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November 26, 2025
Growing Up In Bandera
By Glenn Clark
The Bandera Prophet
Unlike some of my neighbors, I was able to save my two pecan trees from any severe damage or death. The latest round of drought and water restrictions has been hard on some of us here in town. I experienced an expensive plumbing bill due to a shifting foundation causing an under slab leaking water line. There's lots of theories about so many of the oak trees dying in the area and I personally believe it is connected to a declining water table.
The good news is there are plenty of pecans on my trees for the squirrels and deer to enjoy this year. I used to harvest a few to provide some pie and brownie ingredients for my wife to whip up some desserts but she preferred to just eat them rather than spending time in the kitchen. Occasionally I still walk around the yard and pick up a pecan to peel with my trusty pocket knife while our little dogs follow me around insisting I share. I guess that's only fair since neither of them has a pocket knife of their own. I did give some thought to dusting off my trusty inertia nut cracker but then I took a nap and the urge went away.
For anyone who suffered the loss of a pecan tree, there is a side benefit to your misfortune. Pecan is some of the best wood available for your bar-b-que/smoker pit. For years I used only oak and mesquite. The mesquite was eventually toned down due to the old age problem of everything causing indigestion. Pecan wood leaves a milder smooth taste. Most fruit tree types of wood are excellent too. I prefer that when using our pellet grill smoker.
I know the berries of the hackberry trees are a favorite with racoons, ringtails and quite a few birds but that is one nasty tree to have in your yard. I removed several from my lot years ago and now I don't have to worry about them dying during these dry times and falling on my fences. Also it deprived the banker birds in the area of supplies with which to make a deposit on the neighborhood vehicles. Thanks to my late mother-in-law Mildred Bergman for that bit of wisdom.
There is nothing that compares to the smell of a sycamore or cypress tree. They are my favorite as they trigger my memories of good times on creeks and the river while Growing Up In Bandera. I will admit to being hooked on the smell of burning cedar too. Anyone who loves the Hill Country will agree to that one.
GLENN CLARK #444 2025
The good news is there are plenty of pecans on my trees for the squirrels and deer to enjoy this year. I used to harvest a few to provide some pie and brownie ingredients for my wife to whip up some desserts but she preferred to just eat them rather than spending time in the kitchen. Occasionally I still walk around the yard and pick up a pecan to peel with my trusty pocket knife while our little dogs follow me around insisting I share. I guess that's only fair since neither of them has a pocket knife of their own. I did give some thought to dusting off my trusty inertia nut cracker but then I took a nap and the urge went away.
For anyone who suffered the loss of a pecan tree, there is a side benefit to your misfortune. Pecan is some of the best wood available for your bar-b-que/smoker pit. For years I used only oak and mesquite. The mesquite was eventually toned down due to the old age problem of everything causing indigestion. Pecan wood leaves a milder smooth taste. Most fruit tree types of wood are excellent too. I prefer that when using our pellet grill smoker.
I know the berries of the hackberry trees are a favorite with racoons, ringtails and quite a few birds but that is one nasty tree to have in your yard. I removed several from my lot years ago and now I don't have to worry about them dying during these dry times and falling on my fences. Also it deprived the banker birds in the area of supplies with which to make a deposit on the neighborhood vehicles. Thanks to my late mother-in-law Mildred Bergman for that bit of wisdom.
There is nothing that compares to the smell of a sycamore or cypress tree. They are my favorite as they trigger my memories of good times on creeks and the river while Growing Up In Bandera. I will admit to being hooked on the smell of burning cedar too. Anyone who loves the Hill Country will agree to that one.
GLENN CLARK #444 2025