What is your favorite small tree for zone 8?

[gentlearts]

Just an update, and addition…

We wound up getting a Drake Elm on clearance. It’s a pretty shape, and you just can’t have too much shade here in GA.

Just last week, I saw a really pretty tree that I would have bought if I hadn’t already planted one. It’s a Regal Prince oak that grows in a narrow shape and the leaves are interesting and beautiful. Sorry I didn’t get a picture of the whole tree.

[atadytic19]

I wouldn't consider Drake Elms or Regal Prince Oaks small trees. Although Regal Prince has a columnar habit, it can get upwards of 50 feet. So can Drake Elms.

I love Drake elms, and I am always tempted to get a good sized one when I see them on clearance, but I have noticed that the leaves get bigger after a few years in-ground and the attraction for me is the little cute leaves. I see them in pots with cute little leaves less than an inch long, but they end up twice that in-ground.

After I stopped mowing my lawn Elms started popping up. At first I thought it was Chinese Elms because there are rows of those in the medians near here, but it didn't take long to realize they were American Elms. I hope they have some resistance to disease because I love how handsome they have developed in such a short time. Very straight trunks to about 10-12 feet then dense branching. Like these: https://images.app.goo.gl/aNCmU2Co1JxHcPti9

[gentlearts]

Originally Posted by atadytic19

I wouldn't consider Drake Elms or Regal Prince Oaks small trees. Although Regal Prince has a columnar habit, it can get upwards of 50 feet. So can Drake Elms.

I love Drake elms, and I am always tempted to get a good sized one when I see them on clearance, but I have noticed that the leaves get bigger after a few years in-ground and the attraction for me is the little cute leaves. I see them in pots with cute little leaves less than an inch long, but they end up twice that in-ground.

After I stopped mowing my lawn Elms started popping up. At first I thought it was Chinese Elms because there are rows of those in the medians near here, but it didn't take long to realize they were American Elms. I hope they have some resistance to disease because I love how handsome they have developed in such a short time. Very straight trunks to about 10-12 feet then dense branching. Like these: https://images.app.goo.gl/aNCmU2Co1JxHcPti9

Yes, you are right, and I also worry a bit about the roots 3’ from the driveway, but it’s fairly slow growing, and we’ll probably be long gone before it’s a problem. I like the idea of growing disease resistant elms after most of ours were wiped out.