interesting tree choices for South Carolina yard?

November 24, 2013 1:22 PM

The very large pecan tree shading our backyard is dying and must go this winter. We're looking for a replacement to be centered in the (1/8 acre or so) backyard. We don't want another shade tree - just a nice tree to anchor the yard. I'm specifically looking for especially odd/unique/interesting options - something that will surprise people. This is in zone 8a and would probably start as a seedling.
posted by ftm to Home & Garden (19 answers total)

How about a Cunninghamia? It's an evergreen, and quite lovely. They are not very common, so it would fit the interesting / unique category I think. In my experience they grow fairly quickly, so even a small one would get some good size to it reasonably fast.

Here is a link: http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a159
posted by PlantGoddess at 1:33 PM on November 24, 2013 [1 favorite]

The part of your question where you want to surprise people with your tree got me thinking. We had a pear tree that gave fruit that was inedible in our yard when I was a kid. And the most surprising thing was, why would anyone plant a tree that you couldn't eat the fruit from? People commented on all that "wasted" fruit every summer.

So, how about a dwarf fruit tree? I suggest a shorter variety so that you can reach all of the fruit and not have to struggle with windfall. There are apple trees that will grow in zone four and apple trees that will do well in zone 9. Pears can be very hardy as well. Plums come in all sorts of varieties. You might be able to get a chestnut. Bonus points, you can give people fruit when they come to visit. And if you're thinking that you could never possibly consume it all, there's almost guaranteed to be a food bank or cooperative feeding program that would be very happy to take the fruit off your hands. And they'll give you a tax receipt.

Of course, fruit trees require thought to be given about pollination. Some require two trees, and others (nectarines come to mind) can self pollinate. And sometimes you can talk a neighbor into also getting fruit tree.

Beyond that, contact local nurseries. Many will send someone out to take a look at your particular spot, and make suggestions.
posted by bilabial at 1:35 PM on November 24, 2013 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Is the location near any sewer lines? If not, you might want to consider a weeping willow, especially if you have kids or cats. Kids can use the branches to make baskets, hoops, and all kinds of cool things. The soft slender branches make an excellent "snake" toy for cats -- I have seen no cat, no matter how old or bored, resist the fun of chasing a willow branch slithering around on the ground, or racing around in a circle.

Also, they are beautiful.

They can invade pipes if you're not careful, which is why I started by asking about the location.


Weeping cherry is another suggestion -- they are exquisitely beautiful -- but I don't know how well they will do in SC.

You live near an arboretum -- how lucky! Why not have a lovely walk there and see what most appeals to you? Also, there are often tree geeks around who would be thrilled with the opportunity to advise you. They might even have trees for sale that you've never heard of, or an annual plant sale event, or something. They'll certainly help you avoid an invasive or otherwise unfortunate choice, and might be able to advise you on something that will be helpful to local wildlife.

Also, trip to the arboretum = fun!
posted by amtho at 1:44 PM on November 24, 2013 [1 favorite]

I've always thought that arborvitae were very attractive. They're ever-green and they're covered with greenery from top to bottom. They don't need trimming and they don't shed. They should thrive in your planting zone.
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 1:50 PM on November 24, 2013 [1 favorite]

The native fringetree is an unusual choice if you don't need a large tree. It has white flowers in spring.

Check out native persimmons too.

The local extension agency can offer lots of free no obligation help. Thry can hook you up with a master gardener volunteer, soil tests and all kinds of goodness.
posted by mightshould at 1:55 PM on November 24, 2013 [2 favorites]

Another cool, unusual native tree is the catalpa.
posted by hydropsyche at 2:51 PM on November 24, 2013 [1 favorite]

I've always been partial to Paw Paws. They are pretty unusual to come across, have edible fruit that isn't commercially produced ad have a distinctive smell.
posted by saucysault at 2:53 PM on November 24, 2013 [3 favorites]

Geez, you are looking for a single tree to act as an anchor and a showpiece. You are in South Carolina. Do you know how many people would kill for the opportunity you have to plant a Magnolia?
posted by dinger at 3:12 PM on November 24, 2013 [3 favorites]

I know that they have some cons that you should research, but I've always loved mimosa trees.
posted by kimdog at 3:19 PM on November 24, 2013 [1 favorite]

Maybe you would like a gingko tree. On the plus side, you only have to rake once, because all of the leaves turn yellow and fall all at once. Call the county extension agent where you live and ask whether you should get a male one or a female one.
posted by halfbuckaroo at 3:34 PM on November 24, 2013 [2 favorites]

Magnolias make a dreadful mess in the yard.

I'd vote for a persimmon, if you enjoy the fruit. Beautiful trees, especially striking in late fall when the leaves are off and the bright orange fruit is all over the tree, and so yummy.
posted by fingersandtoes at 4:05 PM on November 24, 2013 [1 favorite]

If you have a large old pecan tree, the wood may be valuable to a woodworker. Not sure who to ask, but try a lumberyard or tree service.

Harry Lauder's walking stick is more of a shrub, but I like it, and it's interesting.
posted by theora55 at 4:22 PM on November 24, 2013 [1 favorite]

Consider the bees! Sourwood trees are nice, and the bees like them for nectar. Vitex (also called Chaste Tree) is also a good nectar tree, and they look stunning during the summer.
posted by jquinby at 5:28 PM on November 24, 2013 [2 favorites]

Momosa trees are an invasive species. Sorry -- the do look interesting. Please check to make sure your plant isn't invasive before you buy or plant it.
posted by amtho at 5:47 PM on November 24, 2013 [1 favorite]

N'thing calling the Clemson Extension Service in your county and asking. That's what they do.

Be really careful about ginkos. They are tidy about dropping all the leaves at once and are beautiful, but if you get a female that drops fruit, it will stink.
posted by JaneL at 9:36 PM on November 24, 2013 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks to all for the input!

My wife can be considered a mini Clemson Extension unto herself, and she was able to echo a lot of what everyone mentioned about some of the concerns with mess, smell, or invasiveness, but some of these we hadn't thought of - I think we both like the weeping cherry!

A new palm is in the picture (we have 2 nice Sabals out front) but that's a little bit off to the corner of the yard. And I'd love to recover some wood from the tree, but I suspect we're going to find it pretty hollow :( An [eventually] killing cut was made in 2005 when the lot was divided and our house built.

Appreciate every answer, amtho gets a 'best' because neither of us had any idea there was an arboretum there!
posted by ftm at 8:38 AM on November 25, 2013

Awesome! I'd never heard of weeping cherry until I saw one at the arboretum in Chapel Hill, NC.

Check your soil and light conditions, but it looks like they do well in warmer zones like yours.
posted by amtho at 9:19 AM on November 25, 2013

American Smoketree, Cotinus obovatus - they are native, and the ones in the park near me are really beautiful and unusual in all seasons. They have interestingly shaped trunks, very long lasting feathery flowers that don't really even look like flowers so much as, well, smoke, and the fall color is really impressive. I am kind of in love with them.
posted by sepviva at 6:56 PM on November 25, 2013 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: sepviva, great minds think alike... which would explain why my wife currently has two lovely new smoke trees, one green and one purple, growing in the tree strip :)
posted by ftm at 7:19 AM on November 26, 2013