skip to main content

Arizona Gardening

Planting a Tree

9 years ago

Hi,

I have an old Chinese Tallow tree and a large branch split off in the last big wind storm we had in Phoenix. The broken branch exposed that the tree is completely infected with heart rot, so I will be taking it out soon. My question is that since the Tallow tree still provides shade for my house, how close can I plant a replacement tree (15 gallon Chinese Pastiche) without taking out the tallow tree? I have 6.5' between a block wall (that separates my front and back yard) and the tallow tree. I would like to keep the replacement tree in the same general location but I would like it to get established before taking out the tallow tree. The branch that broke off shaded that area so that area is no longer shaded and it is on the western side of my house. Would it be okay to plant the Chinese Pastiche in that area? I am also open to other tree suggestions. I want something that will provide a lot of shade in the summer.

Thanks,
Jeremy

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

waterbug_guy
9 years ago
You can plant another tree but there are some down sides. It's likely the new tree will not grow as fast. It may grow at an angle reaching for sun which can create problems down the road, unbalanced crown type issues.

Plus Chinese Tallow produce chemicals to make life harder for nearby plants, just harder, probably not impossible.

Another option would be to remove the Tallow now and buy a larger new tree, like a 24" box instead of a 15 gal. Cost a lot more.

So yet another option is to buy the 15 gal, transplant it to a 24" box (or similar container) and place it where it gets the best sun. With proper care it will grow faster and when the time comes to remove the Tallow you'll have a bigger, better replacement. Risk is how well it will be cared for.

This all assumes the new tree would be very close to the Tallow.
MaryMcP Zone 8b - Phx AZ
9 years ago
Why not plant a hedge or shurb(s) instead? Hop bush could work. How tall does the shade need to go? We have a long hedge of thevetia that I like a lot except it's cold tender although that may not matter in your use except the time it take it to grow back. But close to all that block wall and fencing it might be sheltered. One section of my thevetia hedge looks to be about 20' tall.

This post was edited by marymcp on Sat, Oct 18, 14 at 8:56
Related Discussions
Planting new trees next to fallen tree
Q
Comments (2)
Maybe a bad idea, but I wouldn't be able to resist grafting something onto one of the more vigorous suckers. Why let a huge root system go to waste? The new tree would be in a real hurry to replace the canopy to match the root system below. But I'm kind of a grafting addict...so ignore me and let wiser minds weigh in.
...See More
Planting trees with tree spade
Q
Comments (19)
I agree with bboy somewhat, that the tree spade work - typically - is not ideal. It's more expensive in many cases to hand dig, ball the roots, and move by crane to a prepped hole, but that would be better. As far as just using the spade, the balls and the holes are not prepped as well as could be. For example, the roots and top circle could be cut by hand, to prevent the bludgeoning type anvil crushing of the spade dropping into the soil. Even if it was just the top 8" cut with sharper tools. The hole could be prepped better to get rid of compacted hole surface. And if it were me, I'd be digging away the top foot after it's dropped in - bit by bit, and finishing the backfilling by hand to get rid of more air pockets and improve rootball to soil contact. M. D. Vaden of Oregon
...See More
Planting Small Tree vs. Large Tree
Q
Comments (6)
they are conifers.. i just did a post on foo foo picea pungens.. in the conifer forum ... i would suggest.. no conifer ... over 3 foot tall was grown to size in a pot ... they are field grown.. and then dug and potted.. or BB ... try to imagine a grower with half a million small trees in pots... i would just kill myself .. lol .. soooo ... once you get to digging up any tree over say 3 feet.. you can probably assume.. 90 % of the root mass is cut off at digging ... so it just sits in its new spots for years.. trying to regrow that lost root mass ... a smaller tree.. that has grown in pots.. its whole life.. repeatedly up potting.. has an intact root mass.. though usually winding in circles.. its own problem .... so your observation is spot on in that.. a smaller tree has less stresses.. and can get re-established.. and growing to standard .. much faster than the larger.. instant gratification plant ... someone is probably going to argue with my fancy word choice.. i am sure you get the jist ... ken
...See More
Planting apple trees and moving other trees around
Q
Comments (9)
I understand your love for the oaks and that you want to keep them, so for my money the first picture is a better set up for sun exposure on future apples as all the oak are mainly situated on the north side of any future plantings. If you removed the oak that is to the west it would let in the late afternoon sun as well. In the second picture they would definitely be shaded as they are surrounded by oaks. I cannot tell the scale of your yard so I do not know if the future oak canopy would extend over the entire yard but if not, (and you use the first scenario), you could plant apple trees in the spot that you wanted to move the oak in the second picture. If you look up Kuffle Creek they have wonderful videos on home orchards which also includes a method of planting more than one apple tree in a hole so you can enjoy many types of apples that ripen at different times in a small space. The video on keeping a standard apple tree dwarf ( so you can put more trees in) is also worth watching.
...See More

Related Stories

ARBOR DAY 8 Reasons to Plant a Great Tree

By June Scott Design

Beauty is its own reward, but the benefits of planting the right tree in the right place go way beyond looks

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Great Design Plant: Tree Aloe

By Annie Thornton

Plant this Dr. Seuss-like evergreen for an added character in your garden

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Top California Native Plants, Trees and Grasses

By Debbie Ballentine

Enjoy a fuss-free, water-wise garden in the Golden State by growing plants naturally in tune with the climate and wildlife

GARDENING GUIDES Plant Black Cherry Trees for the Birds and Bees

By Pollination Press LLC

Plant Prunus serotina in the Central and Eastern U.S. for spring flowers, interesting bark and beautiful fall color

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Honey Locust Tree

By Becky Harris

No, it doesn't actually produce honey. But its dappled light and tolerant nature are treats in city and country settings alike

GARDENING GUIDES Grow Your Own Privacy: How to Screen With Plants and Trees

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Use living walls to lower your home and garden's exposure while boosting natural beauty in your landscape

GARDENING GUIDES Prunus Virginiana Thrives Under Deciduous Trees

By Pollination Press LLC

Plant chokecherry for showy white flowers favored by native bees in spring, and to provide nesting habitat and food for birds

PURPLE FOLIAGE Great Design Plant: Smoke Tree

By Annie Thornton

Plant a 'Grace' smoke tree for months of red, burgundy and purple foliage and an unusual spring bloom

GARDENING GUIDES When and How to Plant a Tree, and Why You Should

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Trees add beauty while benefiting the environment. Learn the right way to plant one

TREES 7 Deer-Resistant Flowering Trees to Plant this Fall

If you live in a neighborhood with roaming deer, consider these beautiful trees that won't tempt hungry guests

Sponsored

Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers

49 Reviews

Columbus Area's Luxury Design Build Firm | 17x Best of Houzz Winner!

More Discussions

What's wrong with my roses?

5

little bumps on rose leaves

1