Recommendation

Derek · Joined: 17 Aug 2003 Posts: 25 Location: Ennis,TEXAS

I am going to plant 6-8 trees for the front of my property. I am looking for a large tree. I like the Bradford Pear. But, they seem to be over used. I like to be a little different. Any ideas on other trees I could use. Something that changes colors and flowers. I did see some Tulip trees at the nursery the other day. But, I have never herd anything about them before.

sandih · Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Posts: 997 Location: Dallas,TEXAS

I would suggest buying or going to the library and getting Howard's Trees for Texas book. It shows many great options as well as describes the good and bad points of the trees. It also points out spring blooms and fall colors.

I would not suggest Bradford pears because they have a tendency to break easily in ice and wind storms.

Derek · Joined: 17 Aug 2003 Posts: 25 Location: Ennis,TEXAS

Great idea. I will go and get one tomarrow.

Derek · Joined: 17 Aug 2003 Posts: 25 Location: Ennis,TEXAS

Perfect timing. If you ask, you shall recieve. Did you see Howard's artical in the Firday's DMN?

Tricky Grama · Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2007 7:45 am Post subject:

Well, gee, of course we all saw it! :)
Seriously, great advice.
PS-make sure planting instructions are followed. Look in the 'library' here on the home page.

Patty

lou_midlothian_tx · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 113 Location: Midlothian,TEXAS

Derek wrote: Perfect timing. If you ask, you shall recieve. Did you see Howard's artical in the Firday's DMN?

What's DMN? Dallas M something News?

What was the article over?

Nevermind - it was the same article that Howard sent out email...

I strongly suggest you look at Shantung maple 'Fire Dragon' - check it out at www.metromaples.com. It's located in south FT Worth close by I-20 and HWY 287. Nice small yellow flowers in the spring and supposedly consistent red fall colors. Mine did during first year. I have a lot more leaves so I will find out for sure in the coming fall to see if it's still the case...

Tree Dude · Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Posts: 262 Location: Saginaw,TX

Dallas Morning News

How about magnolias? Including saucer magnolia or cucumber magnolias.

Tulips trees, also called yellow poplars, are good trees. Though some stated that limbs break off in storms. They have good yellow fall color. They produce flowers, but they are way up there so it is hard to see. They grow 100 ft in eastern forests.

sandih · Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Posts: 997 Location: Dallas,TEXAS

Man, IMO I would never plant more than one magnolia anywhere..and that may be too many. I'm not talking about the deciduous ones. The "evergreen" ones drop huge plasticy leaves everywhere that take forever to compost. What a mess. Of course, just my opinion.

I live with a 50-60ft tall magnolia in my backyard for 15 years by the way. They're pretty but a real mess.

gsblake · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 43 Location: dallas,TEXAS

different strokes... I adore our mature Magnolia.

I second the Fire Dragon Maple... beautiful tree. Another alternative might be a Kwanzan flowering cherry. The ones I saw blooming in the Ft. Worth botanical garden a few weeks ago were stunning.

lou_midlothian_tx · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 113 Location: Midlothian,TEXAS

gsblake wrote: different strokes... I adore our mature Magnolia.

I second the Fire Dragon Maple... beautiful tree. Another alternative might be a Kwanzan flowering cherry. The ones I saw blooming in the Ft. Worth botanical garden a few weeks ago were stunning.

Can Magnolia even grow in akaline soil esp where limestone is? I seem to recall that it's not recommended for that type of soil. A couple of neighbors planted mangolia into limestone soil recently so it should be interesting to see if they can thrive in the long run.

Caddo Maple is another great one but not as fast growing as Shantung maple. I have 3 shantung maple and 2 caddo maples right now...

Caddo Maples have put out 4 inches of growth so far in their first year in ground. They were only 2.5-3 feet tall to begin with since that's all I could find last fall/winter. Petal Pusher in Cedar Hill have plenty of Caddo maples when I went there a few weeks ago. They have bigger size now which I wasn't too happy about but what can I do...