San Marcos Downtown Area Plan

CHAPTER 4: RECOMMENDATIONS

PUBLIC SPACE & AMENITIES SHADE TREES (Recommendation E.1)

The hot Texas climate also necessitates shade, especially in areas where many people are walking or gathering, such as Downtown. Downtown has limited street trees, in part, due to the high water table. In addition, an inventory of existing trees should be established downtown along with identifying priority areas for new trees. Options for preserving famous trees in Texas such as the Log Cabin Oaks on Moon Street and the Kissing Tree in the riverside park should be considered. The trees recommended below could be used to increase Downtown’s tree canopy while being sensitive to the unique environmental stressors. Recommendations for trees and minimum soil volume and media characteristics to enhance tree growth should be included in the Downtown Design Manual, Downtown Urban Plant Palette, or other adopted plant palette. Note: Other potential street trees species include: Montezuma Cypress, Canbyi Oak, Arizona Cypress & Black Locust

LARGE

Bur Oak (Mossycup Oak) Growth Rate: Slow Attributes: Texas native, reliable fall color, attractive seeds or fruit, seeds or fruit eaten by wildlife Features: Unique leaf shape; large acorn is enclosed in a fuzzy cap. Comments: Excellent, drought-tolerant native tree, with rough texture and large acorn Problems: Acorns and leaves can pose a significant clean-up chore.

Cedar Elm Growth Rate: Moderate Attributes: Texas native, reliable fall color

Features: Fine textured leaves turn yellow in fall. Comments: Tough, drought-tolerant shade tree, well adapted to a variety of conditions. Problems: Drooping branches may require pruning; aphids, powdery mildew, and mistletoe are notable pests.

112

SAN MARCOS DOWNTOWN AREA PLAN