by Ramblinman » Mon Jun 18, 2018 8:57 pm
There's an interesting area of Texas called "The Lost Pines". It sits out in the prairies, well to the west of Houston but for some reason is a favorable place for pine trees, like the Piney Woods further east. But with that notable exception, it's remarkable how quickly the woods turn to prairie as one heads west of Houston and Tyler. I think that dry winds from Mexico cut off the supply of Gulf moisture to central and western Texas. Once in a while, humid Gulf air blows west to water the prairies and desert, but by and large, the natural flow of wind is from west to east.
The Southern pine forests continue east almost to the Atlantic Ocean where the live oaks are a little more dominant as you get within 20 miles of the shore.
Along the southern Atlantic, there's a maritime belt where more showers pop up and fog is more common than further inland. The ocean itself warms this coastal belt in winter, but the Gulf Stream flows just offshore and accentuates the warming effect. Oddly, in summer the coastal islands can be 10 degrees cooler than the mainland. Well-heeled folks in Brunswick, Savannah and Charleston spend much of their summer on those sea islands for that reason. I reckon there is a similar situation for folks in Houston, Corpus Christi and Victoria.
I love pine trees, their look and fragrance, but I simply don't allow them to grow near the house or driveway. Their limbs are brittle and it doesn't take much wind or ice to drop them.
Azaleas love the semi-shade of pine trees, gives them just the right amount of sunlight.
I might allow a great oak to live a little closer to my house, but I'm still wary. And pecan trees drip sap, not easy to wash off one's car!
If they grow in your climate, I'd stick to smaller trees such as sourwood, Japanese maple, Carolina silverbell, redbud or dogwood. They never get big enough to pose a threat.
.gif "Big grin")
