what tree to PLANT?

[julie Graf]

I'm in Western PA, and would like to plant a native species in my side yard. there is not much space between me and the house next door, which is the reason I want a tree there. To block out the people next door.

seriously though, we are loosing a HUGE maple that both provides some cover from the people next door and shades our property. But, it is coming down because it has grown large, is dying, and it's limbs overhand both properties, and extends over the neighbors house.

So the replacement tree should be something that can be near (there is about 20 feet between properties) both houses, and on a slope. We would like shade from it, and have it be fairly fast growing if possible.

Any ideas?

thanks!

[Terry Achey]

Julie,

Redbud grows quickly and doesn't get TOO huge (smaller than typical Maple) I planted one two years ago and this year it really took off. There are many species for this zone that may fit your situation. I would talk to a knowledgable person at a local reputable nursery.

Terry

[Martin Shupe]

American sycamore or tulip poplar, both grow fast.

Check with local county extension agent to see what he thinks might work well for your needs.

[Sean Troy]

I agree on the Redbud.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Martin gave you some pretty sage advice. Contact the local County Ag Agent.

[Butch Edwards]

I have 4 Kentucky Coffee trees in my VERY sloped yard(this IS W.Va.). had to cut down a 5th one, due to storm damage..it was over 70 ft tall,as is 3 other males that grew with it. the female is only about 30' and produces the seed pods. these trees are old(the one I cut down had over 80+ rings), have withstood high winds, give good shade...but are dirty in the fall. I can send you seeds if you're interested....lemme know

[Al Wasser]

While not native, you might consider a fruit tree. You can get them in dwarf, semi-dwarf and full size and they are reasonable fast growing. And, sometimes you get something to eat. Take a look at Starks website for ideas of what is available

[Ted Calver]

Google fastigiate trees and consider some of the columnar cultivars of natives. Here in our area we use Armstrong Maple, Princeton Sentry Ginkgo, Hightower Willow Oak where space is at a premium.

[Bob Moyer]

I'm in Western PA, and would like to plant a native species in my side yard. there is not much space between me and the house next door, which is the reason I want a tree there. To block out the people next door.

seriously though, we are loosing a HUGE maple that both provides some cover from the people next door and shades our property. But, it is coming down because it has grown large, is dying, and it's limbs overhand both properties, and extends over the neighbors house.

So the replacement tree should be something that can be near (there is about 20 feet between properties) both houses, and on a slope. We would like shade from it, and have it be fairly fast growing if possible.

Any ideas?

thanks!

I second the choice as to the Redbud, other choices could be a Royal Empress Tree or a multi trunk River Birch

[Randy Cohen]

a Bradford Pear might be suitable.

[Prashun Patel]

I wouldn't do a Bradford Pear. They grow too dense and in 15 years, you'll have a big problem. I saw it happen in a lot of developments in my area; BPears were the street-tree-du-jour for the big box developers in the 80's in central NJ.

Finding something that fits in a 20ft diameter AND offers a lot of shade might be a little tough. Have you considered evergreens? White Pines or Thuja (arborvitae) will grow quickly and provide a lot of privacy. They're hearty and are pretty much maintenance-free.

[Bob Moyer]

a Bradford Pear might be suitable.

NOOOOOOO - I have lost 4 of these in the past 2 years due to early ice and snow here in PA. Last year I lost the nicest one; I had tied the areas where the others split with rope and said to my wife; the tree holds it's leaves later than most and I said to my wife if we get an early snow the tree is in trouble. It split in three areas.

[Jerome Hanby]

We have something in the south that we call "Hate Your Neighbor Trees". They're usually Leeland Cyprus or Green Giant Thungias (spelling?). The later says it will grow up about 5 feet a year and cover about that much out, so planting a row on 5 foot centers should give you a solid wall in a few years. I've seen a website showing the zones where they grow well and giving specifics on what kind of growth you can expect.

[Bob Moyer]

We have something in the south that we call "Hate Your Neighbor Trees". They're usually Leeland Cyprus or Green Giant Thungias (spelling?). The later says it will grow up about 5 feet a year and cover about that much out, so planting a row on 5 foot centers should give you a solid wall in a few years. I've seen a website showing the zones where they grow well and giving specifics on what kind of growth you can expect.

What happens if the neighbor moves???

[Jerome Hanby]

I think I can find it in my heart to hate the new neighbors should the old ones move.