There's something about those two words... "Shade Trees" ... that summon up visions of lazy summer afternoons, hammocks and ice clinking in a tall, frosty glass.
As a nurseryman I'm often asked about shade trees, and with the onset of summer, these questions become more frequent. The most frequent question is, "What kind of tree should I plant?" and the answer is, "That depends."
The reason for that answer is that there are a number of variables to consider before you select the trees you're going to plant. For example, the needs of someone planting trees on five acres or more will be different from the homeowner looking to plant one or two trees in a smaller suburban back yard.
Rather than having your heart set on a particular tree and then trying to make that tree fit your situation, I suggest you start at the other end: Determine where you wish to place your tree and then decide which tree will work most successfully in your landscape.
For example, you might wish to plant Red Maples, but you happen to live in an urban environment in a hot, dry part of the country. Red Maples tend not to thrive in these conditions and you are likely to be disappointed. However, Green Ash trees can do very well in hot, dry urban situations and would therefore be a very good choice for you.
Another example: You live in an area that is susceptible to storms and the soil is somewhat poorly drained. Tulip trees are not a good choice but Red Oak would be far more suitable. On the other hand, if you have a larger piece of land with deep, rich soil, Tulip trees could be ideal for you. One reason: Tulip trees grow quite rapidly and can easily reach 100 feet or more in height.
There are some excellent articles to be found on a website operated by the University of Missouri/Columbia. Go to and find the "search" window and type in "trees".
You can also find links to information on the trees I've mentioned here, and others such as White Oak, Bald Cypress, Green Ash and White Oak, more. If you have questions about specific trees and their suitability to your landscape environment, please send me an e-mail and I'll do my best to provide suggestions.
And if you already have a couple of mature shade trees, put up the hammock, pour an icy-cold drink and just lie back and enjoy the sight and smell of your piece of the world this weekend. Tell your spouse you have my permission!
The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org or mail to: Steve Jones, "The Plant Man", P.O. Box 686, McMinnville, TN 37111. For resources and additional information, including archived columns, continue to visit www.landsteward.org on a regular basis.
QUESTION: "Our landscaping plants are growing (too) vigorously. Are we now able to trim, or must we wait on the following? If so, when? These are the plants: Globe Arbovitre, Burning Bushes, Hosta 'Krossa regal', Hydrangea 'Tardive', Spirea 'Little Princess'." – Don & Carnetta Vonder haar
ANSWER: You should be able to trim all the plants except the Hostas. Hostas can be taken up in the fall after they have gone dormant and divided into smaller divisions. These can then be planted out in different locations. All of the shrubs that you mentioned can be trimmed after the initial flush of growth or blooming period. This will allow plants that bloom to set buds for the next year and cause them put on a new flush of growth. The size and age of your plants will determine how much to cut off. For an older plant it may have already gone past the stage of being able to prune much and have it look good. In other words, if your burning bush is 8 to 10 years old you don't want to cut it back so much that there is not any foliage left. Usually a rule of thumb is to trim and shape just above where this years new growth has occurred. This will cause more dense branching to occur this growing season. Cut out any of the dead wood that you find and water and fertilize after trimming. This will help to make your plants healthier and more productive in your landscape. Good Luck!
