What new tree for front yard? (growing, Dogwood, magnolia, Fruit Trees)
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I am tired of worrying about having major damage to my house so today two old silver maples that are diseased will be coming down. They are about 70 to 80 ft tall and many years ago were topped by someone who didn't have a clue. As a result where there had been one big limb 3 to 5 new smaller ones sprouted. Every storm brings down many small limbs and several larger ones. Recently had a 30 foot one come down, it was 4 inches across at the break.
The area is about 60 ft from the front of the house to the road and is to the west of the house. I am loosing my shade and need to figure out what to plant to replace these old guys who will be providing winter wood for the fireplace.
I'd like to go with a single tree with a spread of no more than 40 - 45 feet. Something deciduous to eventually provide some shade in summer but not block the sun in the winter.
I've been thinking about a new tree myself, for a spot in our backyard. So with trees on the brain.. for your situation.. Maybe a Japanese maple? I love their foliage but they only spread about 20' I believe.. Or maybe some type of magnolia? Another idea to consider, though you said a single tree, are dogwoods, which I think are so pretty in the spring especially in a group of two or three, and may eventually be together the size you want.
Other trees I like are weeping willow, ginko, and just about all fruit trees, though not sure if the specs of these would fit into your requirements.
Why not replace with a more colorful "sugar" maple of the red or orange varieties? They are a much harder wood than the soft silver maples you are having removed.
Or, if you want a splash of color year round why not go with a crimson maple where the leaves are a deep cabernet red all summer? Crimson King Maple Tree
I replaced my Silver Maples with an Autumn Blaze maple when I lived in Memphis.
I loved it.
Moderately fast growth, I think it was about 25' tall 10-12 years after I planted a little 3' sapling.
Much sturdier and cleaner than my silver maples ever thought about being. They survived "Hurricane Elvis" and several winter ice storms with no damage.
Great fall color, one of the few trees I saw that consistently turned a bright true red or orange red, instead of the deep maroon red of so many southern trees. Autumn Blaze Maple Tree
Had two at my last house and loved them! The bark is very interesting; in the fall, the leaves turn different shades of yellow and orange and red, and then there is the fruit - the little spikey balls! When fully mature, they turn brown and fall off the tree. I incorporated them when wrapping packages - adds more interest than merely a bow!
Thank you all for taking the time to reply and to add links, they are much appreciated. I have a lot to think about. With 20 of my 28 acres in open pasture I hope to plant lots more trees as time and money allow.
The goat makes it difficult since he tends to eat anything I plant so I have to build a rather sturdy, large enclosure around each tree. A few years ago I planted two weeping willows down by the creek and he stripped them bare in a week. Bad goat.
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