President's Message: Check out pros, cons of 11 common trees
With summer approaching, many are looking to plant flowers, shrubs and trees. Many of us know our fair share about flowers, but what about trees? How do you choose? Which ones would be an asset to your landscape or cause more of a headache. Before you head out to your local nursery, study the pros and cons of these trees:
ASH – Sturdy and tough, the many varieties of ash that populate North America are some of our most beloved trees. But the venerable ash is threatened by the emerald ash borer, a tiny beetle that’s on track to wipe out the species.
BLACK WALNUT – Native to North America, this well-known shade tree produces prized cabinet- and furniture-making wood. But, unfortunately, it also produces pollen and plenty of fruit that’ll drive you, well, nuts when you have to clean it all up in the fall. However, its sinister side is that it secretes growth-inhibiting toxins that kill nearby plants, wreaking havoc on flower beds and vegetable gardens.
BRADFORD PEAR – The Bradford pear was imported to the states from China in the early 1900s. It was a replacement for orchard trees that were dying. With its compact shape and profusion of spring blossoms, the Bradford pear became a suburban favorite – until folks realized it was highly prone to splitting and cracking when it reached maturity. And those blossoms? They’re on the stinky side of the fragrance scale.
DOGWOOD – The Dogwood tree is great for small yards with limited space. It is 15 feet high when it reaches maturity and is known for its year-round color. It produces heavy amounts of flowers in the spring, followed by red fruit in the summer and red leaves in the fall. The downside is that they struggle to flower if they don’t get enough water and sunlight. In addition, their life span is typically 15 years, and their blossoms are poisonous.
HYBRID POPLARS – Hybrid poplars are created by cross-pollinating two or more poplar species together. The result can be a fast-growing tree that looks good in your yard – for a while. But unfortunately, hybrid poplars are especially susceptible to diseases, and most won’t last more than 15 years.
LEYLAND CYPRESS – These fast-growing evergreen trees are favored for their ability to create a living privacy screen quickly. However, they require constant upkeep and trimming to keep them healthy, and as they get taller, they’re increasingly likely to uproot during storms. In addition, the tree's center forms a mass of dried twigs and branches that are considered such a fire hazard that many communities officially caution residents against planting them.
RED OAK – This fast-growing tree provides shade and shelter for wildlife. It can reach a height of 100 feet; however, 50 to 70 feet is more common. This tree is better suited for large properties as its canopy can span up to 60 feet wide! It can adapt to dry and acidic soils. Most importantly, it helps absorb carbon and other air pollution. The downside is that they are vulnerable to certain fungal and insect pests.
RED MAPLE – This tree is chosen frequently by homeowners because of its vibrant red leaves and symmetrical growth. This fast-growing tree is adaptable to a wide range of conditions and soils. They provide canopies up to 40 feet wide. One of their downsides is their shallow roots lying close to the surface. When the roots are damaged, they become open to rot and decay. They are also prone to catch fungal diseases, which can be avoided with proper pruning.
SILVER MAPLE – Big, fast-growing, and shady, the silver maple is widespread in eastern states and the Midwest. Unfortunately, the speed at which the tree grows makes for weak, brittle wood that may break during severe storms. In addition, the shallow root system invades sewage pipes and drain fields and is notorious for cracking driveways and walkways.
SUGAR MAPLE – This tree typically grows in cooler climates and can grow to 80 feet. It’s life span can go well beyond 200 years. In the fall, its dark green leaves turn vibrant gold, orange, red, and brown shades. They are known for producing a sweet sap used to make maple syrup. The downside is that they need lots of space for their roots to grow and are not tolerant of environmental stress or pollution.
WILLOW – With its long, slender branches, the willow is one of the most recognizable of all trees. Beautiful on the outside, but the willow has an aggressive, water-hungry root system that terrorizes drain fields, sewer lines, and irrigation pipes. The wood is weak and prone to cracking, and the tree is relatively short-lived, lasting only about 30 years.
Marlin Palich is president of Stark Trumbull Area Realtors, which serves Stark, Carroll and Trumbull counties. Visit www.star.realtor for a complete listing of Realtors and affiliate members. If you have any questions or comments on this article, contact Cosgrove at president@star.realtor.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: President's Message: Check out pros, cons of 11 common trees
