RSS Feed

Edwards, foundation spar over state's tax rating

Wed, 03/04/2020 - 12:30pm

By BETHANY BLANKLEY, The Center Square

Throughout his reelection campaign, Gov. John Bel Edwards has touted Louisiana’s fifth-lowest state and local tax burden as one of his administration’s accomplishments. It’s a claim, critics say, for which he should not be taking credit.
Edwards recently tweeted, “When I became Governor, we had the 5th lowest combined state and local tax burden in the country. Today, we still have the 5th lowest combined state and local tax burden.”
In response, Jared Walczak, director of State Tax Policy at the Washington, D.C.-based Tax Foundation, replied, “Governor, while Louisi-ana’s tax burden is moderate, the reason the state’s ranking has remained constant is because we discontinued the study you cite several years ago, and the most recent figures are for FY 2012.”
When asked to respond, Edwards’ campaign told The Center Square that Edwards is referring to a March 2019 USA Today story, which says Louisiana was fifth lowest behind Tennessee, Wyoming, South Dakota and Alaska for overall tax burdens.
The USA Today story, however, says it relies on 2012 data from the Tax Foundation, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit that analyzes taxing and spending policies at the local, state and federal level. The Edwards campaign did not directly respond to the Tax Foundation’s criticism.
Louisianans overall paid 7.6 percent of their income in 2012, according to the USA Today analysis. Broken down by income per capita, Louisiana ranked 11th lowest in 2012; by income tax collections per capita, 13th lowest; by property tax collections per capita, 8th lowest; and by general sales tax collections per capita, 14th lowest; USA Today reports.
But 2019 Tax Foundation rankings show that Louisiana has on average the second-highest sales tax rate in the U.S. (9.45 percent when local income taxes are included), the second-highest personal income tax rate in the South, and the highest corporate income tax rate in the South, and among one of the highest in the nation.
A 2018 WalletHub study ranked Louisiana’s tax burden 27th, with an overall tax burden of 8.43 percent.
Both the 2019 and 2018 Tax Foundation State Business Tax Climate Index ranked Louisiana 44th. While its “sales tax rate nudged down, a convoluted tax code with high rates still has the state at #44,” the foundation says.
The foundation also ranked Louisiana 36th for corporate taxes, 32nd for individual taxes, 32nd for property taxes, and 4th for unemployment insurance taxes.
The index analyzed five variables, noting that states’ rankings can also rise or fall based on reforms implemented in other states. States are rewarded for transparency and neutral tax codes and penalized for having tax codes that are burdensome, complex and economically harmful, according to the Index.
Louisiana’s low business climate ranking comes as no surprise, Jim Patterson, vice president of Government Relations at the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, told The Center Square, because of “massive tax increases legislated against businesses in 2015 and 2016 and supported by John Bel Edwards as a state representative in 2015 and as governor in 2016.”
According to Legislative Fiscal Office projections, these new taxes on Louisiana businesses account for new tax revenues of $575 million in 2016, $1.3 billion in 2017, $1.3 billion in 2018, $884 million in 2019, and an estimated $922.5 million in 2020, $968 million in 2021, $974 million in 2022, and $995 million in 2023.
That’s more than $7.9 billion during this 8-year period, Patterson notes.
“Not only does Louisiana have proportionately higher business taxes than most states, along with some taxes (inventory, franchise, manufacturing utilities) that are not paid by businesses in most states,” Patterson added, “but our state also saddles businesses with administrative red tape that doesn’t exist in other states. A glaring example of this is our requirement that local sales taxes be paid to some 58 local sales tax collectors across Louisiana. Whereas all but one other state have a single point of collection for local sales taxes.”
Louisiana did show signs of economic growth according to the most recent report released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). Louisiana’s real gross domestic product (GDP) increased to 3.8 percent from the previous quarter’s 1.9 percent, the ninth best showing in the country for the period.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia reported increases in the first quarter of 2019, BEA notes.

New Chamber member

Wed, 03/04/2020 - 12:25pm

Submitted Photo
St. Mary Chamber President Donna Meyer welcomed the newest member, W.L. & Mary’s Lawn Service. Their contact number is 985-519-6320. Their motto is: "Great Work at a Reasonable Price."

Jeremy Alford: Louisiana Democrats have an agenda, too

Wed, 03/04/2020 - 12:23pm

JEREMY ALFORD

Much has been made in the mainstream media about the super-majority Republicans hold in the Louisiana Senate and the near super-majority they enjoy in the House — possibly at the cost of having a broader conversation regarding the priorities of their Democratic counterparts.
Yes, there are still Democrats in the Legislature, to the tune of 35 seats in the 105-member House and 12 out of 39 spots in the Senate. A Democrat also controls the governorship, and with it veto authority.
As for legislative leaders, only half of the picture is clear. While the Senate Democratic Caucus has already re-elected Sen. Troy Carter of New Orleans as its chairman, the House Democratic Caucus won’t elect its next chair until the regular session convenes on March 9.
As the vice chairman of the House caucus last term and the interim chairman now, there’s some focus on Rep. Sam Jenkins of Shreveport, who may be positioned to take over the helm. If elected, Jenkins would be the caucus’ first African-American chairman.
Jenkins said recently-elected Speaker Clay Schexnayder, a Republican from Ascension Parish, offered Democrats “some good committee assignments,” but that there are a few areas of concern. “I wish there would have been more of a balance on Appropriations, but I know those are elected,” Jenkins said. “I’m concerned about the Labor Committee also and our representation on there.”
The caucus held its annual retreat this past weekend, on March 2, which allowed its 17 newest members an opportunity to bond with long-timers. Relationships with moderate Republicans, however, may prove to be just as important.
Jenkins said if he’s elected part of his focus would be on helping the caucus seek out lasting alliances with those middle-of-the-road lawmakers who along with Dems elected Schexnayder. “We’re going to be interested in bills getting fair hearings and bills not dying for political reasons, which we saw too much of last term,” Jenkins said. “We want to restore civility and bipartisanship. I think the speaker’s race showed what moderates and Democrats can do if we work together.”
Jenkins said he would also work to help House Democrats get ahead of issues like tort reform and redistricting. “We’re going to be bringing in consultants and experts to discuss redistricting and we’re certainly going to have some maps made available,” Jenkins said. “The work has already begun on redistricting.”
The Senate Democratic retreat was held two weeks ago and Carter said a handful of priorities for members has already been identified.
The Senate caucus heard presentations from Gov. John Bel Edwards and Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne during their retreat and, since Carter had already been elected as chair, it was able to start making some important policy decisions.
“We’re already establishing more effective lines of communication with the administration to make sure we accomplish our shared goals during session, and we’re doing that with the House as well,” said Carter. “The notion that we are all somehow so far apart is one I don’t believe. I think there are more people in the middle than ever before, and they’re more than the people on the extremes, and my efforts will be aimed at capitalizing on those centrists.”
Carter said the caucus isn’t yet ready to announce its final package of bills, but many of the issues should sound familiar. “We’re lining up behind the minimum wage and pay secrecy and pay equity,” said Carter, “and we intend to build a coalition of bipartisan members to make it happen.”
The man at the top of the pecking order sounds like he’s on board. According to Christina Stephens, Edwards’ deputy chief of staff and communications director, the big change in how the administration will approach the discussion on equal pay and the gender wage gap is by “working to ban the use of pay history in hiring decisions.”
Also on the governor’s to-do list for the upcoming session are issues related to eduction funding, lower automobile insurance rates, workplace protections for pregnant women and maternal mortality.
Put another way, the Democrats may have enviable numbers at the Capitol, but they are not short on issues that mean something to their collective base. In the House, at least, Democrats have already shown an ability to unite with Republicans to make a difference, particularly in electing the speaker. Achieving that feat once again during the session on an important policy issue will be the real trick.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on Twitter @LaPoliticsNow

Guest Column: Trump administration acts to avoid stranding reserves in Gulf

Wed, 03/04/2020 - 12:21pm

SCOTT ANGELLE

Oil production in the Gulf of Mexico is making history. In August 2019, oil production hit an all-time high with estimates of more than 2 million barrels a day.
This record-high, daily production rate followed a record-setting year for the United States, as more than 640 million barrels of oil were produced from the Gulf of Mexico alone.
While energy production in the Gulf of Mexico continues to drive the Trump administration’s goals of energy independence, there are effectively two Gulfs of Mexico when it comes to oil and gas production.
The Shallow Water Province, defined as water depths less than 200 meters, and the Deepwater Province, defined as greater than 200 meters, are two distinct production provinces. A closer look at the data indicates oil production from Deepwater comprised 90% of total Gulf of Mexico production in 2018 as compared to 42% n 1998.
No doubt, Deepwater is the workhorse of offshore production.
However, with a long-distinguished history, the Shallow Water Province once held that title, with the first offshore well drilled in 1947.
Since then, more than 47,700 wells have been drilled in Shallow Water and nearly 7,000 platforms installed
Aggregate oil production from the province totals 12.7 billion barrels, enough to fuel 263.8 million cars for one year, and aggregate natural gas production totals 166.5 trillion cubic feet, enough to supply 79.6 million homes for ten years.
Not only has the oil and natural gas production from Shallow Water proven critical to the Nation, the activity also provided economic viability throughout south Louisiana and for decades helped to support the communities of Cameron, Abbeville, Amelia, Delcambre, New Iberia, Patterson, Berwick, Golden Meadow, Morgan City, Houma, Grand Isle, Lafayette, Galliano, Cut Off, Larose, Leeville, and many more. In the past decade, however, these communities have suffered the impact of these declines.
Two Interior Department agencies, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, each with responsibilities for energy management of the Outer Continental Shelf’s submerged lands —- joined together to conduct research which clearly illustrates the Shallow Water in decline.
Shallow Water natural gas production decreased 92 percent and oil production decreased 77 percent over the last 20 years. Well activity is also declining as the number of wells drilled decreased by 89 percent from 2008 to 2018. Yet, it is estimated that approximately $20 billion of oil and natural gas resources remain in the province, so a new strategy is necessary to avoid stranding these critical resources.
Safely developing these resources is critical for our country’s national economy, energy independence, the Gulf state communities, and coastal conservation and restoration projects that receive funding from energy revenues.
The Department of the Interior disbursed $214.9 million in energy revenues last year to the four Gulf oil and natural gas producing states – Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas – and their coastal political subdivisions. The disbursements paid to these entities also support hurricane protection programs and activities to implement marine, coastal, and conservation management plans.
In November 2019, I was in south Louisiana to highlight this research and the economic impact of oil and gas development in the Gulf, demonstrating that a “one size fits all” management approach no longer works for the Gulf of Mexico.
Treating the Gulf as one province and applying the same criteria to every area is not a best management practice.
Accordingly, in Houma and Lafayette, I introduced a new approach, under which offshore operators applying for a royalty rate reduction on existing leases will now utilize criteria specific to the Shallow Water Province. Importantly, these criteria only apply to new wells and completions, which will lead to more production and more jobs.
Responsibly and safely developing the Nation’s oil and natural gas resources while advancing economic and energy security are all efforts that support the president’s directives to promote offshore energy infrastructure, independence, and economic growth, while preserving and enhancing the environment.
I am reminded of the old proverb, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
The nation should have acted a decade ago on this issue.
With an estimate of 100 platforms being removed each year of the almost 1,000 in the Shallow Water Province, the nation is essentially on a “shot clock.”
Once the infrastructure is removed, we will not be able to recover these resources in a cost-effective fashion.
Under President Trump’s leadership, the U.S made history earlier this year, exporting more petroleum products to overseas markets than it imported. Not too long ago, experts said this would never be possible.
A strong and safe domestic energy industry is critical for America’s economic strength and national security, and the Trump Administration is making that a reality by implementing common sense solutions instead of accepting the status quo.
Look no further than the Gulf of Mexico to see that reality.
Scott Angelle is director of the federal Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.

Volunteers read Bible for 100 straight hours

Wed, 03/04/2020 - 12:15pm

By HARLAN, KIRGAN

A 100-hour Bible-reading marathon at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas ended Monday.
About 300 volunteers including Gov. John Bel Edwards, Attorney General Jeff Landry, Bishop Douglas Deshotel and retired Bishop Michael Jarrell read from the Bible for about 20 minutes each starting at 12:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday.
The event is to celebrate the church’s 100th anniversary and also the city’s 300th anniversary.
The Bible was handmade by the Community of Jesus Crucified in St. Martinville and blessed by Pope Francis in 2016.
The five-year-old Bible Marathon is usually held in St. Martinville as the community’s evangelism activities, the Rev. Michael Champagne said.
Champagne, interviewed inside an ambulance converted into a mobile confessional, is no stranger to public campaigns for the gospel. He organized the Fête-Dieu du Teche, a boat procession on Bayou Teche.
The mobile confession has been the site of more than 8,600 confessions since it went into service in December 2015.
Champagne said Mardi Gras is heard in the square so, “why not publicly read the Bible.”
The readings “have been very effective in highlighting the faith,” he said.
Champagne said faith has been a tremendous impact on civilization and culture.
Bringing to the marathon to Holy Ghost recognizes that church’s contributions.
Holy Ghost has more than 5,800 parishioners and is the largest black Catholic congregation in the U.S.
“The parish has had so much impact,” he said.
“We have a lot of significant people who try to bring people together and they are not all politically on the same page,” he said.
“We know that to love the Lord, to serve Him, solves our problems,” he said.
Champagne said his Community has the resources to do special events such as the marathon reading and the procession on Bayou Teche.
“It puts God in the newspaper,” he said of the publicity the events create.
Champagne, who attended LSUE in 1981-1982, graduated from LSU in Baton Rouge with a degree in mechanical engineering. But a couple of years out college, he went another direction.
When discussing the reading marathon the engineer is revealed.
Champagne talks about spreadsheets to gauge the time needed to read the Bible. There are tidbits of facts such as the New Testament is about 21% of the Bible.

Morgan City police radio logs for March 2

Wed, 03/04/2020 - 12:09pm

The following are the radio dispatch logs from the Morgan City Police Department. To report unlawful or suspicious activity, call the police department at 985-380-4605.
Monday, March 2
8 a.m., 600 block Aucoin, animal.
8:17 a.m., Morgan City Junior High, juvenile problem.
8:42 a.m., 200 block of Onstead, animal.
8:47 a.m., 800 block of Youngs, alarm.
9:42 a.m., Morgan City Police Department, complaint.
9:54 a.m., 5000 block Railroad, animal.
10:05 a.m., 1500 block Sixth, abandoned bike
10:33 a.m., U.S. 90 West, cones in road.
10:40 a.m., 3000 block Catherine, theft.
11:39 a.m., 300 block Egle, theft.
11:4 a.m., 500 block Brashear, disturbance.
1:05 p.m., Florida Street, suspicious person.
1:29 p.m., Duke and Seventh, medical.
1:39 p.m., U.S. 90 West, debris in road.
1:44 p.m., 200 block Arizona, standby.
2:22 p.m., First and Freret, suspicious person.
2:28 p.m., Dale and Amber, abandoned bike.
3:31 p.m., 300 block Franklin, standby
4:16 p.m., Amelia, medical
4:25 p.m., 1000 block Chennault, removal of subject
4:43 p.m., 1100 block crash.
5:22 p.m., 7200 block La. 182, complaint.
6:51 p.m., 2300 block Federal, removal of subject.
7:34 p.m., 1400 block Sandra, alarm.
7:40 p.m., 2400 block Apple, medical.
8:11 p.m., Sixth, complaint.
11:24 p.m., 700 block Sixth, complaint.

Jeanerette man booked on assault charge

Wed, 03/04/2020 - 12:06pm

Staff Report

A Jeanerette man faces aggravated assault and weapons possession charges after an arrest by deputies, St. Mary Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith said.
—Jawarski Jvonte Jack, 25, of AB Martin Road, Jeanerette, was arrested at 1:17 p.m. Monday on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Bail was set at $15,000.
—Jessica Marie Bourgeois, 37, of Raine Court, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:26 p.m. Monday on charges of possession of synthetic cannabinoids and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bourgeois was released on a summons to appear June 29.
—Ryan Cox, 21, of Aucoin Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:38 p.m. Monday on a charge of illegal possession of stolen things and on a Terrebonne Parish warrant for failure to appear on the charge of battery of a dating partner. Bail was set at $15,000.
—Alvin Douglas Boudreaux Jr., 53, of La. 20, Gibson, was arrested at 10:38 p.m. Monday on a charge of driving under suspension. Bail was set at $1,000.
—Bernard Hanes Davis Jr., 22, Easy Street, Franklin, was arrested at 11:36 p.m. Monday on charges of turning movements and signals required and driving under suspension. Bail was set at $1,000.
Davis was released on a summons to appear June 29.
Chief James F. Blair reported that Morgan City police responded to 40 calls of service in a 24-hour period and made this arrest:
—Joseph Jerry Julien, 54, of Arizona Street in Morgan City, was arrested at 10:13 a.m. Monday on a warrant for failure to appear.
Julien was located at the St. Mary Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Center and placed under arrest on an active warrant held by the City Court of Morgan City. He was transferred to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
Berwick Police Chief David Leonard Sr. reported no arrests.
Patterson Police Chief Garrett Grogan reported no arrests.

Allain isn't sure he'll go along with amended school tax proposal

Wed, 03/04/2020 - 11:12am

By BILL DECKER

bdecker@daily-review.com

The St. Mary School Board’s addition of a five-year term on a half-cent sales tax proposal might not be enough to ease the concerns of state Sen. Bret Allain.

Allain, R-Franklin, is a member of the State Bond Commission, which must approve the sales tax proposition’s inclusion in the May 9 ballot. At a St. Mary Chamber breakfast Wednesday, Allain said he isn’t sure whether he will support the tax after the School Board added the sunset provision at a special meeting Tuesday.

He said he’ll decide what to do about the amended resolution’s call for a tax vote after talking with the treasurer and the School Board.

“Will I stop it from being [placed] on the ballot? I haven’t decided yet,” Allain said.

A quarter-cent tax that limits the proceeds to use for teacher pay, or even employee pay, would win support from the people who now oppose it, Allain said after the meeting.

“They chose to ignore that and go for the half cent,” Allain said after the meeting.

In December, the School Board passed a resolution calling for a May 9 vote on the new half-cent sales tax, which would raise about $4 million a year. The resolution called for the tax to continue “in perpetuity” and said the money would be used for teacher and staff raises and technology enhancements. There was also language allowing use of the money for other purposes determined by the board.

The State Bond Commission deferred action on the School Board’s resolution at a Feb. 20 meeting. At the same meeting, the commission approved a Lafourche Parish School Board proposal for an election on a half-cent tax that includes a term of five years, after which voters would be asked to renew the levy.

At a St. Mary Industrial Group meeting Monday, Allain said he was concerned about enacting the tax in perpetuity. If the School Board insisted, the senator said, he would push for election to be held Nov. 3, when the presidential election is likely to generate a much bigger voter turnout than a proposition-only election May 9.

The School Board responded by amending the resolution to add the five-year limit. The May 9 vote election could still be approved by the State Bond Commission’s three-member Ad Hoc Subcommittee next week.

Proponents say the proposed raises, $3,000 annually for teachers and $1,500 for other staff members, are needed to help the district attract and hold on to teachers. At Tuesday’s School Board meeting, they pointed to the Lafourche school tax election and said St. Mary competes with that parish when it recruits Nicholls State graduates.

School Board President Michael Taylor said the district has maintained a good accountability rating while learning to operate more efficiently.

But the tax proposal has also drawn opposition from those who say it is the wrong move at a time when St. Mary’s economy is trying to recover from a five-year slump.

At Wednesday’s Chamber breakfast, Allain said he has supported teacher raises in the last two legislative sessions.

But he also said the district’s enrollment has dropped by 1,000 students in the last decade.

And the district received ample money for teacher raises from an increase in state Minimum Foundation Program funding, which rose from $5,530 per St. Mary student in 2018-19 to $5,972 in 2019-20, Allain said. That’s $11,000 per classroom.

“If they wanted to give pay raises to teachers, they could have done that,” Allain said.

Births announced

Wed, 03/04/2020 - 10:42am

Born to Alanni Clark and Fred Kenner of Morgan City, a girl, Adali Alaya Clark, on Jan. 28 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. She weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce and measured 20 inches. —— Born to Kimberly Mayon and Jarell Gash of Berwick, a boy, Kartez Marcellous Gash, on Feb. 10 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. He weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces and measured 21.5 inches. —— Born to Kortney McGill of Patterson, a girl, Kynlee Jade Elizabeth McGill, on Feb. 16 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. She weighed 5 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 18.4 inches. —— Born to ...

PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT. Our website requires visitors to log in to view the best local news from St. Mary Now. Not yet a subscriber? Subscribe today!

Get It Growing: Live oaks have long lives

Wed, 03/04/2020 - 10:40am

By HEATHER KIRK-BALLARD, LSU AgCenter Horticulturist

Live oaks have a strong history in the Gulf South. Before steel, bronze and aluminum alloys were used, U.S. naval ships were built from the strong wood of live oaks. They produce wood that is close-grained, hard and durable, and is one of the heaviest woods that grows natively in America.
This durable wood made it a suitable material for building warships for the Navy. According to the Gulf Islands National Park Service, the U.S.S. Constitution’s inner hull (1795) was built from live oak lumber. And because of its proven resilience in the War of 1812, it earned the name “Old Ironsides.”
The first national tree farm was established in Pensacola, Florida, by President John Quincy Adams and Samuel S. Southland, secretary of the navy, for building and maintaining navy warships. The areas were called live oak tree reservations, and they now remain as national parks. One such national park is the Naval Live Oaks Reservation in Pensa-cola, Florida.
Metal began to replace wood after the American Civil War. Today, oaks still hold an iconic status for resilience in the Gulf South. After devastating hurricanes and floods, it is often our live oaks that remain standing.
A slight controversy surrounds the live oak, however. Is it deciduous? Is it evergreen? Is it semi-evergreen or semi- deciduous? Consult any number of reference books, and you will find it called all of the above.
Live oak (Quercus virginiana) is a very large, slow-growing, long-lived tree. The largest live oak specimen in Louisiana is located in Mandeville and has been named the Seven Sisters Oak. It has a whopping spread of 132 feet and a trunk 37 feet in diameter. One of the oldest live oaks in the South, the Angel Oak, is located in Charleston, South Carolina. It is said to be between 400 to 600 years old.
Many of the plantations in the South and especially in Louisiana, date back to before the American Civil War and have alleyways lined with oak trees that still live today.
William Guion, a natural landscape photographer, documented and wrote a book “Quercus Louisiana: The Splendid Live Oaks of Louisiana.” In the book, he references Edwin Lewis Stephens, the first president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Stephens created the Live Oak Society and was responsible for planting oak seedlings at the intersection of University Avenue and Johnston Street that are now known as the Century Oaks. He believed the live oak should have been named Quercus louisiana, not virginiana because of vast number of live oaks found in this state.
Back to our controversy — are live oaks evergreen or not? They do keep their leaves year-round, except for a short couple of weeks in late winter or early spring when they shed all of their leaves from last year’s growth and then re-grow their entire canopy.
Simultaneously, as the leaves fall, live oaks produce male flowers called catkins, which produce copious amounts of pollen. The pollen turns the tops of cars, houses and any surface it can stick to a yellow-green powdery mess and creates headaches for allergy sufferers.
The flowers then die back, turn brown and fall to the ground, releasing yet another assault on the ground and surrounding area.
So, yes and no, live oaks are evergreen. They do keep their leaves year-round except for a small window. The leaves that are dropped make a great mulch. Rake them up and put in your compost or recycle them and use them for mulch.
The best time to plant live oaks in fall or winter. The trees have a massive surface root system, so be sure to plant live oaks far away from houses, sidewalks and driveways. The root systems can break foundations as well as concrete sidewalks and driveways. Additionally, live oaks can grow to a substantial height, so also consider overhead power lines.
Another gorgeous characteristic of live oaks is their natural low, sweeping braches that sometime touch the ground. Keep this in mind when planting. They will need lots of room. Try to plant away from streets to prevent having to trim low-growing branches, forcing the trees to grow in an upright, unnatural way.
When they are full grown, live oaks will create a great deal of shade. This will cause an issue for plants and turfgrass growing underneath trees that cannot tolerate shade. St. Augustine and centipede turfgrass are the most shade tolerant.
The shade provided by oak trees can help save cooling energy costs in the summer. Not much maintenance is required. Small trees will take years, maybe your lifetime, to grow to their full potential. It is a wonderful thought to consider leaving a legacy of such a fine oak to be enjoyed in your family generation after generation.
Live oaks are so unique and such an important part of our history. These trees hold human stories connected to the families they have outlived. And some have been here since before the arrival of the first Europeans. Don’t you want to continue that legacy?