I wanna replace these mulberry trees. Suggestions? NW Illinois zone 5
Illini Fan
2 years ago
Featured Answer
Comments (23)
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
2 years agoL Clark (zone 4 WY)
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoRelated Discussions
Chanticleer Pear Trees Zone 5 City Success
Comments (41)Invasive species of plants are a big problem. I have been concerned about them for over 35 years. The worst are the exotic vines which not only strangle and pull down trees, but also cover the forest floor and wipe out the native woodland flowers, etc. Among the trees, the worst around here is the Ailanthus, or "stink tree," which on the back of my land here in Winchester takes over so completely that no seedlings of any other species survive, partly because of its agressive reproduction and shading, but also because of its alleopathic powers. Compared to these things, it seems to me that the pears, and even the Norway maple, are relatively minor problems. Here in the Winchester area the pears are planted everywhere. I have some pear seedlings coming up in my field, but not to the exclusion of anything else, and in general I see them hardly at all around on the roadsides or in abandoned fields. I have been in the industrial area around dulles Airport outside DC and seen their abundance there. I think we need some kind of concerted and well funded action to try to get rid of the worst of these invasives. I can imagagine a time when all the forests will be simply choked with vines and we will not see any yong trees growing upward without being crushed by these vines. And this Ailanthus problem is really terrible and spreading. Sorry, I apologize to some of you who see the pears to be such a threat, but the overall threat from invasives in general is so great, and so widesperead, that I think we need to focus on the worst problems. I think that we need some real strong community, and perhaps legislative action to fight the Ailanthus problem and the problem caused by the worst of the vines--these will really destroy our native forests. If we make pears public enemy #1 I think we will be taking on too much and will get nothing done. I think it is clear from the discussion of this topic that we will not get everyone to rally around a "ban and destroy the pears" movement. But set up a topic about Ailanthus and the vines, and you may see more widespread support. With that support, maybe something can be done, at least on a local community level. --Spruce...See MoreZone 5 Shade Tree Suggestions
Comments (32)What WisconsinTom is saying she really wants is a normal size shade tree (i.e. oak or maple) that will grow tall enough to be easily limbed up 20 ft. Arborphobia has a lot to account for. When I was a kid, all the older houses had large shade trees growing over them. Before AC, this was how it had to be unless you wanted to die of heat prostration. Because of the sun angles, for a tree to shade a house, it has to be very close to that house. The downside of this was that once the trees started to fail, they had to be removed. That happened recently enough that if replacements were planted, they were planted much further from the house. They were landscaping instead of practical cooling. My assumption is that this tree is meant for cooling. So I also think what is wanted is a real shade tree of the fairly large size....See MoreReplacement for large saucer magnolia in Zone 5, NW Illinois
Comments (4)i am curious how much the 4 stage treatment cost .. would you mind telling us ... if the problem is solved ... and it should be solved .. and the tree ought to recover ... period ... you shouldnt be thinking that it will recur.. if it was a completed job ... so there is some logic in waiting and seeing.. what happens this year... and suggesting to the service that provided such.. that they most likely promised to solve the issue ... on the other hand... i can see the logic in being done with it.. since every time you see it.. your blood pressure probably spikes ... lol.. mine would ... i would give it.. in tree time.. at least this year.. to see the result of the money you paid .... and then go from there.. in other words.. i would be watching in tree time .. not instant gratification time .. anyway ... im at a loss how to suggest a tree for a spot in your garden.. without seeing the spot in your garden.. and its relation to the house.. etc .. how about some pix .. and we could confirm the ID with a pic of the plant and its leaves or flowers ... but i sure hope your service provider actually knew the plant ... ken btw: clay is not a tree choice issue.. its a planting issue which i easily dealt with .. EVERY ball and burlap plant you see in a nursery ... was grown in clay.. else there would not be a ball in the burlap ... you sure cant do that with soil that falls apart ... and the stuff that doesnt fall apart.. is clay .......See MoreLooking for recommendations for privacy - NW Illinois Zone 5
Comments (8)Take three plant species. A spring blooming small tree - crabapple, a deciduous and evergreen shrub - Hydrangea paniculata and Ilex x meserveae, the Blue Holly. Plant them in front of, among and behind the trees. Plant them for screening the sight lines you want to cover and consideration of their sun needs in the quantities needed. Maintain the ground of this buffer as a meadow with whatever comes up. Just give the trees and shrubs some elbow room if needed while they get big enough to fend for themselves. You can add more meadow plants later once you know the mowing schedule that suits you best. Once a year works fine for me. This is where your leaves can go for the winter. That and the shade will determine what kind of meadow you get....See MoreIllini Fan
2 years agoken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 years agoIllini Fan
2 years agoken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 years agocorkball (z9 FL)
2 years agoDeb
2 years agoIzzy Mn
2 years agoplantkiller_il_5
2 years agoIllini Fan
2 years agoplantkiller_il_5
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoUser
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoplantkiller_il_5
2 years agoIllini Fan
2 years agoDeb
2 years agoSkip1909
2 years agolast modified: 2 years agoIllini Fan
2 years agoken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 years agoIllini Fan
2 years agoIllini Fan
2 years agoIllini Fan
2 years ago
Related Stories
FALL GARDENING5 Uncommon Trees for Gorgeous Fall Color
Ideas for mixing up your fall foliage palette with colors and shapes your neighbors don't have
Full StoryBATHROOM WORKBOOK5 Ways With a 5-by-8-Foot Bathroom
Look to these bathroom makeovers to learn about budgets, special features, splurges, bargains and more
Full StoryTREES7 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
Full StoryARBOR DAY10 Trees Landscape Designers Love
In honor of Arbor Day, consider adding a beautiful and beneficial tree species favored by designers around the country
Full StoryMOST POPULAR5 Ways to Hide That Big Air Conditioner in Your Yard
Don’t sweat that boxy A/C unit. Here’s how to place it out of sight and out of mind
Full StoryEDIBLE GARDENSHow to Grow 10 Favorite Fruit Trees at Home
Plant a mini orchard in fall, winter or early spring to enjoy fresh-off-the-tree fruit the following year
Full StoryTREES10 Top Trees to Grow in Containers
These container-friendly trees make great specimens for pots on the patio or marking an entrance
Full StoryFALL GARDENING11 Trees for Brilliant Fall Color
Give your landscape the quintessential look of autumn with the red, orange and yellow leaves of these standouts
Full StoryARBOR DAY8 Reasons to Plant a Great Tree
Beauty is its own reward, but the benefits of planting the right tree in the right place go way beyond looks
Full StoryFEEL-GOOD HOME12 Very Useful Things I've Learned From Designers
These simple ideas can make life at home more efficient and enjoyable
Full Story
plantkiller_il_5