Need Help picking trees for a new yard.

15 years ago

I recently built a house on 2.5 acres of what was previously farmland. There is nothing around us. This will be our second spring. Last year I put in about 10 Norway Spruce around the outer edge. I also planted a Prairiefire Crabapple, an Autumn Blaze Maple, and a white flowering crabapple (can't remember the name). I still have a whole lotta space to fill. I would like some shade trees but any suggestions are great. I live in Iowa. I want something that will be tolerant to wind as I spent so many years as a kid picking up branches.

On a side note. My white flowering crabapple was literally torn apart by my dog last fall. The only thing left is a 2.5 foot trunk and a few nubs that used to be limbs. To my surprise, this spring there are a few clumps of leaves as well as a circle of sucker around the base. Should I let this tree grow? How will it look if I do? Should I take out the trunk and hope the suckers grow? I am not a gardner, but am enjoying working towards becoming one.

Thanks

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Comments (9)

revel
15 years ago
I TOO AM A NEW HOMEOWNER AND AM LOOKING FOR SUGGESTIONS FOR A GOOD SHAPE TREE. I LIVE IN SOUTH TEXAS IN A NICE FAMILY NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE GOOD LANDSCAPING IS ENCOURAGED. WOULD LIKE A TREE THAT GROWS OUTREACHING LIMBS GOOD FOR CLIMBING OR A SWING THAT CAN TOLERATE THE HEAT AND MILD TO MED. WINTERS. WOULD LIKE TO PUT ON IN THE FRONT YARD AND ONE IN THE BACK YARD, DOES NOT NECESSARILY HAVE TO BE THE DAME ONE.
Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
15 years ago
USDA zone, soil type, exposure, purpose, form...

Dan
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I hope you both are right and she was tired or confused. Believe me, to save a caliber midnight shubert I read everything available online on black knot too. However, when someone in the industry tells you they are now seeing infection in malus, you tend to believe them. I have to choose a replacement tree this year. I know that the spores are likely in the soil and whatever caused the infection is likely still upwind. Maybe a buckeye or ivory silk lilac. Have to reconsider how big I want it. Maybe even a nice evergreen. Will try posting photo when sun is out for photo taking.
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arktrees
15 years ago
Please don't use ALL CAPS, it is considered screaming and offensive.
headrebel
Original Author
15 years ago
USDA Zone 4, Soil type (I am an idiot here so I will say my contractor brought in anything he could find unfortunately but mostly a mix of clay and black dirt. It must be a little sandy because it drains real well and I am in the Missouri River Valley Area), Exposure, Full sun. As I said, there is nothing around. Purpose, again shade. As far as form goes, I am not sure.

I have done some browsing on this website but not a lot. What I have found are a lot of trees I shouldn't plant. I am looking for some suggestions of great trees in my area. I have reviewed some info from the ISU extension office as well. I want something tough, that is wind resistant.

Thanks
lucky_p
15 years ago
rebel & revel,
Bur oak, Q.macrocarpa, is native to both your states, tolerant of a wide range of soil types & pHs, is tough as nails once established, and in my experience growing seedling selections over the past 15 years, will grow as fast as any other oak - and will challenge some of the maples - but they're not brittle or prone to wind or ice damage.
Largest leaves of the North American oaks, corky bark, even on 1-2 yr old twigs, the quintessential 'stately(or spooky )old tree' when mature. Not much in the way of fall color, but they're great the other 49 weeks of the year.
Local biotypes will be your best bet, but I've noted fastest growth on seedlings from acorns collected in the southern/midwestern portions of its native range(OK, TX, MO)
iforgotitsonevermind
15 years ago
Really? You noticed Bur oaks growing as fast as northern red or shumard oak or willow oak?

As for the OP's question, I don't have any experience in that area but in addition to the somewhat more sought after trees you could plant some hackberry. The wind + soil + zone 4 or below tolerance plus fast growth, easy x-plant, fairly low price tag and native & wildlife value (birds love the fruit)You've got a few acres. Might as well.
revel
15 years ago
Sorry forum police, now any suggestions on trees.
Pat z6 MI
15 years ago
revel, Tuliptree (not to be confused with Tulip Poplar).
iforgotitsonevermind
15 years ago
What is the scientific name for the tuliptree of which you speak?

Need Help picking trees for a new yard.

Comments (9)

revel

Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)

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Need Help picking trees for a new yard.

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