u/ToriBethATX

Apologies now if similar posts have appeared in the past. I recently purchased a condo with a little backyard (compared to what I’m used to) up in Leander. There are 3 trees in there, 2 crepe myrtles and something else (possibly an elm variety?). One crepe myrtle is well established and big so I’m going to leave it alone for now since it is providing a good shady place, but I personally don’t care for crepe myrtles. The second crepe myrtle and the possible elm are both still relatively small, and also up against their respective fences. I would like to take out the 2 smaller trees and replace them with something else (maybe just one tree) that I can also move away from the fence before any future damage occurs. I’m looking for good recommendations that would grow up to be good shade trees (or even just one tree) in the future. While native would be good since the amount of care it would need is minimal to none, I am willing to put in the time and effort to care for it for a couple of years while it properly establishes and grows. Something moderately fast growing would be nice, so that I could enjoy it’s shade (or and any other benefits, like fruit) sooner, but I’m also open to slower growing so that it would withstand harsher weather (aka severe storms) better without losing limbs due to being softer wood.

I’ve never really gardened, but in a move I decided to take cuttings from some of the plants at my old house to keep. I (likely foolishly) simply planted them in pots instead of keeping them in water. About half have leafed out, which tells me that those did form roots and are doing good. The other half I’m not sure about. It’s been about 8 weeks. On the ones that I’m not sure about, I’ve very gently tugged upward on them. Some don’t move, and some do. Does that mean that the ones that aren’t moving have rooted and will likely survive with continued care? Do I need to give a few more weeks on the others in the hopes they will root? Thanks for any help!