tree limbs to stubborn weeds and delicate plant care. Experts are urging residents to proactively address potential dangers and implement effective solutions to maintain healthy landscapes.
The Danger of Dead Wood in Pecan Trees
Dead branches in pecan trees pose a significant risk to both property and safety. “You don’t want dead wood hanging around in pecan trees,” one homeowner shared, recounting personal experience with falling limbs. “It can fall without warning, and it’s heavy enough to cause harm and damage.”
The key to mitigating this risk lies in professional assessment and pruning. Experts recommend consulting with an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture to evaluate the overall health of pecan trees and remove any dead or weakened branches. It’s crucial to ensure the arborist carries both liability insurance and worker’s compensation for added protection. Avoid relying on individuals without proper credentials and experience, as improper tree work can exacerbate the problem.
Succulent Care: Understanding the Rock Purslane
Many gardeners are finding themselves puzzled by the lifecycle of certain plants. One homeowner recently inquired about a Calandrina spectabilis, commonly known as rock purslane, which bloomed beautifully but is now experiencing dieback of its flower stems.
While often mistaken for a cactus, the rock purslane is actually a succulent, known for its ability to store water in its fleshy tissues. According to plant experts, the plant’s current state is likely a natural part of its growth cycle. Native to Chile, it thrives in full sun and requires excellent drainage. It blooms primarily in the spring and summer, with occasional reblooms in the fall. Homeowners should trim off the old flower stalks to encourage new growth from the base of the plant.
Tackling Yellow-Flowering Oxalis in Bermuda Lawns
A persistent weed plaguing many Texas lawns is yellow-flowering oxalis, also known as sheep sorrel. Fortunately, effective control options are available. A broadleafed weedkiller containing 2,4-D, often combined with other herbicides in a product like Trimec, is recommended.
For optimal results, apply the herbicide with a 2-gallon tank sprayer, adjusting the nozzle for a fine mist. Coat the leaves of the oxalis thoroughly, almost to the point of runoff, and add a single drop of liquid dishwashing detergent per gallon of mix to improve adhesion. It’s important to note that herbicide control is most effective when the oxalis is actively growing in the spring. Avoid mowing for several days before and after application, and refrain from watering for 24 hours.
Relocating Gardenias and Crape Myrtles: A Guide for Texas Gardeners
Moving plants can be a challenge, particularly when relocating across different climate zones. One homeowner is preparing to move from Texas to Zone 5 and wants to take a potted gardenia. Experts advise checking plant quarantine regulations for the destination state before transporting any plants.
Gardenias require bright light indoors, ideally from a large window, skylight, or greenhouse. Consistent watering and feeding are essential during the winter months, with growth and blooming expected in the spring and summer.
Similarly, relocating a mature crape myrtle can be difficult, but not impossible. If a five-year-old crape myrtle needs to be moved due to construction, homeowners should strip off all leaves and flower buds, thin the growth, and thoroughly soak the soil before digging. The plant should be replanted at the same depth and provided with ample water and a liquid root stimulator. While crape myrtles are known for their resilience, success is not guaranteed, and winter relocation is generally preferred. “If any plant would survive, it would be a crape myrtle,” one expert noted, highlighting the species’ forgiving nature.
