Fifty years ago silver and norway maples were often recommended because they provided "quick shade" for people with new homes. Now the people who have inherited these homes are having real problems. The problem is that these trees grow quickly, but die just as quickly. They have shallow root systems that compete against lower growing plants, even grass has trouble growing under them. they have very weak branches that break off in the mildest of storms, causing much damage. and, as others have said, they set seed copiously, becoming a weed exceeded only by the filthy ailanthus for invasiveness. Because of their shallow roots, in high storm winds the whole tree can become uprooted and fall over, damaging houses, cars, and other property. And worse of all, many homeowners can not afford to pay the cost of removing a dangerous tree. It only cost about five dollars to plant those trees in 1960, but it costs several hundred dollars to cut one down now. Save your children a big headache. Don't let these trees get started on your property. ...And get rid of that mother plant, Your neighbors will thank you.

Thanks for the suggestions horster and viburnumvalley! I've had V. x rhydidophylloides 'Willowwood' that I first planted in 1980. I've propagated them over the years and now have six full-size plants along with a few smaller ones. In our case, nearly all the leaves have dropped by the end of December. They're decent winter-time screening plants because of the number of stems rather than foliage. I remember reading about V. x pragense when I bought the 'Willowwood', but have no recollection of why I made the choice I did 31 years ago. I'll have to take another look. I bought the 3 small 'Cree' based in part on comments by someone here on Gardenweb who's located in eastcentral Illinois and seemed to be having success. I've planted mine along the west edge of the property rather than at the street because they're very well protected from westerly winds in that location. Plus, they'll get only morning sun in the summer and somewhat filtered sun through mid-day in the winter. It's a calculated gamble and I hope the plants won't think me "mean!" I forgot to mention my Lonicera fragrantissima! I planted 3 in 1978 in a bed of crushed limestone along the west edge of our property. Only one survived, but it has thrived and I actually took a small division several years ago and that second plant is also doing well. However, L. fragantissima is now on the Indiana list of invasive species. Even though I've never seen a berry on mine or any evidence of it spreading, I won't plant any more of them because of its inclusion on the list. I've got H. virginiana, but not vernalis. H. virginiana works well for us, but not as a screen of any sort. I'll have to look into vernalis. I'll also be looking at other oaks. None of the native oaks in our neighborhood (white, bur, red, michauxii, etc) hold their leaves, but my favorite nursery has mature (white and swamp white) that do! Of course, I need fastigiate trees because of the power lines and their overzealous tree-trimming contractor.

This was almost TWO years ago - summer '05! roflol Oh, that treehouse...DON'T GET ME GOING. neighbors have a H-U-G-E, empty yard and build the treehouse literally on top of us looking over the fence. It was in progress at that point...it now has a little deck area outside of the door that faces our yard. freeda, I would certainly think that soil, zone, etc, etc, etc plays into it all. Yes, it *is* frustrating though! There are some huge roots to the redbud right up near the trunk that I avoid planting around but other than that, when I dig to plant, I don't run into any roots. If you leave the seedlings when they drop in pleasing locatins, you'll have a nice sized tree in a couple of years! I have one that is only 2 years old and well over 6' tall!

Thanks, earthly. It's times like this that you learn how little you are protected by local codes. You can park anything on the street that has a current registration, no matter how crumby it looks. Boats on trailers can be parked in the street as long as the trailer is hooked up to a car or truck. I have the bad luck to live across from a slob (who is also mean and stupid) and now I have this mess next door. The neighbors are very much on top of things but the township can only do so much. We have a lot on our street where the guy knocked the house down three years ago and has left a mess ever since. We've been all over him about cleaning up but as long as he has a current building permit there is nothing we can do, excpet make the lot safe. As soon as one permit expires, he gets another. There are 40 house on my street and at least 36 of them are beautifully kept. Just my luck to be near two eyesores. Anyway, I am looking into bamboo in containers that will grow fast. I am concerned about planting in the ground since I don't want them to spread like mad. Looks like we're finally getting the rain we need. I just didn't want it all at once. Thanks for your supportive and helpful comments! Pam