Saturday, August 17, 2013

Chinese Tallow Trees

Chinese Tallow Trees

According to a foundation repair company, 
"Chinese Tallow have extensive tap root systems that extract large amounts of water from the soil, which can cause major damage and require home foundation repair.

Information on the Chinese Tallow tree provided by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

According to the USDA, the Chinese Tallow tree is listed in Texas as a "noxious plant"

Texas Invasives .org

Article from Houston Chronicle, "Do NOT Plant Chinese Tallows (it’s illegal)"

From Wikipedia
"Unfortunately, tallow trees are not native and are highly damaging species. According to the US Forest Service: Tallow trees begin producing viable seed after only 3 years. They can spread by root fragments and cuttings, so are quick to invade after a hurricane. Just one tallow tree can produce 100,000 seeds every year. Nearly all of these seeds are viable and can germinate even after several years. A mature stand can produce 4,500 kg of seeds per hectare per year. Trees remain productive for 100 years. Even one tallow tree presents a danger of explosive expansion that can hurt local ecosystems. Tallow trees should be removed from yards and public spaces as well. The trees are extremely hard to kill and freshly cut trees will sprout new leaves. Chemicals aside, the best way is to remove all new sprouts and starve the tree of sunlight."

US Forest Service provides extensive information

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