Selecting trees and shrubs for a ‘blank pallet'
Spring is just around the corner, and it seems that many readers of this column are waking up from a long winter's hibernation and once again thinking about their landscape! The clue? An increase in the number of e-mailed comments and questions sent to me at steve@landsteward.org
If you have a question relating to trees, shrubs or landscaping, you are welcome to send me an e-mail and I'll do my best to help. Let's look at some of the questions I received recently...
QUESTION: "I need lots of help on selecting trees and shrubs for my area. I plan to landscape my yard after the wash in the back yard gets corrected. I have had bids on a sprinkler system and can't believe the prices. My back yard is completely void of plants or trees so I have an empty pallet to work with. What I plan to do is to have a fence and sprinkler system installed then plant trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials and bulbs.
My questions are: what trees can I plant that are fast growing? Should I plant one older tree and fill in the other areas with smaller ones? The yard is 90' across the back and l92' from front to rear. It is kind of a pie shape lot. A little odd shaped. Of course the house takes up a large portion of the lot. I am told that Dogwood trees need shade so I have to change my mind on those. There is about 45' from the patio to the rear lot line.
Any suggestions will be a big help." – Barbara Ludlow
ANSWER: First, you will need to come up with answers to these questions:
1. What is your budget?
2. Do you want to hire a professional?
3. What is the slope of your area?
4.Do you have to do any adding to or taking from your current soil arrangement?
You might want to approach this project in segments. As you stated there are no existing trees or shrubs and you have this empty pallet to work with. You sound like an artist! Try sketching a design with border plants first. Then fill in from there.
Fast growing trees that are ornamental are Red Maples. Dogwoods will grow in the sun but do like partial shade. (After they are field grown before you see them in the garden center.)
When it comes to large trees, my choice would be either Red Maples or Oaks. For small trees, consider Dogwoods, Crepe Myrtles and Red Buds.
Look for some evergreens such as Leyland Cypress or Dark Green Arborvitae. Junipers and Hollies are good evergreen shrubs. Add some shrubs that will give you color, texture and fragrance. I suggest Viburnums, Hydrangeas, Rhododendrons and Azaleas. For perennials, think about Daylilies and Peonies. You might also want to consider some ground cover such as Vinca, Pachysandra, Ajuga, or Ivy.
The rule of thumb: Go from tall in the back and shorter as you come forward.
QUESTION: "We have four black walnut trees, approximately 30-40 feet high on an investment rental property (the house was built in 1940). How do we obtain an honest appraisal of the value of the trees and how do we choose a reputable company to harvest the trees? What ways can we personally estimate the value of the trees? How is the cost of cutting the trees level with the ground (or below ground level?) and hauling away the trees taken into consideration in the purchase price?
Thank you for your assistance." – Jean.
ANSWER: I consulted my colleague Richard Bailey who knows a lot about Black Walnut trees. He suggests that your best bet is to contact a commercial or consulting forester in your area. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in your state can provide a list of names. They can handle the sale for you for a commission; however, it might be difficult to find buyers willing to undertake the risk of cutting down trees near a building. The assumption always is that there is metal inside the tree which can damage saws and blades. Be prepared for the possibility that your trees may not be large enough yet to interest potential buyers.
If you are interested in finding out more about Black Walnut trees and their potential as an investment, go to www.landsteward.org and click on "The Plant Man" where you can find two previous columns on the subject.
QUESTION: "When is a good time to plant a lilac bush? I live in Missouri." – Judy Seward
ANSWER: Fall is the best time for planting. The reason is that you give the plant a chance to develop feeder roots during fall, winter and early spring before the plant puts out leaves.
The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and landscaping to steve@landsteward.org and for resources and additional information, including archived columns, visit www.landsteward.org often.
