Horticultural Alternatives for Texas Agriculture

Field Trees and Shrubs

Estimated Cost $4,579 per acre establishment costs

Market Outlets Retail garden centers, wholesale tree brokers, landscape contractors, retail sales

Market Potential Some room for increased acerage

Profit Potential $0 to $2,000 per acre

Adapted Areas With advent of field liners and proper tree selection adapted to specific sites, farms could be started in South, East, North and Central Texas where quality water and soil are available

Labor Requirements One man per 10 acres depending upon many variables or one shade tree farm manager per 70 acres and two full-time workers

Equipment Requirements Large tractor and chiseling rented. Small tractor, disk, tiller, fertilizer spreader, trailer, truck, herbicide sprayer, pesticide sprayer, hydraulic pruners, mower, tree digger, tank waterer ($1,400 an acre for drip irrigation) to much more (buildings, skids, A-framers, harnesses)

Soil Requirements Excellent, well-drained, deep topsoil of sandy loam or clay loam. Land accessible by all weather road. Avoid deep dry sands and heavy clays.

Water Requirements Weekly watering may be necessary during dry periods. Water quality is very important. Low sodium content and high volume water source required for emergencies.

Minimum Size 1 acre

Risk Factor Moderate

Other Limiting Factors It is more economical to grow large field-grown trees close to urban markets because of shipping costs. Numerous cultural problems and pest control must be monitored continuously.

Additional Information

Comments Texas is currently digging many of the large landscape trees from farms or ranches (native sites). An urban market exists in Corpus Christi, El Paso, Amarillo, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth and all highly populated building frontiers. This will fluctuate with construction of homes and buildings for commercial use.

Alternatives Index

Estimated Cost	$4,579 per acre establishment costs
Market Outlets	Retail garden centers, wholesale tree brokers, landscape contractors, retail sales
Market Potential	Some room for increased acerage
Profit Potential	$0 to $2,000 per acre
Adapted Areas	With advent of field liners and proper tree selection adapted to specific sites, farms could be started in South, East, North and Central Texas where quality water and soil are available
Labor Requirements	One man per 10 acres depending upon many variables or one shade tree farm manager per 70 acres and two full-time workers
Equipment Requirements	Large tractor and chiseling rented. Small tractor, disk, tiller, fertilizer spreader, trailer, truck, herbicide sprayer, pesticide sprayer, hydraulic pruners, mower, tree digger, tank waterer ($1,400 an acre for drip irrigation) to much more (buildings, skids, A-framers, harnesses)
Soil Requirements	Excellent, well-drained, deep topsoil of sandy loam or clay loam. Land accessible by all weather road. Avoid deep dry sands and heavy clays.
Water Requirements	Weekly watering may be necessary during dry periods. Water quality is very important. Low sodium content and high volume water source required for emergencies.
Minimum Size	1 acre
Risk Factor	Moderate
Other Limiting Factors	It is more economical to grow large field-grown trees close to urban markets because of shipping costs. Numerous cultural problems and pest control must be monitored continuously.
Additional Information
Comments	Texas is currently digging many of the large landscape trees from farms or ranches (native sites). An urban market exists in Corpus Christi, El Paso, Amarillo, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth and all highly populated building frontiers. This will fluctuate with construction of homes and buildings for commercial use.