What’s The Best Tree?
This winter has been brutal. Not only has it been tough
on the folks in Jefferson County, but our plants have suffered as well. The roller-coaster ride of high/low
temperatures, ice, snow, wind and rain has left many residents with less than
perfect landscape plants. While laurels, rhododendrons, hollies and other broadleaved evergreens have been hit hard, the shade trees in our area haven’t
had as much damage since 2009 (the last major ice storm). A lot of trees are being replaced and I am
constantly being asked:
“What is the best
tree to replant, I need color, shade, flowers and oh, it has to be fast growing
but long lived to add value to my home?”
First, fast growing trees are usually shorter lived. They
are genetically set to grow quickly, reproduce, and then they tend to die back
or get shabby/weedy looking such as locusts, water maples, poplars, willows, and so forth. These are not 'bad'
trees, but they may not be the best tree for the area. In forested areas these trees tend to reclaim fallow land
then die off in favor of taller, slower growing, and longer lived trees.
Selecting the right tree for the site is your best
solution for success. The height and
spread of the tree should be of primary concern. Choose a tree variety that
will survive our Kentucky weather (we are zone 6.). Woody plants can take
up to 2 years to accept a site. Test the soil in the area ahead of time for nutrient and pH levels. Do not fertilize the tree for the first year. Fall fertilization is best. If you select a tree with a wide spread, know
that grass may eventually cease to thrive under the drip line.
As you know, there is no 'perfect' tree. Insects and
disease can occur with all plants but healthy stock can usually defend against
these pests. Some other considerations (and
examples):
Excessive or large seeds - maples
Excessive or large fruit- walnuts
Smelly fruit - ginkgo trees
Berries - cherries, hollies, etc. may attract nuisance birds
Surface roots- many maples
Pollen- maples
Pealing bark and dropping leaves - Sycamore
Thorns- honey locust
All that being said, there are some great trees for
Jefferson Co. just do a little homework (these ARE going to be permanent fixtures
in you landscape) to select a tree for your piece of heaven. Here are a few suggestions for urban areas: Red
maples, American elm, bald cypress (cool tree, is a conifer but loses its
needle fine leaves in the fall with beautiful color. They also tolerate wet/moist
soil conditions), linden, sweetbay magnolia, yellowwood, European hornbeam
and Shumard oak to name a few.
UK has a list of Recommended trees, shrubs, ground covers
and vines:
Ohio State has a nice publication that actually gives
some pros and cons of popular trees that also grow here:
Last, personally, I have found that smaller/younger woody
plants accept a site more quickly and go through less transplant shock. The
biggest tree on the nursery lot may not necessarily be the best choice so look
closely at the plant material. Looks
around, read and then KEEP the tag and information that comes with your tree. The
name of the cultivar, growing conditions, temperature tolerance, disease
resistance, sex of the tree(yep, there can be both male and female trees, but
more on that later) and other valuable information is on that tag!
Happy Spring and just let it grow!
