Shade trees for the new house

217DWQ210HL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Now that I have decided I can surround the tree holes with large rocks and fill in an area around the hole with a mixture of potting soil, compost and the heavy clay from the hole, I want to check out various species of trees that will survive and prosper. There are many to choose from. Of course, I want fast growing shade trees.

The Bur Oak was suggested by a nursery as being a lovely shade tree, but it grows slowly about one foot per year. It grows to 20 feet tall and lives sometimes 200 to 300 years, becoming massive in stature. I think this is not for me. I like the idea of oaks as they are native to my place, but I need something that grows faster and I really am not worried about 200 years from now.

The "Autumn Purple" White Ash, Fraxinus americana, 'Autumn Purple', is a seedless male tree and is grown in moist areas. This fast growing White Ash tree grows 2/3 feet per year. It is almost pyramidal with a round top when young, but gradually slows down and develops an oval shape. Autumn Purple Ash trees prefer a sunny location.
This deciduous tree develops a consistantly outstanding deep red, maroon or purple fall color. There are few if any trees with longer lasting fall colors. The Autumn Puple Ash tree makes a great tall shade tree and it is tolerant of soil type and watering. I'm putting this on my list.

At Raywood Ash Tree Five Gallon

November 26, 2010

Shade trees for the new house