Recent Storms Cause Significant Damage to Hopkins County Tree Population by Mario Villarino

Recent Storms Cause Significant Damage to Hopkins County Tree Population by Mario Villarino
  • PublishedJune 28, 2019


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The recent storms have caused significant damage to the tree population in Hopkins County. It was concerning to me to see how even magnificent trees can be “pulled” from the ground by wind. As we start the recovery phase in our landscapes, the question for a replacement alternative to those trees usually comes by.  Which characteristics are most important when choosing a tree to shade and beautify your home? First, to realize the “Earth–Kind” goal of attractive, productive plants, with minimum effort but maximum protection for the environment, an enlightened selection of plant materials is crucial. Secondly, with the specter of oak wilt threatening live and red oaks in many areas of Texas, there is an urgent need for more diversity in tree species being planted in our state. So what is the best medium–size shade tree for most areas of TexasThe name is unusual but the performance is outstanding; it’s called the Chinese pistache (pronounced pis–tash’). Botanically it is known as Pistacia chinensis.Chinese Pistache Changing Color Highly recommended for many years by horticultural experts at Texas A&M, Oklahoma State and Kansas State universities, this native of China possesses a number of special advantages: Regarded by many knowledgeable horticulturists as one of the most beautiful, pest free and easily maintained shade trees for the Southwest and Gulf Coast regions. Winter hardy to central Kansas, the pistache forms a spreading, umbrella–like canopy which at maturity is 40–50 feet high with a width of 30 feet. This is an ideal size to provide shade, enframement and background for single–story homes. Medium to fine textured foliage (an asset in smaller landscapes) that creates a light–textured shade pattern. Foliage that remains an attractive, deep green color during the growing season, even in the rocky, highly alkaline, horribly abused soils common to many new home sites across Texas. Spectacular fall color in shades of orange, red–orange and even crimson, often rivaling the show of sugar maples in the Northeast. In addition to its brilliance, this tree is also one of the most dependable sources of fall color in the lower South. Very acceptable growth rate for such a long–lived species, with 2–3 feet of growth possible each year with good management. The first shade tree to receive the coveted “Earth–Kind” designation from the Texas Agricultural Extension Service for its high levels of genetic resistance to insect and disease problems. Extremely hard, durable wood, which is also very decay resistant, helps protect tree from wind, ice and vandal injury. Superior drought, heat and wind tolerance once tree is established (that is, after 2 or 3 growing seasons). Outstanding adaptability, with beautiful specimens growing form Amarillo to El Paso to Houston. The pistache is superbly adapted to all areas of Texas except the Rio Grande Valley. An extremely tough, durable and adaptable medium-size tree which is tolerant of both urban and rural conditions. Fruit set, only on female trees, consisting of clusters of small, round green berries which turn red to reddish–purple in the fall. These fruit clusters make excellent table decorations. And while inedible for humans, the fruit is relished by birds. Although considered by many experts to be near perfect for this area of the U.S., the Chinese pistache does have a couple of minor faults. First, young pistache in 5–gallon containers (a nice size to purchase) are often rather awkward and gangling in appearance. Rest assured that after 5–6 years of tender loving care in your landscape, this “ugly duckling” will have been magically transformed into a most “beautiful swan” as its canopy develops and begins to mature. Secondly, shaping and pruning your tree when it’s young may be necessary to encourage proper branch spacing and structure and for best crown development. Even without such pruning however, the vast majority of pistache will eventually make very nicely shaped trees on their own.  Trees 6–8 feet in height, trunk diameter of 1.5 inches, are probably the ideal size for most homeowners to purchase. There can be seedling variation in fall color of pistache, with color intensity normally ranging from good to spectacular. Thus, shop in late October, early November when most pistache are exhibiting their fall color. At this time, you can easily select a specimen with the most attractive foliage coloration.  Trees are better planted in the Fall (September through November) is best. Select a planting site in full sun, and at least 15 feet from your home to provide sufficient room for future growth. Pistache will not tolerate “wet feet.” So if battling a heavy clay soil which doesn’t drain well, it’s best to construct and plant in a raised bed 6 inches high, 4 feet in diameter. With your fingertip, check moisture of the root ball weekly. Water only when top inch of soil is dry (this may be weekly during a dry summer but only rarely during a wet winter). Mulch immediately after planting. Beginning early next spring, make light but frequent applications of fertilizer. Because trees are an important decision for your landscape, it is important to find the correct alternative and locate suitable trees for your landscape and that might take time and research to locate the replacements. For more information on this or any other agricultural topic, please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me an m-villarino@tamu.edu.

 

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Arturo's Wood Fired Pizza Gallery About

Hours
Tuesday - Sunday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Dine in restaurant serving handmade, wood fired pizzas and beer.
 

Phone:(903) 951-1444

arturoswoodfiredpizza.com
 

221 Main St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Phinesse Farms Winery About

Hours
Tuesday - Sunday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Dine in restaurant serving handmade, wood fired pizzas and beer.
 

Phone:(903) 951-1444

arturoswoodfiredpizza.com
 

221 Main St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

Backstory Brewery About

Hours
Tuesday - Thursday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sunday:
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Monday:
Closed
a production brewery located in beautiful downtown Sulphur Springs, Tx.
 

Phone: (903) 438-2337

backstorybrewery.com
 

211 Magnolia St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

 

San Remos About

Hours
Tuesday - Sunday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Dine in restaurant serving authentic Italian dishes, wine, beer and cocktails.
 

Phone:(903) 558-1200

sanremoitalian.com
 

226 Connally St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Don Lalo's About

Hours
Tuesday - Sunday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Dine in restaurant serving classic Tex-Mex dishes and cocktails.
 

Phone: (903) 558-1859

 

912 Gilmer St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Tierra Del Sol About

Hours
Sunday- Saturday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Offers a variety of Tex-Mex dishes, chips and salsa and drinks.
 

Phone: (903) 885-5845

 

1402 Mockingbird Ln
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Juan Pablos About

Hours
Sunday- Thursday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Offers a variety of slow smoked Texas BBQ meats with a relaxed vibe here in beautiful Sulphur Springs, TX. They have outdoor covered/ shaded seating for your dining pleasure.
 

Phone: (903) 885-0066

 

1216 Mockingbird Ln
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Los Mochis About

Hours
Sunday- Thursday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Offers a variety of slow smoked Texas BBQ meats with a relaxed vibe here in beautiful Sulphur Springs, TX. They have outdoor covered/ shaded seating for your dining pleasure.
 

Phone: (903) 919-3760

losmochistexmex.getbento.com
 

101 Gilmer St
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Slaughter's BBQ Oasis About

Hours
Wednesday - Saturday:
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Offers a variety of slow smoked Texas BBQ meats with a relaxed vibe here in beautiful Sulphur Springs, TX. They have outdoor covered/ shaded seating for your dining pleasure.
 

Phone:  (903) 243-7187

slaughtersbbqoasis.com
 

1000 Gilmer St Suite Q
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Ihop About

Hours
Monday - Friday:
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday:
24hrs
Sunday:
12:00 AM -10:00 PM
Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.
 

Phone: (903) 885-2406

ihop.com
 

150 E Shannon Rd E
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Panda Express About

Hours
Monday - Sunday:
10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Fast food  restaurant chain that serves American Chinese cuisine. With over 2,200 locations, it is the largest Asian-segment restaurant chain in the United States
 

Phone: (903) 439-3293

pandaexpress.com
 

150 E Shannon Rd E
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Broadway Buffet About

Hours
Monday - Thursday:
10:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Sunday:
10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Takeout, Dine In, Delivery. Made to order Sushi, Burgers, Stir-Fry and other Asian Fusion menu items. Burgers, Sushi, Stir-fry and more!
 

Phone: (903) 885-7959

broadwaybuffettx.com
 

1145 S Broadway St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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MAAK About

Hours
Sunday - Monday:
Closed
Tuesday - Saturday:
11 AM - 8:00 PM
Takeout, Dine In, Delivery. Made to order Sushi, Burgers, Stir-Fry and other Asian Fusion menu items. Burgers, Sushi, Stir-fry and more!
 

Phone: (903) 689-2334

themaak.com
 

 208 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Sakura Sushi & Seafood Grill About

Hours
Wednesday - Monday
11 AM - 9:30 PM
Dine in sushi and seafood grill.
 

Phone: (903) 438-0088

sakurasushitx.com
 

 1408 S Broadway St suit 150

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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 Big Smith's BBQ  About

Hours
Monday - Friday
10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Counter-serve chain offering fried fish & seafood combos, plus chicken & sides.
 

Phone: (903) 439-6067

ljsilvers.com
 

1338 S Broadway St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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 Big Smith's BBQ  About

Hours
Sunday - Wednesday
10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday - Saturday
10:30 AM - 12:00 AM
Established, no-nonsense BBQ institution preparing smoked meat & fried seafood dinners & sandwiches.
 

Phone: (903) 438-1547

 

4858 TX-154

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Soulman's BBQ About

Hours
Sunday - Wednesday
10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday - Saturday
10:30 AM - 12:00 AM
Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of barbecue & sides.
 

Phone: (903) 919-3617

soulmans.com
 

1310 Hillcrest Dr N

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Wing Stop About

Hours
Sunday - Wednesday
10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday - Saturday
10:30 AM - 12:00 AM
Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.
 

Phone: (903) 335-8431

wingstop.com
 

1602 S Broadway St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Chilis Grill & Bar About

Hours
Sunday - Thursday
10:45 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday - Saturday
10:45 AM - 12:00 AM
Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.
 

Phone: (903) 885-5242

chilis.com
 

128 Shannon Rd E
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Metro Diner About

Hours
Open 24/7
Comfort food with a flair.
 

Phone: (903) 885-6446

 

105 Industrial Dr W

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

El Charro Restaurant About

Hours
Saturday - Tuesday :
Closed
Wednesday - Thursday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday:
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Classic Tex-Mex dishes and more.
 

Phone: (903) 885-5669

 

215 College St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Here's 2 Us About

Hours
Tuesday - Friday:
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Sunday:
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Monday: Closed
Bar & restaurant atmosphere serving delicious burgers, sandwiches and more.
 

Phone: (903) 689-4563

 

109 N Davis St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Flip's Burgerland About

Hours
Monday:
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday - Saturday
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Family restaurant atmosphere serving delicious burgers, sandwiches and more.
 

Phone: (903) 919-5031

 

210 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Pioneer Cafe About

Hours
Monday - Friday
6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday
Closed
Family restaurant atmosphere serving delicious country food, breakfast, sandwiches, desserts and more.
 

Phone: (903) 885-7773

 

307 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Muddy Jakes About

Hours
Sunday - Thursday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday - Saturday
11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Bar and family restaurant atmosphere serving delicious steaks, burgers, fries, sandwiches, desserts and more.
 

Phone: (903) 885-1600

muddyjakes.com
 

229 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Burgers and Fries About

Hours
Sunday:
Closed
Monday - Friday:
10:30AM - 7:00PM
Saturday:
10:30AM - 6:00PM
Serving delicious burgers, fries, sandwiches, desserts and more.
 

Phone: (903) 885-9496

 

208 College St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Bodacious BBQ About

Hours
Sunday-Saturday
10:30 AM-8:30 PM
Serving delicious BBQ , sandwiches, desserts and more.
 

Phone: (903) 885-6456

bodaciousbbqsulphursprings.com
 

1228 S Broadway St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

Romas Italian Food

Roma's Italian Restaurant   About
     

Hours
Tuesday - Saturday:
8:00 AM - 9:00PM
Sunday:
8:00AM - 3:00PM
Monday:
Closed
  Roma's Italian Bar & Grill in Sulphur Springs has a wide variety of delicious menu options delicious Italian specialties, sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts, pizza, steaks and offers live music, and catering! 
 

Phone:
(903) 919-5100

   
 
400 Shannon Rd E
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

 

Haystacks  About

Hours
Tuesday - Saturday:
8:00 AM - 9:00PM
Sunday:
8:00AM - 3:00PM
Monday:
Closed
Serving delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more for 20 years! We look forward to serving you breakfast or lunch!
 

Phone: (903) 689-2991

haystackstexas.com
 

206 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

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Redneck Bar and Grill  About

Hours
Sunday-Monday:
Closed
Tuesday- Thursday:
11am-2pm
5pm-8pm
Friday - Saturday:
11:00am - 9:00pm
Serving delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more for 20 years! We look forward to serving you breakfast or lunch!
 

Phone: (903) 885-1600

 

211 Main St

Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

 

CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

 

 

Corner Grub House About

Hours

Monday - Friday:
7:30am - 4:00pm
Saturday:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Serving delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more for 20 years! We look forward to serving you breakfast or lunch!
 

Phone: (903) 885-9225

 

cornergrubhouse.com

 

 

120 Main St.
Sulphur Springs, Tx 75482

 

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Plain & Fancy About
120 Main St.
Sulphur Springs, Tx 75482

Hours
Monday - Friday:
7:30am - 4:00pm
Saturday:
10:00am - 4:00pm

Serving delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more for 20 years! We look forward to serving you breakfast or lunch! Serving delicious sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more for 20 years! We look forward to serving you breakfast or lunch!
(903) 885-9225
plainandfancyshoppe.com
CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS