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Tulip Poplar questions/location

13 years ago

I got my hands on a Tulip Poplar. It's a poted tree (4 gallon pot) that stands about 5'-6' tall. The root mass looks really healthy, not root bound. Is it to late to plant a tree in zone 6/7? Southern N.J.? I know it's late to be planting trees now but what are some different options this time of year?

Also, I would like to plant this tree roughly 25' from my house on the SW side, is that to close? From what I understand these tree's are fast growers and can grow 80'+ in the right conditions. I doubt it get's that tall in my lifetime though. If that is to close to my house in your opinions I do have another spot about 50' from my house on the North end of my property where it has enough room to grow but it will do nothing to shade my house. I'm tired of the sun beating down on my house.

I'm interested in opinion on what some of my options are with this tree. Thanks.

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Comments (10)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
13 years ago
i planted 4 foot mail orders about 8 years ago .. 15 to 30 feet tall now .. unless you are real old right now.. it might make it in your life time...

i would plant a potted tree if you dont have the experience to hold it until fall...

do it on a day where rain is forecast for a few days.. so the leaves wont all burn off... and drench it in the pot the day before .... we want it full of water ...

and then do it properly .... ask if you dont know how ....

ken
musicalperson
13 years ago
You can plant it but be sure to water diligently during the summer. Don't overwater though.
Tulip poplar used to be one of my favorite trees but has majorly fallen out of favor with me. The spacing should be fine though.
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Toronado3800 Zone 6 St Louis
13 years ago
One of my favorite large trees!

Either spot would really be fine. There is a chance it will spread over the house EVENTUALLY but 25 feet away is acceptable.

If you buy another tree what would it be? Or are you more likely to want to put a volley ball net up in that spot further away from your home?

My thoughts are if the other tree would be a smaller dogwood or redbud type go ahead and plant the tulip further away. If you're leaning towards a Sycamore or Sugar Maple or another big shade tree near the house is probably where to go.
schoolhouse_gw
13 years ago
I have a Tulip Poplar (32+yrs.old), sadly ants are destroying it and it will be coming down in the fall. Lovely tree, but it does shed branches alot (it did way before it got sick) and also the seed pods can clog gutters in a hurry.

This Spring, late frosts and cold temps nipped the leaf buds; but slowly new leaves are coming - very small and no blooms of course. I have seen it do this two others years when we had cold temps in Spring. Seeds germinate very easily and I'm constantly pulling young seedlings from all over the property - and they grow FAST. Right now I have four nice 1' trees down by the shed and trying to decide if I want to replant when the old tree comes down.
fmart322
Original Author
13 years ago
Well, here are the 2 spots I've narrowed it down to. The side front yard where it would be on the WSW side of my house. The fence you see in my yard, to the left of it there's 3' more of my property. They couldn't set the fence any closer because of a power line underground. The reason I'm telling you guys this is because I'm curious to know if that would pose a problem with the tree down the line. If I were to plant it on this side of my house it would be about 3'-5' on my side of the property line, in line with the fence or chokeberry bush. Also, it would cross with the day lillies that run across the front of my house.

Here's a few pictures. By the way, the small tree you see planted is a Kwazan Cherry I just planted about a month ago.
{{gwi:371037}}
{{gwi:371038}}

Now, here's the other site I could plant it. It's on my side yard on the NE side of my house. I wouldn't get anything on the cooling end on my house but I'd get a screen from the street in the background.

{{gwi:259747}}

{{gwi:371039}}

So there you have it for my choices. I also didn't mention that behind my neighbors house there is a small stream. It's about 200' from where the tree will be planted. I'm pretty sure that will only help this tree when it get's bigger.

So there you have it. Which spot do you guys think is better?

{{gwi:371040}}
{{gwi:371042}}

I'm also thinking about doing the planting on Saturday evening. Were supposed to get a few days break with the warm temps.
musicalperson
13 years ago
I would pick another species after seeing the pictures.
fmart322
Original Author
13 years ago
So what would you plant then MP?
musicalperson
13 years ago
In NJ... oaks, beeches, sugar maple for general shade. Planetrees are my favorite tree so I'd plant those over t.p. if you want a rapid grower. Red oak is another rapid grower.

You've got room for an assortment.

And I'd plant either closer to the fence or closer to the sidewalk so you have a useable space there and for access or if you ever want to put in a pool or something.
whaas_5a
13 years ago
I'd avoid locating near your house, go with something that is resistant to breakage (near the house).

If oak wilt isn't much of an issue in your area I like the Red Oak suggestion if you don't mind acorns.
Dan _Staley (5b Sunset 2B AHS 7)
13 years ago
And keep it away of the bottom of the swale.

Dan

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