"Ogon dawn redwood (Metasequoia Glyptostroboides Ogon) " I like the look, but think that it may grow too tall. "It looks like the former planting site is almost at bottom of ditch. I'd move it uphill some. Unless a tree is known to grow in wet ground (such as bald cypress) most would not like it. In order so as the tree doesn't shade foundation plantings, you might consider moving between ditch and street, like midway between. It looks like there's room according to your second picture. Don't know why you would want the tree to be same height as house. You should be looking BELOW its canopy to view house. So a tree that gets larger -- especially with increased distance away from house -- would be better. (Your house is probably less than 30' height.) The maple seems fine." Yes, the last tree was almost in the ditch. I was thinking of moving it back a few feet. With the slope, the water would run off well enough, but eventually it will put out roots into the ditch area. Going on the other side of the ditch is something that I have thought about, but I know that there are fiber optic cables that run somewhere in that vicinity. The landscaper opted to move the sprinklers in closer to the ditch area to avoid hitting anything, so I figure that If he was concerned with it, then I should be as well. However, one tree is a lot different than an entire run of piping. I may ask him about it. On the height, I guess I didn't express myself well. I want the canopy to reach the the roof line of the house, so that the house can be seen from beneath, as you suggest. But I don't want something that will tower too high above. For instance, those trees at the back right corner are mostly pin oaks. The are beautiful where they are, but they are about 60 feet high. The shadow being cast on my front lawn is also from pin oaks that my neighbor kept when his house was constructed. Although he sits on an even higher hill than I, the trees are still about 30 feet above his roof. It gives a secluded look (which I can appreciate) but I prefer something more open and inviting. Does that make sense?

here's an idea ... it looks like other parts of the subdivision are already landscaped.. snap a few pix.. of similar houses scaping.. and we can make recommendations from there ... a single tree ...??? .. lets think of a 'concept' .. here.. and then work our way towards a specific tree .. even.. if you provide pix of what you do NOT want ... that is a start.. you should want something different.. rather than cookie cutter.. just like everyone else ... underground utilities.. are irrelevant to your plant decision.. ESPECIALLY if you have sewer ... i dont understand your explanation .... also.. the house next door doesnt seem to be right next door.. is there some curve in the road??? ken

time for a car trip to gee tree farm.. just north of jackson off I 94 ... and fall isnt a bad time if you are looking for color ... besides.. in MI.. that is planting time ... if you go.. go old school.. and call ahead and make an appointment ... for a personal tour ... they have golf carts to cover the hundreds of acres ... oaks are my favorite.. down here in adrian .... they grow like weeds once they get going.. and there are many varieties ... i wouldn't be betting on that z6 in metro detroit ... we are due for some hard reality .. imo ... but there is a band of z6 on the west coast that is pretty secure ... long term ... it would be nice to know big city name ... the place up 75 is also a metro option.. but i am blanking on the name ... bordines? .. but stay away from althea ... rose of Sharon ... do note the alphabet at the bottom ... dont get stuck on page 1 ... http://bordines.com/plant-library/search/?category=Trees i would be very surprised that Moo U doesnt have websites about trees for MI ... its one of an agricultural colleges main functions.. forestry ... they do run the county extension offices ... https://duckduckgo.com/?q=MSU+trees+for+MI&t=ffcm&ia=web stay away from anything that is marketed as fast to grow ... ken ps: this is how you do a trip to a tree farm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvKs2VLmVnY

Basic structure (shrub vs. tree habit) of all Amelanchier x grandiflora cultivars offered is determined by how they are handled at the production facility. So that a particular cultivar may appear on the market in both versions. What differentiates Cumulus(R) specifically as far as growth is concerned is it being vigorous and upright. With a vigorous nature of course lending itself to development of a tree shaped specimen. Cornus mas produces a significant fruit drop which should be considered when mulling over this possible choice. In my area the ground beneath the trees is often peppered with spoiling fruits during late summer, at a time when usage of a play area might be particularly frequent.