Small tree for low-light area?

17 years ago

I have a small backyard that gets very little sunlight, but I would like to plant a tree that grows no larger than about 10 feet tall, 6 feet wide.

Can anyone provide any suggestions, or point me to a website where I can find this information? I need help!!

Thanks!

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Comments (6)

WendyB 5A/MA
17 years ago
japanese maple comes to mind. check out the JM forum here at GW.
Iris GW
17 years ago
You can also consider a large shrub, many of which can be pruned up like a small tree.
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We have shade at the rear of the yard, but none on the house itself. That photo was taken facing west, and it must have been relatively early in the morning while the sun was on the other side of the house. The driveway side and rear of the house gets blasted with sun later in the day. The local nursery estimate for the ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold' (the only ginkgo they sell) is 65h x 45w in our area.
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Dibbit
17 years ago
If there is a regional gardening book, check there for shade trees/shrubs. Check out the Brooklyn Botanic Garden website to see if they have a listing. If the NY Native Plant Society has a website, check there. Go to a local public garden or arboretum - ask the staff, look around. Contact your local county extension agent - his/her office may have a list.

The JM forum is listed as "Maple Forum", even though it's almost entirely about JMs.
basic
17 years ago
At 10' you're looking for a large shrub. Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa) can be purchased in tree form and is quite tolerant of soil and shade conditions. Another large shrub that makes a dandy little tree is Viburnum prunifolium, but it won't handle full shade conditions. And for something way outside the box you could try Leatherwood (Dirca palustris), which is a shade loving shrub that has a natural tree form.

Bob
basic
17 years ago
Forgot to mention this Gray Dogwood selection, which seems to meet your size needs if nothing else.

'Ottzam' (OttawaÂ) - A fastigiate tree form growing narrow to 12' tall and 6' wide. Perhaps useful under power lines or in moist situations.
Dibbit
17 years ago
How much shade are you talking about? Shade has gradations, ranging from NO sun, such as between tall buildings, to under dense trees, to dappled shade, to morning sun/afternoon shade. All come under "shade", and most plants can cope with the last 2. The first one is difficult; it is very hard to find plants that can cope with it, and the second has a few more plants that will grow in that level of light.

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Small tree for low-light area?

Comments (6)

WendyB 5A/MA

Iris GW

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