This spring we want to plant some type of ornamental trees that will not cause the same type of problem in years to come? Any suggestions?

We live in zone 4/5, southern Wisconsin.
Marylu

I should have mentioned that the trees would be in the boulevard, between the sidewalk and curb. It is a fairly wide boulevard. I would guess that we would want to stay 15-18 feet?

Here are a couple pictures that might explain the location better.
This was taken from the second level of the garage last summer.

this was taken in spring

ken

By the way, nice yard!

The list includes trees that are drought tolerate and suitable for small strips and under powerlines.

What is the traffic like on your street? Be sure to consider salt sensetivity of the trees.

I think between it being the northern end of their range and a little salt they would never reach the 30feet I hear they're capable of. Mine seem inclined to stay smaller here in zone 6.

I like most of Whaas's suggestions really. You have an attractively landscaped place. Instead of four trees would two planted one towards each end frame it nicely?

Jean, I have checked our utilities web site, and they do list some trees. However, I thought that suggestions from this forum would help as input from people who have experience with the actual tree(s) can be invaluable.

lou, thanks. We are working on it. The second picture was taken when the garage was being built. Also repairs were being done on the bay window on the house at the same time.

whaas, yes I did notice you live in the Milwaukee area. We are on the western side of the state, so maybe a little colder than you though. I have been checking out your suggestions and liking the looks of a couple. Are the ones you mentioned readily available in nurseries? I would prefer to purchase locally if at all possible. Mail order can be so "iffy" sometimes, especially with trees.

Thanks so much everyone. Keep the ideas coming!

Crabapple-look for persistent fruit or fruitless, disease resistence
Japanese tree lilac
Magnolia

IMHO Maackia amurensis is an extremely underutilized tree. I have the straight species and I'm considering adding either 'Starburst' and 'Summertime' to a tougher spot.

Crabapple and Japanese Tree Lilac are common street trees so those would work as well (as suggested above).

I have JTL 'Summer Snow'...I think its superior to 'Ivory Silk' based on shape, flowers and winter seed pod persistance.

If you go the Malus (crabapple) route search this forum for "Malus with Good Reliable Fall Color". Folks here came up with several fine cultivars for our area.

How close are you to Waterloo? McKay nursery is good for tried and true selections but lack the unique selections that work well for area. I'm lucky to have Johnsons Nursery down the road from me.

Amur Maackia would be interesting looking too.

American Hophornbeam could work.

I think the last two would provide some winter interest.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to make suggestions. Between now and spring we will be researching the suggested trees to see what seems to "fit" best. Also what might be available within driving distance.

What does persistent fruit mean?

I think I am leaning toward malus at this point. Thinking of maybe planting a total of 4, 2 that are light/white and 2 dark pink? I found a site that had a list of crabapple cultivars recommended for Wisconsin by Laura Jull of the University Of Wisconsin Department Of Horticulture. I am thinking perhaps 2 Sugar Tyme for the light/white? But the darker color...hmmm... What input can you give me on Prairfire, or Purple Price? There is a nursery not too far that carries all of these plus quite a few others.

Sugar Tyme and Prairfire would be two fine choices for our area.

You may consider Donald Wyman for fall color and Gold Harvest for yellow fruit.

That might be over doing it with the crabapples though.

Your home and yard are beautiful!!

Rachel