Small deciduous shade trees close to house
ofdm (South Bay Area CA zone 9b)
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
6 years agoofdm (South Bay Area CA zone 9b) thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5Related Discussions
What large shrub/small tree to plant close to the house
Comments (4)Redbuds cast a great deal of shade and often make it impossible to garden under them for that reason. They don't get too tall, but their branches will eventually strike the house at the distance you are contemplating. Serviceberry has the nice drooping florets and later the delicious berries that many birds love, so you could observe them feasting on them close up if a window looks out on that spot. It does well in partial shade and seems fairly adaptable; I see no reason why you couldn't keep it in shrub form if you are able to find one trained that way. However, I had some revert to small-tree form when I failed to keep them clipped, so you may be able to find a more trouble-free shrub for next to your house, and save your serviceberry planting for along your driveway or other opening from the woodsy areas. Pieris Japonica comes in many forms these days and is an interesting shrub that grows fairly slowly, so requires little attention. Some of the larger Rhododendrons would also do well in that spot, and the color choices and flower forms are wonderful. Of course Forsythia would also grow there, and there are several size choices. Witch Hazel is often difficult to get established, especially if it is a graft. It has a wonderful fragrance when the tiny flowers appear, but it grows very slowly and takes a long time to fill out, in my experience. If you don't mind thorns you could try Bitter Orange, but eventually it will probably crave more sun. The flowers have a nice fragrance and it has beautiful dark shiny leaves...but it also grows quite slowly. The hazelnut tree or shrub is not often thought of but is worth checking into. There is probably not enough sun for a lilac but the hibiscus can tolerate more shade and has flower choices that range from white to a soft pink to a lovely lavender color. All that said, Viburnums are available in many kinds, and the viburnum in any form makes a good wood that stands up to abuse quite well; they are one of the sturdiest shrubs out there, imo, unlike the hydrangeas, which make a very soft stem. However, oak leaf hydrangeas are capable of eventually getting fairly large, and have the interestingly shaped leaves and flower clusters. I believe their color change in fall is also attractive, and they do quite well in partial shade. Here is a link that might be useful: Pieris Japonica references...See Morelarge shrub/small tree close to house?
Comments (3)you might consider areca palm. it is dense if planted closely together and the litter is limited to the occasional palm frond. I cut ours down because they were planted too close too the lanai but I have seen them used as shade producers....See MoreSmall Deciduous Tree for Clay Soil -
Comments (3)I am sorry that no-one has come up with any ideas for you yet. I think the problem is partly the wetness. My first thought for your area was a Japanese maple. There are so many lovely ones in various heights, also grafted ones, weeping ones, red varieties etc. I know they will grow in clay, but I think a young one will really not like to have wet feet. You could build a raised bed to give the tree better drainage. I have seen this done very successfully. I do agree with NOT planting a mop-top (by which I assume you mean a Robinia). You will have problems with suckering. I think planting a group of Silver Birches may slow them a little, but they will still get big. I'm sorry I can't be of more help. Cheers, Dee....See MoreDeciduous tree to shade hot afternoon west side of house
Comments (0)Looking for advice on what type of tree to plant to protect the west wall of house from hot afternoon sun. Have an existing Crepe Myrtle (about 4 - 5m tall) and need to plant another next to it to protect another room. The windows are about 3m from the ground because we are on a slope, so the tree needs to be 5 - 6m tall and no more than 8m. I like the canopy and shape of the Crepe Myrtle because they run along a driveway (not used for cars just people) so I'm thinking of something 3 - 4 m (maybe 5m) wide. I am considering the "Forest Pansy' but not sure if it will grow tall enough. I had also thought of an Ornamental Pear but the Capital is too narrow and some of the other varieties are too tall and wide. Also very common around here and was hoping for some more interest. We are in Melbourne so not too hot but in Summer this position is fully exposed to hot afternoon sun and any weather coming through. Does anyone have any other suggestions?...See Moreofdm (South Bay Area CA zone 9b)
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agorhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
6 years agoofdm (South Bay Area CA zone 9b) thanked rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7ofdm (South Bay Area CA zone 9b)
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
6 years agoofdm (South Bay Area CA zone 9b) thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
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