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!

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.