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Meet some different trees
31 Jan, 2008 By: Landscape Management Staff LDB Solutionsby Kendall Weyers
 Paperbark Maple (Photo courtesy Kristina Jensen, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum) |
They say variety is the spice of life. The same holds true in the world of landscape trees. There's nothing wrong with the old-reliables, but by mixing in a few unknowns, you give your customer something unique and set yourself apart from the competition.
Below are some examples of trees you may want to consider. For more examples, check out the March/April edition of Livescapes magazine. While these trees are durable and widely adapted, it is still best to check with your local extension office or university to make sure they will thrive in your specific area.
Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum) This upright, spreading small tree is best known for its exfoliating bark in colors ranging from cinnamon to rich reddish-brown. The compound, trifolate leaves give it a delicate texture in the summer. Fall color can be a nice red. The Paperbark Maple is slow-growing, but this highly adaptable tree rewards patience with rich, year-round beauty. Zone 5-8.
 American Smoketree (Photo courtesy Kristina Jensen, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum) |
White Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) Late spring brings masses of fragrant, feathery white flowers to the White Fringetree. This small native is extremely adaptable to soils, is urban tolerant, and has no serious pests. With its flower display, followed by dark blue fruits, and yellow fall foliage, it works well as a specimen or in groups. Zone 5-9.
American Smoketree (Cotinus obovatus) It's difficult to choose this plant's most outstanding feature. Smoky purplish flowers put on a wonderful summer show, but fall might be even better, with bright, almost fluorescent, orange to red mixed colors. The bonus is that this tree is tolerant of drought and various pH soils, and is almost pest free. Zone 5-8.
American Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) Because of its extremely hard wood this tree is sometimes called Ironwood. A mid-sized, graceful native, it has attractive horizontal branching, rounded outline, and interesting hop-like fruits. It has performed well in urban conditions and is nearly pest free. Zone 4-9.
 Black Tupelo (Photo courtesy Kristina Jensen, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum) |
Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica) Consistent, glorious fall colors ranging from yellow to orange and scarlet, is the claim to fame for this tree, also known as Black Gum or Sour Gum. It has specific site requirements, needing moist, well-drained, acid soil, and can be difficult to transplant. But in the right spot it puts on quite a show. Zone 5-9.
Kendall Weyers is a landscape designer and freelance writer who can be reached at kweyers@earthlink.net.
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