What tree to plant - Ask Extension
I would like to plant a tree in this area. It faces south, full sun. I'm worried about the vegetation covering the ground. Is there a tree that would ...
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What tree to plant #873232
Asked June 15, 2024, 1:19 PM EDT
I would like to plant a tree in this area. It faces south, full sun. I'm worried about the vegetation covering the ground. Is there a tree that would do well in this location? Should I remove the vegetation before planting? I would like the tree for shade purposes, as the house gets rather warm in the summer. Thank you!
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
I am concerned that the space shown in the photo really will not allow adequate root room for a shade tree. Not only will the roots and tree suffer, but surrounding hardscape will suffer cracks etc from encroaching roots.
If you are thinking about removing some of the vegetation on the side as well as the ground cover, you may be able to fit a taller shrub or even a trellis with a vine. There are many cultivars of ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
that might fit there, here is information about that plant: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/find_a_plant/?q=ninebark
Some other shrub possibilities include spicebush (Lindera benzoin),https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lindera-benzoin/ and hazelnut (Corylus americana). https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/find_a_plant/?q=corylus+americana If you want to go the trellis route, a non-invasive type of honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) can be beautiful and attract hummingbirds. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lonicera-sempervirens/
You need to take a look at the site conditions and try to match the plant's needs to the existing conditions. How much sun? What type of soil? Very wet, or always dry?
And yes, no new transplant will be able to compete with the periwinkle vine that is there right now. You will need to clear a decent sized area of that (invasive) vine. Your other plants might thank you for that, as well.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Ruth
I am concerned that the space shown in the photo really will not allow adequate root room for a shade tree. Not only will the roots and tree suffer, but surrounding hardscape will suffer cracks etc from encroaching roots.
If you are thinking about removing some of the vegetation on the side as well as the ground cover, you may be able to fit a taller shrub or even a trellis with a vine. There are many cultivars of ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
that might fit there, here is information about that plant: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/find_a_plant/?q=ninebark
Some other shrub possibilities include spicebush (Lindera benzoin),https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lindera-benzoin/ and hazelnut (Corylus americana). https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/find_a_plant/?q=corylus+americana If you want to go the trellis route, a non-invasive type of honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) can be beautiful and attract hummingbirds. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lonicera-sempervirens/
You need to take a look at the site conditions and try to match the plant's needs to the existing conditions. How much sun? What type of soil? Very wet, or always dry?
And yes, no new transplant will be able to compete with the periwinkle vine that is there right now. You will need to clear a decent sized area of that (invasive) vine. Your other plants might thank you for that, as well.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.
Ruth
