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shade trees for very dry soil

15 years ago

I live in the pine bush area of NY. We have sand for soil. To make matters more complicated, our backyard has a steep slope. Basically the only thing that does well is crabgrass. The front yard is flatter and gets shade. The grass and shrubs are doing well there. We're in desperate need of shade in the back. The back of the house faces south, so there is no lack of sun. I'm looking for something that will grow quickly and provide shade in the summer. I was considering tulip poplar trees. The yard is about 60' wide and extends 100' from the back of the house.

I would really appreciate any suggestions!

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Comments (3)

Dibbit
15 years ago
What grows well in like situations in the wooded areas near-by?

A tulip poplar (Liriodendron) is fast growing and will give shade, but isn't the widest tree out there. This, of course, may be a plus in your circumstances. How tall and how wide a tree do you want?

Oaks can be reasonably rapid growers under the right conditions, as can maples. With the latter, stay away from Norway or Silver maples.

I would check with your local extension agent's office for a list of trees that would meet your needs - look in the phone book under county listings, or look on line for a state-wide listing and pick the nearest one to you, since offices are usually in county seats. While I can suggest any number of trees that would do here, they mostly won't do for you...
basic
15 years ago
I've got dry, sandy soil and the dominant native deciduous tree is Northern Pin Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis). Its relatively fast growing (about 2'/year can be expected) and has nice fall color. I'd also be inclinded to try Honeylocust (Skyline would be a good choice). Again, fast growth, nice form, and good fall color. A couple of others to consider are Catalpa and Hackberry (Celtis).

If its an extremely difficult site, and you're not concerned with thorns (or neighbors scorn), you might consider Black locust (Robinia). It will love these conditions, and proceed to spread its love all over. If you want this slope covered quickly, this one would do the job for you. It does have lovely fragrant flowers, but should be used as a last resort.

Good luck!

Bob
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wisconsitom
15 years ago
Agree with all the above. Re: black locust, yes, the preeminent choice for the conditions you describe, unless, and Bob has alluded to this, you don't want them spreading all over the place. And this is more a concern if this tree is not native to your area, in which case, even though it would handle these harsh conditions well, it probably should not be planted. Anyway, good luck, and let us know what you end up doing.

+oM

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