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Ten Trees to Avoid Think twice before planting any of these trees. |
Mountain TREE SERVICE |
Common Hackberry: Celtis occidentalis. Sometimes called the nettle-tree. Why You Should Not Plant Hackberry!: Hackberry is a weak tree whose forks are subject to split and which makes the tree vulnerable to major wind and ice damage. Hackberry bark is very thin, the tree damages easily and is susceptible to disease, eventual rot and catastrophic limb loss. Roots can raise sidewalks and interfere with mowing. The tree is messy with an abundant loss of small limbs and fruit each year. The best use of hackberry is along woods lines and well away from pavement and utilities. Redeeming Features: *Hackberry will survive on poor soils. *Hackberry provides abundant wildlife food. *Hackberry hosts many butterfly species. Norway Maple: Acer platanoides Why You Should Not Plant Norway Maple!: The shallow, fibrous root system and dense shade of Norway maple make it virtually impossible for grass to grow under the tree, and in windy wet areas, the trees blow over from soil failure. The aggressive roots frequently girdle their parent tree, ultimately choking itself to death. Norway maple is also a non-native exotic. It has escaped the urban environment and is a threat to native maples. Redeeming Features: *Norway maple is tolerant of soil and climate conditions. *Norway maple leaves may turn a rich yellow in fall under optimal conditions. *Norway maple have lovely yellow flowers on leafless branches in Spring. Silver Maple and Boxelder: Acer saccharinum and Acer negundo Why You Should Not Plant Silver Maple or Boxelder!: Silver maple has fallen into disfavor because of broken limbs, a lack of ornamental beauty and an aggressive root system that clogs drains and buckles sidewalks. Both silver maple and boxelder are considered true maples. However their wood is one of the weakest of the species and subject to storm damage. These trees are short lived and have drooping branches that require pruning and high maintenance. They are highly susceptible to mites, aphids and scale. Redeeming Features: *These trees are fast growing and provide quick shade. Mimosa: Albizia julibrissin and also called silk tree. Why You Should Not Plant Mimosa!: Mimosa is short lived and very messy. Seed pods litter both the tree and the ground. The seeds often germinate and sprouts cover your lawn and surrounding area. The wood of mimosa is very brittle and weak and the multiple spreading branches are prone to breakage. This breakage is a major factor in its limited ability to live a long life. In addition to the breakage, the tree attracts webworm and vascular wilt which leads to an early demise. Redeeming Features: *Mimosa is a handsome tree with beautiful silk-like flowers. *Mimosa is tolerant of drought and alkaline soils. Lombardy Poplar: Populus nigra and populus species in general. Why You Should Not Plant a Lombardy Poplar!: Horticulturist Mike Durr makes this comment about the species - "I have never recommended, at least while conscious, a poplar." They are canker prone, subject to branch failure in cold snowy areas, and produce dirty trees that litter the landscape. Lombardy poplar is a short-lived tree and only survives for twenty or so years. The tree is primarily planted for it's columnar form in windbreaks. Redeeming Features: No redeeming features found. Many horticulturists consider the tree taboo with too many associated problems to ever consider planting. |
Leyland Cypress: Cupressocyparis leylandii Why You Should Not Plant Leyland Cypress!: This rapidly-growing tree quickly outgrows its space in a typical yard unless properly and regularly trimmed. They are also quite susceptible to catastrophic branch failure in snow-prone areas. Leyland cypress only lives for twenty to twenty-five years. I've found that trees left to grow large may have limited root support and are the first to blow down during high winds. You should consider the work needed to maintain a Leyland cypress before planting. Redeeming Features: *Leyland cypress is a handsome plant with Christmas tree-like qualities. *Leyland cypress can put on three feet of growth per year on a good site. Pin Oak: Quercus palustris Why You Should Not Plant Pin Oak!: Pin oak is one of America's most frequently planted trees and was polled the "most popular" shade tree by American Nurseryman Magazine. So why is it on my list? The tree grows into a gigantic tree and you need plenty of yard room - at least 600 sq.ft. Pin oak needs acid soil and "wet" feet so soil test first. Its leaves will turn yellow and decline in vigor if planted on alkaline soils. The tree can also be a maintenance problem because of a tendency to grow limbs low down the trunk. Redeeming Features: Pin oak is actually a very beautiful tree and well worth planting on a proper site with plenty of room. Cottonwood: Populus deltoides Why You Should Not Plant Cottonwood!: Cottonwood has weak, brittle wood and a shallow root system which makes the tree a prime target for destruction in wind and snow storms. Its fast growth and large size will make tree removal expensive. "Shooters" spread like weeds via their roots, and become extremely invasive. Plus, books have been written on insects and diseases that attack cottonwood. Cottonwoods become large trees rapidly and are not recommended for residential planting. The first drought of summer brings on cottonwood leaf fall which continues through early winter. Redeeming Features: Dr. Mike Durr, Horticulturist, suggests that only "where few trees grow and for quick cover, cottonwood is justified." Willow: Salixspp. - Black, willow, pussy, shinning, Carolina, Missouri Why You Should Not Plant Willow!: Willows are fast-growing trees that quickly expand beyond their space. Roots negatively effect water, septic and sewer lines. The willow is a brittle, weak wood that breaks with snow loads and high winds, and litters the landscape. Willow is not a good tree because of its large, lateral size. If you want a "weeping" yard tree, pick from cherry and birch species. Willow is a much loved tree but needs to be planted in it's proper habitat along streams and ponds. Redeeming Features: Willows offer highly ornamental bark, flowers and foliage. Willows grow very quickly and can be transplanted easily. Black Locust: Robinia pseudoacacia Why You Should Not Plant Black Locust!: Black locust is not recommended for planting in your yard. The tree is a prolific sprouter as well as a free seeder. The tree is considered a thorny weed tree by many horticulturists and has escaped cultivation to invade adjacent areas making it a very invasive species. Robinia pseudoacacia is susceptible to locust borer. This insect damage can lead to damaged fences, roofs and automobiles and will lead to the tree's early death. Redeeming Features: Black locust is one of the most beautiful, fastest growing and hardy trees in the landscape. Black locust establishes quickly on infertile soil. |
(909) 867-5772 |
Mountain TREE SERVICE |
(909) 867-5772 |
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