Do you need advice on what to plant in Central Texas?

If you need advice on what to plant in a specific location of your landscape in Central Texas, there are several key pieces of information that you need to bring to the experts at Backbone in order to receive a recommendation that will thrive in your landscape. Let's go over the information to consider before choosing a tree, shrub or perennial plant for you landscape. What type of soil are you planting in? Central Texas has a variety of soil types, and each one has its own specific properties. Does [...]

By |2026-03-15T08:50:32-05:00March 15th, 2026|Ornamental Trees, Native Plants, Yucca and Agave, Trees, Plants, Fruit & Nuts, Disease|
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Fig Leaf Rust

Fig Leaf Rust is a common fungal disease affecting Fig trees in the South. When fig leaves start looking sad in late summer we get a lot of questions about what can be done. Most fig varieties are susceptible to a fungal disease called Fig Rust, and it is not uncommon to see symptoms of this fungus on stressed trees. What are the symptoms of Fig Leaf Rust?     Fig Rust symptoms begin as angular yellow-green flecks on the leaf. The spots become more yellow and eventually turn a [...]

By |2025-12-29T12:40:27-06:00October 12th, 2025|Disease, Fruit & Nuts, Plants, Trees|
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Pecan Varieties for Central Texas

PECANS: Mix early and late pollinators for best nut set. All varieties do better with a pollinator. Mature height and canopy width of 30 x 30 ft. Remember, Pecan trees do best in deep soil. If planted in the home lawn always check labels on insecticides, fungicides and herbicides before applying them to the lawn. If the label says "do not apply under the canopy of fruit or nut trees" use another option   Choctaw (Cho)– Late pollinating variety with very large nuts and soft-shell. Early bearing variety with good [...]

By |2025-09-23T13:12:48-05:00September 23rd, 2025|Fruit & Nuts, Plants, Trees|
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Hard Freeze Preparation in Central Texas

Prepare for a Hard Freeze in Central Texas: A Gardener’s Guide As a horticulturist in Central Texas, I know one thing for sure—our weather keeps us on our toes. Sudden temperature swings are common, and winter forecasts can change quickly. When a hard freeze is predicted, the best approach is simple: prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Current forecasts show lows between 15°F and 25°F, with below-freezing temperatures lasting up to 60 hours or more in some areas. Low-lying valleys often drop colder than higher elevations. Because [...]

By |2026-01-21T14:59:45-06:00January 11th, 2024|Ornamental Trees, Vegetable Gardening, Fruit & Nuts, Plants, Trees, Houseplants, Succulents and Cacti, Yucca and Agave, Palms|
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Strawberry Growing in Central Texas

Growing Strawberries in Central Texas Strawberries may be successfully grown in the home garden in Central Texas if care is taken to give them the right growing conditions. Strawberries require at least 6 hours of direct sun and must have a well-drained soil. They will do best in a slightly acidic sandy loam, so if you have any other type of soil you should consider growing them in raised beds or containers.   Raised Beds are a good option for us in Central Texas, as most of us do not [...]

By |2023-06-20T13:51:29-05:00June 20th, 2023|Fruit & Nuts|
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Grow Fruit Trees in Central Texas

Grow Fruit Trees in Central Texas It’s fruit tree planting time again. Such a rewarding experience! There is one caveat, however. Fruit trees may be grown in Central Texas as long as their basic conditions are met. What is required to grow fruit trees in Central Texas? Sun is required for fruit trees to grow and produce fruit. Be sure to locate your trees where they will receive at least 8 hours of direct sun each day. Water plays a critical role in helping fruit trees thrive and produce high-quality [...]

By |2026-02-02T14:09:07-06:00January 24th, 2023|Fruit & Nuts|
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How to Check Soil Drainage

Why is it important to know how well your soil drains before choosing a tree, shrub or perennial for a specific area? Soil drainage is important to consider before choosing a plant for a specific area in your landscape. Knowing how well your soil drains could mean the difference between the plant "thriving or surviving". What are the different types of drainage to consider? Surface drainage is related to the slope of the land and is important to consider when choosing what species to plant. Plants at the bottom of [...]

By |2026-03-15T09:30:05-05:00October 18th, 2022|Fruit & Nuts, Plants, Trees, Succulents and Cacti, Native Plants, Ornamental Trees|
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Root Knot Nematodes

Root Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are parasitic microscopic worm-like animals that infest plant roots and interfere with the uptake of water and nutrients. Infected plants will appear stunted, they may wilt on hot days even though soil is moist, they may have chlorotic or light green leaves and usually have reduced yields.       The roots will have "knots" on them where the nematode has entered the plant, and the "knots" do not come off easily, as can be seen on this nematode infested potato.         [...]

By |2023-02-28T08:33:07-06:00July 21st, 2021|Insects, Vegetable Gardening, Disease, Fruit & Nuts, Plants|
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Gummosis in Fruit Trees

Gummosis is a term that refers to the presence of  amber-colored sap oozing from the trunk or branches of a tree. It is important to understand that the term “gummosis” is a symptom, not a cause of a tree ailment. Anything that stresses the tree can be a causal factor. It is necessary to determine the cause of the stress in order to mitigate future damage to the tree. Gummosis has a variety of causes: Environmental stress: Compacted soils, poorly drained soils, light sandy soils, use of weed and feed [...]

By |2022-01-15T12:09:08-06:00July 7th, 2021|Disease, Fruit & Nuts, Insects, Plants, Trees|
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