I'd like to buy a shrubbery. Er, tree. (Merrifield, Forest: sales, houses)

[Doppelganger69]

Our yard has fallen prey to disease, aggressive vines, and one inattentive tree-cutter who managed to take down the remaining live tree in our yard by mixing up right and left. It's time to start repopulating, but I'm not from around here and don't know much about trees anywhere, really. I need a good guide to help me learn what trees would grow well here.

I want evergreen trees, with a medium-wide spread, that grow tall, and can live in wet soil. Relatively fast growing would be good, or at least if they are available to buy big.

White pines would be ideal but that's what just died last year so I think we'd better abstain in case whatever killed the last one is still around. There's another type I see around a lot looks sort of like a sequoia, with a bare trunk about 2/3 of the way up, and then the foliage, but I don't know anything about it except limbs keep falling off my neighbors', and I'm not sure that would be a good choice. I'd prefer a species native to the area if possible.

If anyone has suggestions for me, either of specific trees or of resources that can help me choose (my dream would be an interactive flow chart), I would be very grateful. Thank you!

[tysonsengineer]

Would you be interested in having a professional Landscape architect figure out what would be best and provide a design for you that could last more than 5 years? I have a friend who has a one man shop for design and installation and is a certified L.A. He does great work and is cheaper than you would think for someone who is licensed. PM me if you are interested.

[mrchanello]

Best Tree Finder: Tree Wizard

[spencgr]

Most of the local nurseries (Meadows Farms, Merrifield, etc) have PLENTY of knowledgeable designers and sales people who would love to spend some time assisting you in your needs. Just talking to them is free; and I think(?) Meadows Farms also does actual design for free (assuming you buy their product.)

[reebo]

We are the knights who say ni!

[newgatedenizen]

Sorry... but the word shrubbery always makes me laugh..

Roger the Shrubber: Are you saying Ni to that old woman?
King Arthur: Um, yes.
Roger the Shrubber: Oh, what sad times are these when passing ruffians can say Ni at will to old ladies. There is a pestilence upon this land, nothing is sacred. Even those who arrange and design shrubberies are under considerable economic stress in this period in history.
King Arthur: Did you say shrubberies?
Roger the Shrubber: Yes, shrubberies are my trade. I am a shrubber. My name is Roger the Shrubber. I arrange, design, and sell shrubberies.

[Carlingtonian]

Are you sure you want evergreens? They deposit needles and cones, which can get messy.

[Pandoras]

Here is a guide to Virginia trees: Tree Identification | Virginia Department of Forestry | (http://www.dof.virginia.gov/trees/index.shtml - broken link)

I would be really careful planting pine trees. Don't plant them near any water/sewer/drain pipes. Their roots can spread out and damage underground pipes.

You can also buy mature trees and have them planted on your property.

Good luck with your trees!

[Montacute]

Look into arborvitaes. They don't drop cones or needles and at my last house in SC I had a lovely light green one--it really was a focal point in the landscape. I believe the variety was nana aurea. I really miss that tree.
Aurea Nana Arborvitae Shrub, Arborvitae Shrubs, Free Arborvitae Shrub Video, Low Arborvitae Shrub Price


Nandinas can get very big and old-fashioned nandinas look right in this area. They are more shrub than tree though.

I am also a big fan of Japanese maples. There are so many varieties I'm sure you'd find one you like, though they are not evergreen. They make great foils for evergreens.

Thujas are another class you might want to look at, but they can get big. People use some Thuja varieties in place of the problematic Leyland Cypress.

I know much more about trees and shrubs than I do about houses!

[Doppelganger69]

Hi, guys. Sorry to post and run. Everyone here got sick so I haven't been back in a while. I'm so glad to find your great suggestions! I've been working with a designer from one of the garden centers, but we've hit the stage where he's told me to look around and see what I like. (Yes, I would like a little more hand-holding, but I've got what I've got for now.)

The tree wizard is exactly the sort of thing I was hoping to find, and I'll look through the other links you all sent as well. Thank you so much!