What is the Best Tree for shade
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Posted: May/03/2008 4:51 PM PST
Hello, I want to plant a tree along side my home for shade for my dogs. From the house to the brick wall is 10 feet and the neighbors house is ten feet the other side of the wall. Last year I went to my local Big box store and they suggested a liquid amber fast growing, good shade and they are all around the neighborhood on the parkways. I bought and planted a 7 ft tree. Now I read they are bad trees to have near homes, sidewalks etc because of a shallow and aggressive root system. When I planted the tree I put two 4 inch pvc pipes in going down 3 feet to insure deep water. Would this be enough to keep the roots deep or is it time to dig it up before any damage? I really want a fast growing tree. I thank you my dog thanks you |
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Posted: May/03/2008 6:30 PM PST
Dont know anything about the tree you planted...never heard of it. River birches grow pretty fast but I have heard they gravitate toward water lines. Sorry I cant help. |
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Posted: May/04/2008 6:36 PM PST
I don't know where Corona is, but like Fairygarden said, River Birch grow real fast, red maple, silver maple, sycamore-All these good in Louisiana-Best is to check with your local Ag center. |
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Posted: May/04/2008 11:43 PM PST
Is Liquidambar styraciflua your tree? If it is here is some information I cut and pasted here from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua Uses American Sweetgum is a popular ornamental tree, grown for its intense fall colors, but it also has some drawbacks: The wood is brittle and the tree drops branches easily in storms. The spiked "gumballs" can be unpleasant to walk on (in fact in California they are known as "ankle biters" or "ankle twisters"), and their profusion can smother a lawn unless removed. Branches may have ridges or "wings" that cause more surface area, increasing weight of snow and ice accumlation on the tree. |
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Posted: May/05/2008 10:27 AM PST
Good Morning. Thank you for the replies. Corona is located in southern Ca. Yes, the tree on my side yard is a Liquidambar styraciflua. I thank you for the web link and information. I do like the information about the River Birch. I know they plant them around local shopping centers. My biggest concern is just the house foundation that will only be 10 feet away on either side. Does anyone know if putting the watering pvc pipes three feet down help roots stay deeper in the ground or is that just waste of time? I think it is between the river birch and the red maple. Now I am just looking for the pros and cons of each.. Thanks\ |
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Posted: May/05/2008 11:59 AM PST
If you buy a red maple, make sure it's the native and NOT the Norway. The Norway can be be highly invasive... |
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Posted: May/14/2008 2:09 PM PST
I have both in my yard, and have not seen above ground roots. Both trees are water lovers, although they will do ok without constant water. I think the water pipe thing will help. No, No to the sweet gum tree. Those little balls get every where and they hurt (dogs would not like them), and then you'll have sweet gum trees coming up everywhere. Considered a "bad" tree here in my town! |
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Posted: May/14/2008 4:24 PM PST
My basset just loves to bring those horrible balls into the house and shred them *sigh* I am going to have the one sweetgum that is ON my property removed- I have had it with those stupid spiky balls. |
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Posted: May/28/2008 5:12 PM PST
My husband, a tree surgeon, says a river burch has a very vigorous root system that is very powerful. We planted 3 of them 4 years ago, and they are HUGE! They are definitely FAST growing, especially if you water them reguarly. They do, however, lose all of their leaves in the fall and winter, so they are not evergreen. I think they are absolutely beautiful. As far as the pvc piping, Michael says that is pretty much useless. Above-ground watering is plenty good enough, as long as you do water it enough initially. The roots will make their way down regardless. We think 10 feet is enough so that it would not disturb your foundation. We also have a wax myrtle that has grown quickly, but to some it is considered wild. We keep ours trimmed up and it is really beautiful. Let us know what you decide!! |
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Posted: Jun/07/2008 6:59 AM PST
Thank you everyone for your replies. I have removed the sweet gum. We don't want the little dinggle balls everywhere. I think we will be going with a river birch on the side of the house and a maple in the front. Thank you for being do helpful Don |
