tree and bulb question (Earl: maintenance, yard, trees)

[mamaof2]

i want to plant a couple of trees and some bulbs in my yard this fall. any recommendations? obviously i want something beautiful, but also as low maintenance as possible. thanks!

[lamishra]

I like dogwoods and japanese maples for trees. Tulips and lillies for bulbs, but there are just so many types of bulbs to choose from. I'm not a huge daffodil fan, but they are pretty when blooming and are generally very low maintenance.

[momof3grls]

I like to plant a variety of bulbs that come up at different times so that something is always blooming. Early spring would be daffodils and crocuses, then tulips, irises and daylilies. Hyacinths also smell so pretty, almost like lilacs. Bradford pear trees have a nice shape with no real pruning or shaping necessary, and beautiful spring blossoms. They also get their leaves early and hold them late. I like Japanese Maples for their coloring. Weeping Willows can do very well here too but be careful where you plant them. Crabapple trees look so pretty in the spring too, and I like the way River Birch trees look. Peaches, pears, and apples seem to do well here, and cherry trees.

[sls76]

Originally Posted by lamishra

I like dogwoods and japanese maples for trees. Tulips and lillies for bulbs, but there are just so many types of bulbs to choose from. I'm not a huge daffodil fan, but they are pretty when blooming and are generally very low maintenance.

I don't see many dogwoods here. Do they do okay in the clay? I love daylillies. I've found some online, but I don't have a green thumb so I've been nervous about ordering. I think crepe myrtles are so ugly in the winter, but they are very pretty when they're flowering.

[lamishra]

Originally Posted by sls76

I don't see many dogwoods here. Do they do okay in the clay? I love daylillies. I've found some online, but I don't have a green thumb so I've been nervous about ordering. I think crepe myrtles are so ugly in the winter, but they are very pretty when they're flowering.

I have dogwoods all over my yard. It's the NC state tree, so yes, they do well in clay.

[momof3grls]

Originally Posted by sls76

I don't see many dogwoods here. Do they do okay in the clay? I love daylillies. I've found some online, but I don't have a green thumb so I've been nervous about ordering. I think crepe myrtles are so ugly in the winter, but they are very pretty when they're flowering.

My daylilies have been so hearty! Very little maintenance and in the worst soil. I had a friend who was thinning hers out and gave me a bunch of them to plant. Maybe you know someone who would dig you a few out of their garden? Mine were that much more special each year when they bloomed because they always made me think of my friend. They multiply on their own over the years. The deer seem to like them though.

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Just Say No to Bradford Pear Trees!

FWIW, here is a great post on this topic about good native tree choices.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/1286668-post15.html