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advice on tree to plant near house (heavy pic)

16 years ago

My house is 17' off the property line on the west side.

I REALLY need a shade tree there but I've been hesitant

to plant one. Partly because the west winds here can be brutal

and because it's the only way to drive into the backyard and I

would have to drive over the tree roots.

The septic field is on the other side of the house.

Below is a picture...not the best view of that side of the house but

all I have at the moment.

You can see the white rail fence on the left side of the picture.

I want to plant the tree 2' from the fence just beyond the front porch.

That would put the tree about 13' from the house.

I was thinking of planting a lacebark elm. I like them and I just happen to

have one I've been growing in a pot for years. It's gotten quite large

and it needs a permanent home. However, if it's not the

best choice then I need suggestions. Any advice is appreciated.

I can take another picture later today if that will help.

Thank you.

{{gwi:454978}}

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Comments (4)

shortleaf2002
16 years ago
Real nice landscape you got there, alot of time and money.
Yes, I agree a photo from that side would be good. I wouldn't be the first to suggest a tree, I'd be jumped on like a cat jumps on a mouse!
treeguy123
16 years ago
A few trees with branches that will fit in that area and can tolerate compacted soils are:
Eastern Redbud
Sweetbay Magnolia
Black Tupelo
Baldcypress

Might be ok:
Kousa Dogwood

Although Elms like your Lacebark Elm can tolerate compacted soils it would probably become a little too big for that space also sadly the Lacebark elm also called Chinese Elm is invasive in MD and could become invasive in over 2/3 of the U.S. with time. In fact it was named the Weed of the Week by the USDA Forest Service last year because it spreads fast in most areas of the U.S. from seeds off the tree.
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Dibbit
16 years ago
I would agree that Treeguy has good suggestions. I also, despite the fact that you like and HAVE the Lacebark Elm, would agree with him on not planting it. If it isn't already invasive in your area, maybe you shouldn't give it a chance to become so. If you REALLY like it, you can keep it in the pot, like a large bonsai, and pick off all the seeds.

However, since you will continue to need to drive through the area to get to the back, I would try for a tree that can be limbed up to allow you to drive under it, rather than plant a tree whose branches will be in the way. Not that there may not be a couple of years, while whatever tree is in its youth, when branches will be in the way, but a permanent "in the way" is NOT a good idea. I would go with the Tupelo from the list, or try for a Tulip Tree (maybe too tall?) - both of them will grow tall enough to look good after limbing up. The Redbud and the Dogwood will stay too small for driving under, especially with a pick-up truck, IMO, and the SBM will also not lend itself to driving by or under. I think you need a tree that will grow to 25-40', fairly quickly, and maybe more. Just plan for the eventual width as well.

If you aren't needing to drive to the back frequently, then maybe another of the larger trees might do - most of the maples' roots tend to be surface, but oaks' are usually deeper, as are (to my knowledge) a thornless honeylocust, or a catalpa - although there you would possibly have to put up with the caterpillars. A single-trunk birch is another thought, although the roots might be a problem. Ironwwood, Katsura or Linden are also thoughts.

A good mulch layer - no more than 4" - and possibly laying down sheets of plywood or OSB to spread the truck weight out might help also with soil compaction over the roots. And if it is only once or twice a year, then I wouldn't worry too much abut it.
aka_peggy
Original Author
16 years ago
I really appreciate your feedback on this.

I didn't realize that my picture would be so big and I apologize for that. Please see my new thread..."advice on tree to plant near house...again!!!."

The old one is making me dizzy scrolling back and forth.

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