In SE WI they are available, especially the hawthorn and dogwood. IMHO Maackia amurensis is an extremely underutilized tree. I have the straight species and I'm considering adding either 'Starburst' and 'Summertime' to a tougher spot. Crabapple and Japanese Tree Lilac are common street trees so those would work as well (as suggested above). I have JTL 'Summer Snow'...I think its superior to 'Ivory Silk' based on shape, flowers and winter seed pod persistance. If you go the Malus (crabapple) route search this forum for "Malus with Good Reliable Fall Color". Folks here came up with several fine cultivars for our area. How close are you to Waterloo? McKay nursery is good for tried and true selections but lack the unique selections that work well for area. I'm lucky to have Johnsons Nursery down the road from me.

Squonnk & whip1 - I am of like mind - I am very big into personal responsibility - which makes me a very odd attorney - & probably the reason why I don't do personal injury work. I knew when I signed up that there would be rules - and I do enjoy many many benefits of a HOA - which has a little to do w/snow removal & the pool & stuff, and more to do w/close-by great neighbors who are always watching out for each other's homes, etc. So, I am completely ok w/being responsible for my decision to buy into a HOA & for the negatives that go with it. My posting was really more of a vent than a "blame game" sort of thing. And, I usually need to vent a little before I come up w/my desired solution - which was to calmly tell my neighbor - the HOA Pres - which I did today - that if it were up to me, I would keep the trees & I would solve his "grass" problem by - installing a retaining wall to level the grade, keep the mega lawn mower off that small area to stop the compaction, and plant shade-friendly stuff. He said his wife agreed w/me :) I felt sooo much better after I talked to him - but I'm also glad I didn't talk to him right away b/c the litigator in me would have ripped his head off. He then told me that the HOA committee is in such a confused state that they can't even decide whether to spend $600 in annuals for the front area - sooo, that left me feeling that it was unlikely that they would get their act together any time soon to make a major tree removal, wall installation, and extensive shrubbery installation decision. BTW, when I noted all of the reasons why to do it my way, he said that one reason he wanted the extra 2 hrs of sunlight (4 - 6 pm) was to "dry out" the grass that IS backc there b/c it gets so waterlogged everytime it rains. First, it would be good if they turned off the automatic sprinklers back there. Second, he completely doesn't understand what I now know THANKS TO THE SOIL FORUM - that poor drainage has nothing to do with the sun and EVERYTHING to do with the SOIL. I feel so blessed to have been introduced to you guys! Thanks! All the Best, Tree

its wasnt your tree... so there is nothing to be sad about ... most things that are shade TOLERANT ... do just fine in sun ... there arent many things that REQUIRE shade ... that said.. if too much sun.. they tend to get ugly in the summer.. with leaf scorch or some such ... but they rarely die from such ... and a lot of things actually have more vigor in sun .... and of course.. how far south you are.. makes a big difference as ot the intensity of the sun .... frankly.. you observe it for this year... and then decide if it should be moved.. in the next proper dormancy period ... whenever that may be.. for your area ... ken

bot.. camera tricks ... first two pix.. im thinking this thing is in some jungle forest.. and a huindred feet tall ... then the last pic.. not even bigger than the shed ... it is no threat to anything.. and it might live another 20 years.. i would leave it alone... and if and when it fails... so be it ... i dont get the middle pix.. with the wood supports??? its the potential of damage to something.. that 'requires' removal .. i dont see any house roof being crushed.. or cars.. or neighbors.. etc ... on the other hand.. if its irritating you.. make some firewood ... lol .. lifes too short ... ken