tree suggestion
| 3 years ago :: Sep 11, 2007 - 9:10PM #1 | |
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I'm looking for suggestions on a tree to plant as a memorial. I live in a Midwest city in zone 4b. I would like something that can tolerate heavy soils, and I would like it to be a spring bloomer on the small size -- perhaps 8 to 10 feet tall. It would be in part sun. -- sort of any understory tree. Because it's a bit of a special tree, I want to make sure it will last in the conditions I've got for it. I'd love to hear any suggestions. Thanks!
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| 3 years ago :: Sep 12, 2007 - 10:52AM #2 | |
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What a lovely way to remember an event or person in your life! The first thing I would suggest is to read "A Tree for Mac" on our site under Projects/Special Projects/Landscaping. Learn2Grow's own Bosh Bruening speaks about his personal approach to commemorating the life of his friend, Mac.
Even though you live in a colder region of the US, there are still many small spring-blooming trees that will fit your bill. Here are some suggestions: 1) Serviceberry (Amelanchier sp.) 2) Redbud (Cercis canadensis) 3) Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) 'Argentea' is a variegated leaf form 4) American smoketree (Cotinus obovatus) although it "blooms" in summer 5) Hawthorn (Crataegus sp.) 6) Carolina silverbell (Halesia tetraptera) 7) Magnolia (Magnolia sp.) 8) Sargent cherry (Prunus sargentii) These come to mind initially. If you decide that a small evergreen would also work, there are several of those that will work in the conditions you describe. I hope this is helpful! Mark Miller |
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| 3 years ago :: Sep 13, 2007 - 11:18PM #3 | |
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How about an Eastern Redbud, It blossoms before it leafs out. Then it develops heart shaped leaves. It does require a somewhat sheltered area, because it is naturally an understory shrub. In the past 7 years or more it has been propagated and trained to be a standard tree. With close attention and selective pruning it can remain a standard. It can also revert to a shrub if left to do so.
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| 2 years ago :: Sep 30, 2007 - 12:00PM #4 | |
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The recommendation of red bud is a good one. Have you seen the variety, Forest Pansy?? It's the same as the native but comes with purple leaves that change to green as the summer progresses. I am zone 7 so I'm not sure how long the color will last. It grows as well or better than the native, here. Good luck.
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| 2 years ago :: Sep 30, 2007 - 12:19PM #5 | |
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I love 'Forest Pansy' redbud and it overwinters okay here in Zone 5, but I would recommend that Slandicho check out its winter hardiness in Zone 4! In my experience, 'Forest Pansy' seems to be slightly less winter hardy, and more heat tolerant, than the straight species of redbud.
Mark Miller |
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