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I need a smallish tree that can be planted in a brick terrace. It is brick and sand, so any number of bricks can be removed to facilitate the tree.
We lost huge oaks and now this very large terrace is in sun for most of the day. It is on west side of house - terrace is 18" feet wide on sandy soil. I have seen fairly large trees planted in parking lots, but of course, I don't really follow their progress. I really cannot use this area now and will appreciate any suggestions or experience. |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by ken_adrian z5 (My Page) on Fri, Sep 16, 11 at 14:55
| define smallish ... a 60 foot tree is kinda smallish comparing it to a 375 foot tall redwood .. eh??? any chance at a pic of the area to give us a better idea??? ken |
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- Posted by mustard_seeds 4 -Onalaska Wisconsi (My Page) on Fri, Sep 16, 11 at 14:55
| how deep is the sand layer over the soil? What were the oaks planted in and can I ask what happened to them? (might help understand your situation so people can give advice) How far is the site from your house - is it 18 feet of terrace right up against the house or is there other landscaping between house and terrace? Can you post a picture of the area? Have you thought about other forms of shade so that you can use your terrace? Sails, pergola, awnings, etc can help until shade trees grow up -shade trees need some space and typically should be farther from house to allow growth, avoid limbs hurting your house. Roots of larger trees would likely disrupt the level nature of patio bricks if tree is within a patio. Sounds like you used to enjoy this space and it will be nice to reclaim it! Rachel |
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| Ken. -- Smallish,I would prefer a tree to top out at about 20'-30'. No photos. Rachel.-- I live in the sand hills of NC and there is sand/sandy loam as deep as I can dig - 36". Our oaks were damaged by hurricane Fran and subsequently suffered storm and drought damage. The terrace is immediately adjacent to the rear of our one story ranch style home. An 8-10' band of small to medium ev shrubs borders the terrace rear. I will try to fit the terrace to the tree. What is planted in those cement strips around shopping malls? Do they use trees with few surface roots? |
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| Fruiting pear trees are about that size if you don't mind the fruit. Red Bud and Mexican Plum make small trees in that size range, and are used in traffic islands around here. Both also are known for spring flowers. |
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- Posted by philinsydney1 (My Page) on Tue, Sep 20, 11 at 8:52
| There should be a Japanese maple suitable for that type of situation. Or maybe a crepe myrtle/crape myrtle, although your climate might be a bit too humid. |
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| I love crepe myrtles, and I think some are fairly fast growers. I am over 70 and don't have time for a beautiful Japanese maple to make shade. I have beautiful mature specimens of both in our yard. I love Red Buds and will research Mexican Plum -- sounds very good for a hot dry place. I will probably need 2 or 3 trees to really shade the terrace until the larger shade trees grow. I have 2 haw- thornes close to terrace - but located to only shade the shrub border in the afternoon. More suggestions will be greatly appreciated - especially as to median trees ? mall trees?. I really am home bound & lose touch with these details. |
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