< Previous50 COASTMONTHLY.COM | JANuArY 2022 HOOKED as the temperature changes. If you prefer more of an outer shell-type pullover, check out the AFTCO Reaper Windproof Pull- over. It has a face mask and other features similar to the Reaper Technical Sweatshirt, but is more water resistant and windproof. Both of these hoodies can be found at aftco.com. AFFORDABLE AND DURABLE RODS A main thing that connects an angler to the fish is the rod. There are tons of brands and manufacturers on the market today, and anglers can spend about as much money as they want on them. Some high-end rods are going for $450 or more. In my opinion, that’s just too much money for something I’m going to abuse. I’m on the go a lot, and I want a fishing rod I can move from the bed of my truck, to the boat, and not worry about damaging it because it’s so costly. A rod is a tool to me, not something to be treated like a fragile baby. That’s why I fish with the line of rods manufactured by Old 18 Outfitters. I prefer their Hollow Point and Suppressor series of sticks, both of which are afford- able and tough. They come in a variety of actions depending on what type of fishing you like to do. You can check them out at old18.com. LEADER LINE Some folks tie baits or lures straight to the main lines they have spooled on their reels. I prefer to use a fluorocarbon leader for a few reasons. It tends to give your bait or lure better action, and it’s nearly invisible underwater. Using a leader also allows you to add some strength to your setup if necessary. For example, if I’m fishing around rocks and heavy structure, I can tie on a heavier fluorocarbon leader line to compensate for that, without having to re-spool my reel with heavier line. There are plenty of fluoro- carbon leader lines out there to choose from. I like to use those made by Seaguar, which can be found at most sporting goods stores that offer fishing tackle. SHARP SCISSORS Having a reliable pair of sharp, stainless-steel scissors that can cut monofilament, fluo- (From top) Long-sleeve hooded shirts and gloves by AFTCO will protect you from the sun and keep you comfortable when things heat up this year; affordable and durable fishing rods, such as those manufactured by Old 18 Outfitters, are a must for any angler. (Opposite) Capt. Nate Skinner recommends using a fluorocarbon leader with any type of bait rig or lure, and prefers the leader line from Seaguar. COASTMONTHLY.COM | JANuArY 2022 51 409-632-0388 • www.artistboat.org Join us for Unique Coastal Experiences. Edward & Helen Oppenheimer Bird Observatory Open 7 days a week year-round Visitors get a close-up view of freshwater wetlands and coastal prairies along the 150ft. boardwalk and elevated viewing platform. There is also a .5 mile walking trail that overlooks the Coastal Heritage Preserve. Scan the code for more information about the bird observatory. PROJECT S.I.T. FREE Public Art on Galveston Seawall Project S.I.T. is an Artist Boat beautification project that transformed 70 benches along the Seawall into educational works of art. The benches can be found along the seawall between Stewart Beach and 61 st Street. rocarbon and braided lines is a must. They make changing baits or retying a breeze, and will save you time on the water. TACKLE ORGANIZATION Keeping your tackle orga- nized also is important. Nobody wants to be digging through a bunch of tackle bags or boxes looking for a specific lure when the action is hot and heavy. I’ve found that clear plastic tubs with removable lids, and latches to secure them, work great. I like to keep several on my boat and load each with different types of baits and tackle. Then I label them with a marker in big, bold letters according to what type of lures or tackle I have stored in them, so there’s no confusion when I’m in a hurry. SUN PROTECTION When you spend numerous hours on the water, protect- ing yourself from the sun is necessary. I’ve found it easy to do so by wearing clothing and gear that covers my skin, rather than having to constantly apply sunscreen. Two things I always wear when I’m out fishing are gloves and a long-sleeve shirt with a hood. My go-to fishing gloves for sun protection are the AFTCO Solago Sun Gloves. I like to pair these with lightweight, long-sleeve, hooded shirts by AFTCO. When it gets sunny and warm, these two pieces of gear will keep you comfortable, and in the game longer. Consider adding some, or better yet, all this gear and tack- le to your arsenal. After all, time on the water is precious, and these things definitely will help you become more successful. Here’s to the new year. 52 COASTMONTHLY.COM | JANuArY 2022 COASTMONTHLY.COM | JANuArY 2022 53 GARDEN VARIETY A ROOTED RESOLUTION The new year is the perfect time to plant a tree story by BARBARA CANETTI | photos by JENNIFER REYNOLDS T he beginning of a new year is the best time to plant trees — shade trees, native trees, citrus and fruit trees, as well as flowering decora- tive trees. When new trees and saplings are planted early in the year, it gives the roots additional time to expand and grow, said Kevin Lancon, a Galveston County Master Gardener. “With the recent extreme freeze that we all endured, many of us are consid- ering replacing dead trees or modifying our landscape,” Lancon said. “Since plant roots grow any time the soil temperature is 40 degrees or higher, this allows the newly planted tree time to acclimate to its new home.” The immature root system develops through the cooler months and the expanded system is then able to support and take advantage of the full surge of spring and summer growth, Lancon said. (Above) Kevin Lancon, left, a Galveston County Master Gardener and Discovery Garden coordinator, and Galveston County Extension Agent Stephen Brueggerhoff demonstrate how to plant a tree at the Discovery Garden in Carbide Park in La Marque. (Opposite) Priscilla Files, executive director and senior arborist for the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy, spreads mulch around a newly planted black cherry tree at San Jacinto Park in Galveston.54 COASTMONTHLY.COM | JANuArY 2022 GARDEN VARIETY Stephen Brueggerhoff, the newly ap- pointed Galveston County Extension Agent, suggests planting a diversity of tree species that can be included in the home landscape on the upper Texas coast, whether inland or on the island. Depending on the landscape footprint, one can include larger stately trees, such as live oak, cedar elm, bur oak or Mex- ican sycamore. One also can plant smaller stature trees to avoid overhead electric lines. Trees like Texas redbud, Mexican olive, bottlebrush and even select yaupon variet- ies offer features that draw the eye through flowering or berry production. “If you have an area a little on the dry and hot side, you may try native Texas persim- mon, a slow-growing tree with smooth, mus- cular bark producing golf ball-sized fruits that turn black and eaten like a sweet prune in late summer,” Brueggerhoff said. The Gulf Coast usually has ideal growing conditions for most tree species. But after the salty surge waters from Hurricane Ike in 2008 killed an estimated 40,000 trees on Galveston Island, a group of forward-thinking residents set up the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy to replenish the inventory of trees. Priscilla Files, executive director of the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy and its senior arborist, said to date more than 20,300 trees have been planted on private property, in rights-of-way, parks, schools and along city streets. Most of the trees, which are given away free to homeowners, have been native plants along with some crepe myrtles and bottlebrush trees. “This is the perfect time to get those trees and shrubs in the ground while they are dormant, but the roots can grow and give it a kick-start for spring,” Files said. The conservancy’s goal is to continue planting for the utility, beauty, majesty and the joy and benefits of living trees. Additional tree giveaways are planned for the beginning of the year, as well as tree planting along some neighborhood streets under the Neighborwoods program. When planting, there are several things to consider, Lancon said. “All plants have growing requirements,” he said. “Think about the plant’s needs before you make a selection.” Be sure to know whether it’s adapted for the coastal area, able to grow in the type of soil in the area, requires sun or shade, watering or dryness and is cold hardy or heat tolerant. “Every plant in the landscape should serve a purpose; therefore, it is critical to plan before you plant,” Lancon said. (Above) Milt Alberstadt, from left, watches Hector Arias, Randy Penn, Priscilla Files, executive director and senior arborist for the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy, and Maryanne and John Welford plant a black cherry sapling at San Jacinto Park in Galveston. COASTMONTHLY.COM | JANuArY 2022 55 HAPPY NEW YEAR! Say hello to 2022! For 25 years and counting, we will keep our promise to be the best title company in Galveston County! We offer our sincere wishes for a happy and prosperous 2022! We look forward to another successful year making this the best place in Texas to call home! EXPERIENCE MATTERS! TREE-PLANTING 101 To plant a tree, Lancon said: • Dig a hole large enough in diameter so the root has at least 6 inches of clearance on each side. • The root ball should rest on a solid foundation, so don’t dig a deeper hole for it. • Plant it slightly above the level of the surround- ing soil to allow for settling and drainage. • Put the sapling in the hole — don’t grab it by the trunk, however. Grab the root ball to maneuver it into place. • Water thoroughly to settle soil and eliminate air pockets. • Don’t fertilize until spring. This could injure or burn the new root system. • Continue to water weekly through the winter months, which will dramatically increase suc- cess. But don’t over water, which could cause root rot. • Stake the tree, if needed, and add 4 to 6 inches of mulch around the base to cut back on weeds and to conserve moisture. Galveston County Master Gardeners: aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/ Galveston Island Tree Conservancy www.galvestonislandtreeconservancy.org Galveston County Extension Agent Stephen Bruegger- hoff points out a misaligned root that can be pruned away before planting at the Discovery Garden in Carbide Park in La Marque. Pruning these roots will allow the root system to spread out better, which will provide better support for the tree as it grows.H aving a beautiful, manicured lawn takes time and dedication. Time and dedication are the core values at BTLS Landscaping. Twelve years ago, Michael and Angela Martinez started BTLS because they wanted to do some- thing different. They had a vision to create a different type of landscaping company. Their “Everything must be per- fect” approach has gained them the recognition of one of Galves- ton’s most sought-after landscape providers. The company handles everything from commercial properties to residential homes and will keep your property looking flawless. With little to no advertis- ing, BTLS has grown from just Michael in his pickup to five crews and 20 full- time employees. BTLS is a licensed applicator with the Texas Department of Agriculture and a licensed landscape irrigator with the Texas Commission on Environ- mental Quality. Michael worked countless hours, day and night to grow this company into what it is today. He is adamant about constant- ly learning about new trends and techniques to better serve customers. BTLS has four divisions: Commercial, residential, land- scape installation and palm tree division. After Winter Storm Uri, BTLS has become one of largest suppliers of palm trees in Galveston. BTLS has 18-wheeler loads of Flor- ida Sabal Palms arrive at the shop every week. The business carries Florida Sabal Palms because most of them did not die due to the freeze. The BTLS palm division has been removing and installing 15-20 palms a day. If you’re looking for a different type of palm tree, Mike and Angela can find it for you. The staff at BTLS puts time, effort and thought into their work and want customers to be satisfied with their work. BTLS trains its employees with the “everything must be perfect” approach. This way, this ethic is applied to every property — whether it is a vacant lot or commercial prop- erty. BTLS strives to keep high standards, no matter the size of the job. Contact BTLS Galveston today to make your yard the best-look- ing yard on the block. BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES START HERE Services offered ▶ Commercial ▶ Residential ▶ Landscape installation ▶ Irrigation ▶ Fertilization ▶ Lawn and Ornamental Pest Control ▶ Tree Trimming ▶ Core Aeration ▶ Tractor Work ▶ Brush hogging ▶ Mulch installation ▶ Sod installation ▶ Stump Grinding BTLS Landscaping 17516 FM 3005, Galveston, TX 77554 409-766-0942 By Liz Davis Advertising feature58 COASTMONTHLY.COM | JANuArY 2022 BA r BA r A CANETTI COASTMONTHLY.COM | JANuArY 2022 59 HOMEPORT ‘ZEN TIME’ Harborwalk house serves as a mini vacation for Houston family story by BARBARA CANETTI W hen Jim Meneely chose the lot for a new house to build four years ago in Hitchcock’s Harborwalk, it was for selfish reasons, he concedes. The quiet neighborhood features lovely views of the sunrises and sunsets, but his focus was on the Intracoastal Waterway and how it might serve his passion for kite surfing. “I was looking for property where I could launch from,” Me- neely said. “This spot is ideal.” Jim and his wife, Jen, hired Galveston architect David Mullican to design for them a functional house with their day-to-day living activities all on one floor, but also with room for friends and fam- ily to stay comfortably. It took about three months for Mullican to complete his designs with the family’s must-haves: very open living, dining, kitchen and a media room with built-in bunks. (Above) Jim and Jen Meneely’s house in the Harborwalk neighborhood of Hitchcock features a grand double staircase, which opens onto a large, covered porch with outdoor seating. (Opposite) Jim Meneely enjoys easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway where he can pursue his passion for kite surfing. MA r K SCHEYE rNext >