Clear Springs Park
Trees
Oak Trees & Oak Wilt
There are many different species of Oak Trees in Central Texas. The disease commonly called "oak wilt" is caused by a fungus called Bretziella fagacearum and is spread in two ways: above ground, and below ground. The Above Ground spread is facilitated by a sap-feeding beetle that carries the fungal spores to new trees. The Below Ground occurs when the fungus travels from tree to tree through interconnected roots.
The spread of the fungus can be minimized by proper pruning. In Central Texas you should avoid pruning your oak trees from February 1st through June 30th. If pruning must occur, paint the cut to avoid fungal spread.​
Texas A&M Forest Service has an excellent website that helps with identifying Oak Wilt as well as management and pruning information. Read more here:
Landscaping With Deer
Deer, as well as many other wild creatures call Clear Springs Park "home". It is a challenge when choosing plants for your landscape. As they say, deer will eat anything if they are hungry, and the rule of thumb is to: go native, choose plants that have a strong fragrance, and choose plants that have a texture. Here are some examples of plants that do well in our landscape and are usually avoided by deer:
Anacacho Orchid Tree, Antelope Horn Milkweed, Autumn Sage, Bamboo Muhly, Blackfoot Daisy, Cenizo, Copper Canyon Daisey, Salvias, Jerusalem Sage, Garlic Chives, Rosemary to name a few.
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