Broken Branches After a Storm: What to Cut and What to Leave
A storm rolls through, and the next morning you walk outside to find broken branches, split limbs, and a yard that looks nothing like it did the day before. It is stressful, and the instinct for most homeowners is to grab whatever tools they have and start cutting. But what you do in the hours […]
How to Prepare Trees for Storms: Pruning, Staking, and What Not To Do
Central Texas storms have a way of reminding homeowners just how much is at stake when the wind picks up and the trees start swaying. Strong winds and severe thunderstorms come with the territory here, and trees often pay the price. Knowing how to prepare trees for storms before the weather turns is one of […]
New Tree Survival Kit: 5 Things to Do Before the First Heat Wave
Planting a new tree is one of the best things you can do for your yard. It adds shade, beauty, and value that builds over time. But here is the part nobody warns you about: the weeks right after planting are the most critical period of your tree’s life. And if a heat wave rolls […]
Summer Watering: Established vs Newly Planted Trees (Simple Rules)
The first day of summer in Central Texas does not sneak up on you — it arrives fast, hot, and unforgiving. If you have ever stood in your yard holding a hose and wondered whether you are watering your tree too much, too little, or at completely the wrong time, you are not alone. Watering […]
Heat Is Coming: How to Prevent Heat Stress in Trees
If you’re new to owning trees, here’s something no one warns you about: Central Texas summers are tough on them. By May, afternoons are already hitting the 90s. By July, stretches of 100°F days are completely normal. And if your trees aren’t prepared, the heat can do real damage fast. The good news? You don’t […]
Yellow Leaves in Late Spring: Overwatering vs Nutrient Deficiency
If you have noticed yellow leaves on your tree this late spring, something is off and guessing the cause can actually make things worse. Many homeowners accidentally damage their trees by treating the wrong issue. “Why are my tree leaves turning yellow” is one of the most common questions we hear this time of year. […]
Best Shade Trees for Central Texas Yards (By Yard Size)
When the Central Texas sun starts beating down, your backyard can quickly go from an oasis to an oven. At Alfaro Trees, we know that the right tree does more than just look good. It can make your patio feel noticeably cooler, sometimes by around 10 degrees, and may even help lower your electric bills. […]
Fast-Growing vs Slow-Growing Trees in Texas: What You’re Trading Off
If you’re shopping for a new tree, you’ve probably searched for something like “fast growing trees in Texas” because you want shade sooner, more privacy, or a yard that feels finished this year. The part most homeowners don’t hear upfront is this: the trees that grow the fastest aren’t always the trees that last the […]
Tree Spotlight: Live Oak
Live oak trees are one of the most popular shade trees in central Texas for a reason. They are tough, long-lasting, and they create that classic wide canopy that cools down a yard. Live oaks are not a “plant it anywhere” tree. To love it long-term, you need to understand spacing, growth, and basic care. […]
New Tree Watering Schedule for Spring Time in Texas
Spring is a great time to plant trees in Central Texas, but it is also when many new trees fail. Most of the time, people are unsure how to water a new tree the right way. They need guidance on: How often to water a new tree How long to water a new tree with […]