|
| I am looking for advice on the best deciduous tree (or possibly large shrub) with the following characteristics to go in my small side yard to provide a little privacy during the warm months:
- Maximum spread of 15 ft (closer to 12 ft would be better) - 20-25 ft maximum height - Something that isn't messy, since it will be near a neighbor's driveway (I don't mind fruit as long as it doesn't fall) - Preferably something that has a fairly high canopy that can be mowed under easily - Upright growth instead of oval is preferred Any suggestions? It looks like some of my choices might be the following: - Serviceberry
A lot of websites give variations on the width (spread) of these, and I really need to make sure it's nothing too big. We had a large Bradford Pear in the area that had to be cut down because it was growing into our house and developed a split down the middle. |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| First off, congratulations on getting rid of the bradford pear! Second, it will help to know what sort of soil you have, where you are located, soil test results, and how close you will be to the house or driveway. Lastly, all fruit falls. That which is not picked or eaten by critters anyway. All deciduous trees will be messy as the drop leaves in fall. I guess it will depend on your definition of messy. Evergreens also drop leaves but more throughout the the rather during autumn so it's not as noticeable. |
|
| I'm in Zone 7 in Central Virginia. I haven't had the soil tested, but I know the lawn around the area was tested and it's in good shape for tall fescue. :) The space where I'd like the tree/shrub is in the middle of an area around 15 feet wide between the side of my house and the neighbor's driveway. Hence, I need something upright and skinny. It would be nice to have a tree, but if it's a shrub, something other than a crepe myrtle would be nice since we already have a few of those. |
|
| Consider some of the hybrid/cultivars of the Redbud such as Rising Sun which has beautiful new leaves of an apricot color then changing to gold then multi green. Since it produces foliage all season long those colors are always visable -very unusual. Ruby Falls is a weeping form and the more common variety called Forest Pansy has red foliage as well. All stay within the size range for the most part you are looking for. Scott |
|
| There are forms of cornus kousa 'Milky Way' that are very upright and vase shaped that would be a possibility. Marshall |
|
- Posted by toronado3800 Z6 St. Louis (My Page) on Fri, Mar 9, 12 at 21:21
| Hey, welcome aboard. I don't think you can go wrong with either cornus florida or cornus kousa dogwoods if the area gets a little shade. Same for the acer palmatum (japanese maple). If your spot is full sun pay lots of attention to which cultivar you get. crepe myrtle tends to be more shrub like for me. Is it a choice as a five or six vase shape shrub for ya? |
|
| Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'm still researching, but the Redbuds look like a good choice so far. Are they low growing, and do they offer much in the way of privacy? |
|
- Posted by viburnumvalley z5/6 KY (My Page) on Sat, Mar 10, 12 at 10:44
| Redbuds are pretty wide, and never vase-shaped. You'd be pruning a lot to have the clearance you prefer. Syringa reticulata selections like 'Ivory Silk' are much more vertical in habit, and form a dry seed like other lilacs. That would be a pretty plant that you'd likely have to do little to assist fitting your spot. 'Ivory Silk' is quite often used in sidewalk cutouts for urban street plantings here - it is a tough customer. Beyond that, I'd vote for one of the small Asian maples that grow so slowly that you won't have issues with them in your location. |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Trees Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.