The Giving Tree
May 14, 2011 3:52 PM Subscribe
As it turns out, the big weed that I couldn't cut down last year is a Boxelder maple (Acer negundo), and we've decided to keep it as a shade tree for our deck. Now I'm addicted, and I want more trees. What would you suggest for our climate and placement?
First of all, we live in Madison, Wisconsin. We're interested in purchasing on a budget, so cheap seedlings would be more interesting to us than expensive trees. We have some great locations that are cleared of grass around our back deck.
What are some varieties that would, if planted this or next week, survive the winter? We love flowering, fragrant trees. Our local elementary school seems to have had success planting a series of magnolias out behind their building, so that is probably our biggest contender. My wife also suggested some sort of flowering apple or crab-apple trees, but we're unsure about those. Our last house had magnolias, and they were one of the finest features of that house.
So, basically, our concerns are: The requirements for nurturing a seedling to something that is relatively self-sustaining, the survive-ability of any seedlings planted in May (considering the last few harsh winters here in Wisconsin), and the costs (and sources) associated with acquiring the seedlings.
First of all, we live in Madison, Wisconsin. We're interested in purchasing on a budget, so cheap seedlings would be more interesting to us than expensive trees. We have some great locations that are cleared of grass around our back deck.
What are some varieties that would, if planted this or next week, survive the winter? We love flowering, fragrant trees. Our local elementary school seems to have had success planting a series of magnolias out behind their building, so that is probably our biggest contender. My wife also suggested some sort of flowering apple or crab-apple trees, but we're unsure about those. Our last house had magnolias, and they were one of the finest features of that house.
So, basically, our concerns are: The requirements for nurturing a seedling to something that is relatively self-sustaining, the survive-ability of any seedlings planted in May (considering the last few harsh winters here in Wisconsin), and the costs (and sources) associated with acquiring the seedlings.
I don't have recommendations for other trees, but I learned that box elders are undesirable because their wood is weak and they're prone to wind and ice damage (see e.g. this link). Not necessarily what you want next to your house!
posted by Ian Scuffling at 4:11 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Ian Scuffling at 4:11 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Talk to two groups - the local agricultural extension and the National Arbor Day Foundation. The first will tell you what sorts of trees are appropriate, and the second is a reliable source for inexpensive, disease-free tree stock.
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 4:20 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 4:20 PM on May 14, 2011 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Holy crap, Emperor SnooKloze, that's 10.00 for 10 flowering trees. That's fantastic.
posted by thanotopsis at 4:27 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by thanotopsis at 4:27 PM on May 14, 2011
The National Arbor Day foundation trees are little twigs that are going to require extra care. If you are ever in Nebraska City, NE though, a visit to Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure is in order. You can go pick out your own baby tree with admission.
I would recommend the Serviceberry, particularly a variety called "Autumn Brilliance." It is a multi-stemmed small tree that is densely covered with delicate white flowers in the spring. Berries follow, and they are tasty for both humans and animals. (I have three serviceberries so that the robins and my family can both have some). Then, in the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful wine red.
The only drawback I've found is that rabbits love the bark. You have to get some hardware cloth and make a little rabbit fence for your tree that's about 2-3 feet high in the winter.
Sreviceberries are also known as Saskatoon berries or shadbush. They grow about 2 feet per year if they are happy.
posted by Ostara at 7:02 PM on May 14, 2011
I would recommend the Serviceberry, particularly a variety called "Autumn Brilliance." It is a multi-stemmed small tree that is densely covered with delicate white flowers in the spring. Berries follow, and they are tasty for both humans and animals. (I have three serviceberries so that the robins and my family can both have some). Then, in the fall, the leaves turn a beautiful wine red.
The only drawback I've found is that rabbits love the bark. You have to get some hardware cloth and make a little rabbit fence for your tree that's about 2-3 feet high in the winter.
Sreviceberries are also known as Saskatoon berries or shadbush. They grow about 2 feet per year if they are happy.
posted by Ostara at 7:02 PM on May 14, 2011
For crabapples, my favorite is the Prairie Fire crab. It is resistant to cedar-apple rust, which is a big issue if you have any cedars within a 2 or 3 mile radius. It causes the leaves to drop and you're left with a sad, sad tree. I have a prairie fire crab, too, and so far have had no such issues. I think I got it at one of the big box stores for around $20.
posted by Ostara at 7:04 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by Ostara at 7:04 PM on May 14, 2011
Planting a tree this time of year is fine, just make sure it is adequately watered. Most tree types do best when planted in the fall, as trees develop their roots in winter. If it's a small seedling, though, perhaps giving it time to establish without freezing temperatures is best. If you want something a little bigger, bare root stock is less expensive. and (I believe) available through mail order companies.
After checking google, there are a large selection of companies that do this. You do want to plant one pretty quickly, as they can dry out rapidly without soil. It's best to prepare the spot before your tree arrives, if you order one. There are plenty of directions for planting bare root stock online, and it's a fairly simple process.
Local nurseries may only carry bare root fruit trees in the spring, but you can call to find out. Some will place special orders from their wholesalers for you, depending. .
posted by annsunny at 8:12 PM on May 14, 2011
After checking google, there are a large selection of companies that do this. You do want to plant one pretty quickly, as they can dry out rapidly without soil. It's best to prepare the spot before your tree arrives, if you order one. There are plenty of directions for planting bare root stock online, and it's a fairly simple process.
Local nurseries may only carry bare root fruit trees in the spring, but you can call to find out. Some will place special orders from their wholesalers for you, depending. .
posted by annsunny at 8:12 PM on May 14, 2011
Your absolute best source of reliable information is the agricultural extension office affiliated with a local university - they've saved the day for me a dozen times.
posted by aryma at 10:53 PM on May 14, 2011
posted by aryma at 10:53 PM on May 14, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
You will not only need to protect your seedlings from massive snow weight, but from browsing, either by deer, or by animals such as rabbits, put collars around the tress and fence them in. Fertilize well, remove grass/sod from the drip-line inwards and mulch.
As well contact your local UW extension service, they will be very helpful. I know WPR has a monthly call in show about gardening and planting, that too might be a resource.
posted by edgeways at 4:07 PM on May 14, 2011