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I have a relative who has a long gravel driveway in tennessee. She is wanting to plant some trees to line it on both sides and was looking for suggestions. I told her Crepe Myrtils or Magnolias would be pretty.
Anybody have other suggestions?
I’ll assume ornamental trees since you suggested two(?)
Even though the drive is gravel, I would still want to use a “deep root” type of tree. Shallow root trees will most likely disrupt the drive base- creating a bumpy drive that will need annual grading.
I would look for trees that are “deep root” and thrive in the zone that this place is located. I’d also contact the local Extension Service and see what they would suggest for this scenario.
Thanks for the replies. She is in zone 7a. She has done some research by going to the local nurseries, looking at neighboring people's trees, and the usual google searches that people do . We were just having a conversation on what kind of trees we thought would look nice. I told her that I would post for her to see if anyone had any ideas for trees they think are pretty or would look nice lining a driveway. The peach tree idea is a pretty good one..I will tell her to consider fruit trees. I also suggested to her that maybe lavender bushes, but I don't know....I am just tossing ideas at her.
Thanks for the replies. She is in zone 7a. She has done some research by going to the local nurseries, looking at neighboring people's trees, and the usual google searches that people do . We were just having a conversation on what kind of trees we thought would look nice. I told her that I would post for her to see if anyone had any ideas for trees they think are pretty or would look nice lining a driveway. The peach tree idea is a pretty good one..I will tell her to consider fruit trees. I also suggested to her that maybe lavender bushes, but I don't know....I am just tossing ideas at her.
Fruit trees are beautiful in spring and early summer, attract pollinators which is a good thing, draw animals/insects big and small in late summer and early fall, and make a mess if they are not harvested, so keep that in mind.
I think crape myrtles are very carefree trees and their bloom time last quite awhile. You must look for a type that gets to the size you want. You must prune off the side shoots when they’re small, then leave them alone.
I agree that fruit trees would require a lot of work, and would be messy.
I think crape myrtles are very carefree trees and their bloom time last quite awhile. You must look for a type that gets to the size you want. You must prune off the side shoots when they’re small, then leave them alone.
I agree that fruit trees would require a lot of work, and would be messy.
Whatever you do, do not plant Bradford Pears.
There's a newer cultivar of Bradfords that doesn't have the splitting/breaking issue.
An evergreen or non-deciduous tree would be best. That would prevent a build up of dropped leaves on the gravel. If the leaves are blown off that’s fine but too much work for most of us. If they are left to decompose, no doubt weeds will love it.
Perhaps ornamental holly or cedars? Rhododendron or Kalmia?
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