Botanic Garden >> Gardening > >> Question and Answer >> Plant Species >> Trees

Acorn-Free Live Oak Myth and Alternative Shade Trees

Rio Grande Valley: Want live oak without acorns for drought-resistant shade in rock yard.

Fact: No Acorn-Free Oaks

Acorns = reproduction. Can spray ethephon (Florel) at bloom to prevent, but timing critical, needs pro equipment/arborist.

Certified arborist finder.

Better Approach

Visit local nursery with site details (rock yard, drought, shade needs, low litter). All hardwoods drop leaves. Consider evergreen/conifer for year-round foliage.

Trees: Linden Tree Care: Gall Mites, Leaf Issues, and Treatment Options; Catalpa Near New Pavement: Monitor for Root/Canopy Conflict; Transplanted Chinese Maple Losing New Sprouts: Root Shock; Mystery Tree Identified: Royal Paulownia (Princess Tree); Dogwood Tree Not Blooming? Lawn Chemicals May Be the Culprit; Bagworms on Dwarf Evergreen: Recovery and Treatment; Pine Cone Absence in Massachusetts: Not Necessarily a Problem; Woolly Aphids on Big Maple: Systemic Soil Drench Stops Honeydew; African "Ewuro" Tree: Unknown by That Name; Japanese Black Pine Near Ocean: Fertilize, Stop Annual Injections

Garden Articles

Identifying a Tree with Round Cones & Tiny Needles: Bald Cypress

Holes in Tree Trunk: Woodpecker or Squirrel Nest

Are Fallen Acorns Alive? Seed Viability and Germination

Borers in Eucalyptus and Valley Oak: Likely Longhorn Beetles

Plum Tree Pruning for Fruit Production

Container Peach Tree Transplanting: Timing and Site Requirements

Diagnosing Two Problem Trees: Borer and Canker

Plants

Maple Sap Dripping After Pruning: Normal or Aphids?

Topped Hemlock Recovery: What to Expect After Improper Pruning

Maple Sunscald: Prevention, Treatment, and Long-Term Care

Cherry Tree Decline After Construction Root Damage

Transplanting a Potted "JM" Tree: Timing and Soil Needs

Identifying a Pine Tree from a Photo

Redwood Roots Lifting Pavers: Consult Certified Arborist