Archive for the ‘Medium sized Tree’ Category

Arizona Cypress Standouts

Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica var. glabra) is a needle evergreen conifer native to the Southeast U.S. and is noted for its rapid growth rate. It is also grown as a Christmas tree and is rarely troubled by disease and insect problems. Depending on what part of the U.S. that you garden in, damage from bark […]

Downtown Street Trees With A Narrow Vertical Form

On the subject of land, Mark Twain wrote: “they’re not making any more of it”. This is particularly true in downtown urban areas where land to grow trees is usually very limited. Here are five tall trees that possess a striking vertical accent. Their upright branch habit does not take up much horizontal space. Trees […]

New ‘Chastity’ Ornamental Pear

Before you totally give up on ornamental pear trees (Pyrus calleryana) as invasive, a decision that I would never argue against, take a look at the new Chastity pear. NEW! NEW! NEW! on the market is Chastity pear, a triploid hybrid that is both very ornamental and highly infertile (USDA hardiness zones 5-9). Chastity™ Pear was specifically […]

Short Forms Of Cryptomerias

Japanese cedar, aka Sugi or Cryptomeria, (Cryptomeria japonica) is the national tree of Japan and also flourishes in  China (USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8).  It is one of the most variable conifers ranging from very dwarf rounded shrubs to large tree forms with golden or contorted leaves. It tolerates hot humid summers and prefers […]

Lots Of Choices In European Hornbeams

European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus),, aka ironwood and musclewood, is an underused tree in the U.S. It makes an excellent urban street and park tree. It develops a full, dense canopy and has very few maintenance requirements (USDA hardiness 4-7).  European hornbeams are planted across Europe for their formal upright form as street trees, privacy screens, […]

25 Trees For Autumn Leaf Color

Fall leaf colors of woodland and landscape trees vary from one year to the next. Foliage colors are determined by monthly weather conditions and several environmental factors. Rainfall amounts and daily temperature levels during August and September are key determining factors. Best autumn leaf colors develop as daytime hours are shortening, daytime hours are sunny and […]

Katsura Trees For Urban Plantings

Hooray! American gardeners are finally becoming savvy about Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum  japonicum) as one of the finest landscape trees. This medium to tall growing tree (height depending on cultivar) possesses four-season appeal. Numerous varieties are now available. Small growing cultivars will be featured here. Katsura tree is indigenous to Japan and China where some may […]

Saucer Magnolias

Saucer magnolias (M. x soulangeana) are deciduous hybrid magnolias (M. denudata x M. liliiflora) as broad shrubs or small trees. They typically grow 20-30 feet in height and width. Saucer magnolias are often called tulip magnolias because of the shape of the colorful blooms. Flower colors range from white, pink, rose, purple, magenta, and burgundy. Flowers […]

Selecting A Good Landscape Shade Tree

Medium to large shade trees increase the value of your property. Their summer shade and wintry wind protection may also reduce utility bills by 20 to 25%. Trees attract wild birds for nesting, protection, and as a food source. Some deciduous species will brighten up the landscape with dazzling fall color.  Choosing a fast growing tree, yet some may not […]

Fertilizing Trees And Shrubs

Maintaining good  plant nutrition is of key importance. A tree and shrub which is growing vigorously can resist infestation from most diseases and insects. Symptoms of poor nutrition: pale green or chlorotic leaves; undersized plants;  slower annual growth rate; many dead or dying branch tips; increased insect/disease problems. Trees under 10 years of age should be fertilized annually. There is little need to […]