Narrow Trees- from the Tree Farm

Need shade for a narrow area? We have the solution! Choose a tree with a narrow canopy- this will allow cars, people, etc to move underneath with very little issue. From a design standpoint, these narrow trees also provide a privacy block, while still allowing light and air to move through. Imagine blocking that harsh 5 o'clock sun into your house with a row of narrow, upright trees?

photo courtesy of oregonstate.edu

-Armstrong Maple is a fast growing tree that will reach 45' tall with a spread of only 15'.  Fall color varies from yellow to orange-red. This is one tough, durable tree- often chosen as a street tree where space demands a tree that doesn't spread!








-Cleveland Select Pear is also a tall, narrow tree that is a fast grower! This tree will grow to 40' tall with a spread of 15' as well. The canopy is very dense so not only does it provide shade, but it can also be used for screening. It starts spring awash in white blossoms followed by dark green glossy leaves in teh summer that turn purplish red in the fall. These trees do not break apart as often as the Bradford Pear. I have a row planted on the north end of the pond, and in 5 years, they have yet to lose a branch!


-Musashino Zelkova is a very narrow, upright, vase-shaped tree that will reach 45' H and 15' W. The leaves are a medium green color which turn yellow in the fall. It a has a delicate, lacy canopy compared to the other two trees. We will be digging a limited number of these this fall, so you can handpick from the field! Here is a Schmidt pdf about this rarely seen, very useful tree!

Japanese Maples

Many people long for just the right spot to plant a Japanese Maple. Before you rush out and buy one, there are a few things to know about the knockout.
Most Japanese Maples are burgundy but not all. Many are green (Virdis) or have green leaves, red stems (Coralbark). Most turn amazing fall colors: orange, gold, yellow, scarlet, plum, etc. As well, there are two distinct classes: acer palmatum (regular shaped maple leaves) and acer dissectum (laceleaf or a smaller, more divided leaf). Usually the laceleaf varieties stay a bit smaller.
Japanese Maples, while really maples, behave more like a Hydrangea or another shade loving tree. They are a great focal point near your house, due to their smaller scale and lovely detail, but they require at least partial shade everyday. Morning sun and afternoon shade is a perfect setup for these beauties! Protection from the elements is essential as well. Early spring frosts and winds from the south can really hurt these trees but plant them close to the house, in a protected noon and you'll be pleased at the results.

Mike at the tree farm has this to say:

Image courtesy of Bucholz Nursery

Bloodgood is the standard of the purple leaved tree form Japanese Maples. They will eventually grow to be 18' high and wide. The foliage comes out reddish purple and hold the color well until a heat wave hits! The color will then get a bit more green but go back to red as soon as the cool weather comes back.
Emperor I is very similar to the Bloodgood in shape, height and width. However, it holds its color better in hot weather and leaves out a bit later than the Bloodgood. Thus avoiding those late freezes that can kill a tender Japanese Maple. 
Tameukeyama is one of the best weeping lace-leaf varieties for our area. The leaves hold their deep purple color through the heat. They stay small, usually hitting 8' H x 12' W at maturity.

Mike's Site Selection advice: Drainage is key to the happiness of these trees. They don't like wet feet so make sure water doesn't stand in the area you've chosen.  When you plant your tree, make sure the root ball is2-3" above grade. (In other words, find the root flare- where the trunk connects to the root- and don't bury that). Slope the soil up to the root ball- this way water will not pool around the plant and you won't be burying your tree in mulch. Always keep in mind the final mature size (especially with Bloodgoods and that type)- you cannot prune these forever and keep them 6' tall. They want to grow- plant them where their mature size will be an asset!

Here is a cool site that explains about finding the root flare! Also, if you love to look at the ever-expanding world of Japanese Maples, go to the Bucholz Nursery library online.

News from the tree farm... We're in maintenance mode now!

The combination of hot days and warm nights really doesn't allow plants any time to recover from the scorching heat. We are attempting to put out the fires (metaphorically) by running the field irrigation (even on trees that have been in the ground for 3 years)!
Mike says: "Don't forget about the trees in your yard. Even if you have an irrigation system, it is not enough water! Larger trees may not show any signs of stress until next year." Check the soil around your trees and shrubs by putting your finger or a rod into the ground about 1 1/2" down. If it is dry, give it a long slow drink- this means 30 minutes to 1 hour on drip directly to the root system of the tree. (The larger the tree, the longer you water. 30 minutes is good for most shrubs.)

Pink Velour Crape Myrtle, loving the heat. That makes one of us.

On the positive side, this heat is really making the crape myrtles happy! We carry Tonto (deep red) and Pink Velour. They love the heat! Keep an eye out around town for neighborhood crape myrtles.