Tree Planting: So Many Hardpan Questions
madtownwriter
8 years ago
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Toronado3800 Zone 6 St Louis
8 years agomadtownwriter
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Why do so many plant nurseries lie to their customers?
Comments (63)This is kind of off topic of the thread, but sunleafmoon if you had species of plants native to your area planted, then you got natives, grafted or not. The differences you are noticing between the planted natives and the naturally occurring natives in your area are most likely due to their provenance or as you suspect with the Dogwoods, possibly specific cultivars being planted. You can get native species planted on your property, but they could be grown from seed collected in a far off part of that species native range and thus you might notice differences between them and the ones naturally occurring in your area. Cultivars can also originate from seed grown plants from far off areas(to your area) of the species native range or represent extreme forms/mutations of the species. So, it sounds like you wanted local provenance native trees planted, but you probably got non-local provenance native trees planted. It's uncommon(at least here in Eastern Kansas) for locally native tree species found in nurseries to be grown from local provenance trees. Most are shipped in from a wholesale nursery out of state and the wholesaler grows them from seed collected in their local area or they grow them from seed from wholesale seed companies who collect them from who knows where. Smaller local nurseries(I've found most all of these are started by former farmers or people who grew up on a local farm) and local nurseries who specialize in natives seem to grow much more of their trees from local provenance seed sources....See MoreSo many trees, so little yard! How to choose?
Comments (19)So, I'm still here a year later and still trying to decide on trees. We will plant in the fall. We just finished the main part of our total landscape overhaul and I'm waiting for cooler fall temps to put in trees. Since last year, I have discovered a new form of the Little Leaf Linden that has chartruse foliage- I can't remember the name of it, it's some Japanese name. So I am considering that. I am reconsidering planting a Burr Oak but a smaller one based on suggestions here- still not sure about that. I have a perfect spot for a Tricolor Beech that will be protected from the hot southern sun. I want a smallish, purple leaf something but I hate the purple leaf plums (Thundercloud et al). They always end up looking diseased and haggard around here. I'm thinking about a Crimson Sentry maple which is a slightly smaller, more upright form than the crimson king. When you speak of planting 'more interesting trees', I'd love some suggestions. I'm willing to push hardiness zones etc. with other plants but not so much with trees. Too much invested. My soil is strongly alkaline as I live at the low point of the Salt Lake Valley- Salt Lake being the important part of that. My soil ph is around 8....See MorePlants for hardpan? Any success stories?
Comments (18)Thanks for helping me to feel more optimistic everyone. I had hoped to get a lot of planting done this year since the place looks pretty nekkid, being new and all. I guess this is just a metaphor for life (which growing a garden always is)...to be patient, work slow and do it right, and all that stuff. I do have a source for amendments -- local garden center -- but I will look further for manure, etc. My DIL has chickens. Not sure what she plans to do with the manure. I have composted before but am a bit worried about bears here. I don't want to attract attention to our yard. So, I have thought about vermicomposting inside the garage instead. It's not the same but better than nothing. Do I assume correctly that bears and compost piles are an issue? I eradicated a lot of lawn at my last house using lasagna gardening. I never really thought of doing that here...thanks for that suggestion. As for double dug, well...the thought of double-digging through the hardpan is what makes me want to cry. So, how do you dog-owners stay after the clean-up process without walking in the yard/goop? I thought the snow made it tough. Oh, and yes, the builder did plant a lawn and it took pretty well. I suppose I'll seed over it a bit in the Spring, just to fill it out. I have always been anti-lawn, preferring beds and ground cover. I suppose that I will just have to surrender to the lawn for a while....See MoreSo many trees, so little space...
Comments (3)I have to confess to being an over-planter. It's just blind enthusiasm and impatience I suppose. Your subject says it all... so many trees! I've certainly had a couple of reality checks over the years. What you have to consider is that the mistakes can come at a price. A considerable one financially if you are needing to remove mature trees or constantly lop ones intruding on your neighbours. Or a turn-off to potential buyers if you want to sell and your market is not so green. That said, your choices did not seem so deadly to me... given the distances and your soil, I reckon you won't see anything absolutely taking over for well over 10 years. The frangi can be butchered and restarted from cuttings anywhere anytime it is unsuited to its spot. Personally I found the little corymbias quite manageable and a gem magnolia is hardly going to take over the world. (Your ultimate problem is actually going to be that poinciana :-) but we all know who to blame for that decision). Your under planting isn't going to be any easier for years, none of the trees will provide much shade. IYou would be better off looking at summer sun-stopping options for a few years while you get your understory plants going, even if in pots that you shift around. Shade sails might work, also large tubs of clumping bamboo that will grow quickly, even temporary arches of vines that can be sacrificed later when you have the shade you need. Bamboo, thatch products, trellises and a bit of ingenuity should give you a cooler feel for a while. Don't discount a couple of cheap water features and water plants, either - a few tubs of waterlilies or cannas plus gold-fish and a little solar pump can do quite a reasonable job on the cheap...See Moreken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
8 years agomad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)
8 years agoToronado3800 Zone 6 St Louis
8 years agoakamainegrower
8 years agomadtownwriter
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agomadtownwriter
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8 years agoToronado3800 Zone 6 St Louis
8 years agotete_a_tete
8 years agoMike McGarvey
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