VOLUME VII ISSUE INEWS FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THE DOMINION January 2015
One of the most frequent questions I receive is: “When is the best time to plant a tree?” To their surprise I respond unequivocally, that the winter time is the best time to plant a tree. This is for various reasons – first and foremost, all plants are in a state of “hibernation” if you will, and as a result the inevitable shock of transplant is reduced significantly.
Cooler temperatures combined with the fact that deciduous trees are leafless during winter and evergreens, which have a much reduced photosynthetic rate during this season all mean less water loss during transportation of tree from the nursery to the planting site. When a tree is planted it is a good idea to prune some of the roots in order to stimulate new root growth into the new soil and undo some of the bad root growth practices of girdling roots that occurs in container-grown plants.
What little growth that occurs in plants during the winter is underground, at the root system level. Winter planting gives the tree a head start for quicker establishment in the critical first year. Ironically, the spring and summer is the busiest planting times for those in the green industry, but winter is typically quite a bit slower for this industry; faster and possibly reduced costs for new tree planting is more likely during the best season to do it! Finally, water frequency is significantly diminished for the tree, making it a little easier on the caretaker who can appreciate easing into a new routine of care and monitoring the new tree(s). When purchasing a tree, look for ones that are grown in wooden boxes. A wooden box construction means a heavy root ball – the most important part of the tree. Also ask if the tree will need to be
staked and guyed after planting – if so, that means they are selling you a tree with a poor root ball. The new tree’s root ball should be at the same grade as the original soil grade. The hole should be approximately 20-30% wider than the actual root ball. Care should be taken to avoid any fracturing of the root ball as it leaves the container to its place in the hole. The first 6-8” of trunk should be strait. If the canopy is not straight then prune and or guy the tree as opposed to putting trunk in leaning. Stick a hose next to the bottom of the root ball prior to backfilling, and water at a moderate to slow rate of flow after the backfilling is mostly completed.
Back fill should be all native soil and some organic amendments between 15-35%. Put extra soil in a big mound over backfill and in a ring around it as soil will settle and watering is funneled directly into root ball. Slow-release tree bags are a great choice for watering. Many will prefer a tree bubbler though for automated watering – just make sure you have a water wise system with rain sensors installed, and remember that drought water restrictions (whether they are in force or off), of watering only once a week, are more than adequate for even newly planted trees during the entirety of winter. Finally, deer and porcupines will utterly destroy your tree! Do not plant them without fence protection.
Next month, we will discuss fruit and floral tree pruning that is best accomplished in late winter. Questions or comments this article or previous articles have generated may be directed to me at: [email protected].
EMERGENCY NUMBERSEMERGENCY ...............................................................911Fire ...................................................................................... 911Ambulance .......................................................................... 911Police Dept – Non-Emergency ............................210-207-7273Fire Dept – Non-Emergency ...............................210-207-7744DOMINION SECURITYChief of Security .................................................210-268-9932Main Gate ...............................210-698-2997 or 210-698-2998North Gate ..........................................................210-698-7812South Gate ..............................210-698-5323 or 210-698-0041CITYCity Customer Service .........................................210-207-6400Solid Waste (Trash) .............................................210-207-6428OTHER NUMBERSCedar Elm Postal Office ......................................210-641-0248NEWSLETTER PUBLISHERPeel, Inc. .............................................................512-263-9181Advertising ........................................... [email protected]
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ASSISTANCE LEAGUE® SAN ANTONIO HOSTS ANNUAL
LITERARY LUNCHEONAssistance League San Antonio will be hosting their third annual
Lit ‘n Lunch literary luncheon on January 30, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. Location is the San Antonio Country Club, 4100 N. New Braunfels Avenue. This event raises money to support Assistance League philanthropic programs that clothe children in need, engage children in the “I’m in Charge” safety program which empowers them to make correct decisions for their safety, and provides support to several other programs that directly enrich the lives of children and adults in the San Antonio community. Assistance League of San Antonio is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose programs are staffed solely by volunteers. In 2013-2014, member volunteers worked over 71,000 hours that provided support to over 64,000 residents, primarily children.
The luncheon will feature three authors who have captured the history and culture of the Lone Star State in a unique and compelling way. Authors are Elizabeth Crook, author of Monday, Monday; Melanie Shankle, author of Sparkly Green Earrings; and Miles Arcineaux, authors of Ransom Island. These authors will be speaking about their works and books will be available for purchase and signing.
This year’s program also will include the presentation of the annual Rising Star Award, an award that recognizes new literary talent in the San Antonio area. The recipient this year is Madeline Carrola, a student at North East School of the Arts. Madeline is a prolific young writer and has received numerous awards and accolades for her work.
Susan L. Pamerleau, Sheriff, Bexar County will serve as Mistress of Ceremony.
The cost of the luncheon is $65 per person and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets may be purchased by check made payable to Assistance League of San Antonio and mailed to Assistance League of San Antonio, P.O. Box 13130, San Antonio, Texas 78213. Reservation deadline is January 23, 2015. For more information, please contact Bonny Johnston at (210)732-1200.
Be sure to visit the Assistance League of San Antonio Thrift House at 2611 West Avenue. Proceeds from Thrift House sales benefit the organizations’ philanthropic programs. More information about the organization can be found on the Assistance League of San Antonio website, www.assistanceleaguesa.org.
The Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio(BHFSA) has just awarded a grant to the Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center, in Boerne. The BHFSA is providing funding for the Center in Boerne to begin providing treatment for STDs.
The Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center already provides educational programs in schools and community groups about STDs as well as providing testing for STDs at their facility on Fabra St. in Boerne.
This faith based non-profit has been providing free services for over 27 years. Volunteers also provide parenting classes using a DVD curriculum developed by child development professionals. Families can “earn” cribs, car seats and other items through class attendance.
The Director of Nursing and all nursing staff provide services under the direction of a local physician. First trimester sonograms are provided free of charge if needed, as are vitamins, maternity clothes and other items.
For further information, to ask about volunteer opportunities or to make a donation in support of this ministry – please call 830-249-9717.
Pictures!! Do you have a picture of an event that you would like to run in this newsletter? Send it to us and we will publish it in the next issue.
Email the picture to [email protected]. Be sure to include the text that you would like to have as the caption.
Pictures will appear in color online at www.PEELinc.com.
Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District (TGRGCD) would like to ask for your continued help in reducing demand on groundwater resources. We have enjoyed very appropriately-timed rains this fall and hope they continue throughout winter.
We offer a free on-site consultation to identify problems areas that could be resulting in higher water usage to home or business owners residing within our District. Following the visit, we offer recommendations to help reduce water usage both inside and outside the home and a “goody” bag full of conservation-related items, including a hose timer, moisture meter, and low-flow showerhead.
Please contact us at 210-698-1155 with questions, or to schedule a free in-home audit!
To learn more about Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District, please visit us at www.trinityglenrose.com.
Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District Water Conservation Audit
The Modern Game: The Forehand Return Serve Drop Shot
By USPTA/PTR Master Professional Fernando Velasco
TENNISTIPS
Look in the next Newsletter for: “The Backhand Return Drop Shot”
In previous newsletters, I offered tips on how to execute the basic strokes for players who are just beginning to play tennis or who want to resume playing.
I am now offering suggestions on how to play the “modern” game mostly geared towards players who are happy with hitting the ball over the net and controlling the point with consistency. These players may already be playing for leagues or in tournaments and are looking for more “weapons” on the court.
In this issue, I will offer instructions on how to execute “The Return Serve Drop Shot.” This shot is used when an opponent is expecting a deep service return and the player “surprises” the opponent with a short angle drop shot. It can be used in both singles and doubles play.
In the illustrations, Fernando Velasco, Director of Tennis and teacher at of the Grey Rock Tennis Club, shows the proper technique to execute this stroke. Velasco is presently ranked #1 in Singles and Doubles in the USTA Men’s 70 Division in Texas, and #13 in Singles
and #8 and #10 in Doubles in the US. Step 1: The Back Swing: When Fernando sees the opportunity,
he makes a quick turn of his upper body and takes the racket high and back. The head of the racket is now at shoulder height, his shoulders are turned, and his eyes are focused on the incoming ball.
Step 2: The Point of Contact: The success of the drop shot is to “cup” under the ball with the strings. The grip is relaxed and ready to push the ball forward and under the ball as he makes contact with it. His left shoulder is almost opening and his weight is moving through the shot.
Step 3: The Follow Through: In order to get maximum underspin, Fernando is keeping the right hand extended as long as possible. His weight is going forward. The left hand is left leaning forward for better balance.
As the shot goes over the net, and it was successful, Fernando will run towards the net, expecting his opponent to either lift the ball short, or try to drop shot his drop shot.
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WANTED: Looking for a small year-round hunting lease for my small family of four. Turkey, deer and/or hogs. Preferably within two hours of Austin. Bow hunter and hunter education certified. I’m wanting to continue teaching my children about outdoor education and spending quality time with them outdoors. 512-589-5471.
ROTARY CLUB OF FAIR OAKS RANCH
meets weekly at noon at the Fair Oaks Ranch Golf and Country Club.
The Rotary Club facilitates the Meals On wheels service for the City and surroundsand is always
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