Need tree recommendation

[CaptainsLS]

I’d like to get some suggestions for what type of tree to plant in a raised planter. I want something that will grow slow and have a nice shade canopy. I’m not overly concerned about root damage because if a specific tree is the right choice, I will plant it in a “root box”. (http://www.jonesofoswestry.co.uk/pdf/hardlandscaping/treeproducts/HL_RB_RB.pdf)

I’m currently thinking a Magnolia or cherry tree of the sort, but I’m not sure. I plan on getting the tree 4-6” caliper to start with for instant results. Any ideas for some nice color and shade?

[4seasons]

If no budget constraints a big Jap. maple.
Betula Nigra minor
Hydrangea tree
I also like the magnolias

[CaptainsLS]

thanks! the river birch is a nice idea. Any other suggestions? Is the cherry a bad idea?

[paponte]

Kwazan Cherry
Flowering plum
Dogwood (various varieties)
Magnolia
Pear

[danf]

Jap maple was the first that came to mind for me. Just expect the roots to fully take over and one that size will be $$$$.

A planter box like that might be a bit too dry for a birch, unless there's irrigation installed. Pear will grow too fast and be too weak- the new "improved" varieties be damned.

Magnolia is a good option, so are cherries.

I think they are zone hardy there, but check into a Parrotia- they are a close cousin to witch hazel; a multi-stem tree would be great in that spot.

[CaptainsLS]

Dan... what are you trying to do to me man!?!? I did an image search for the Parrotia and this was my result:scared:


.

[joeymaze]

That tree looks like it might eat ya! Remember the "Little Shop Of Horrors"

[danf]

From Dirr, 5th edition, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants:


Parrotia persica
...
SIZE: 20 to 40' in height with a spread of 15 to 30'; have seen many trees that were broader than tall
HARDINESS: Zone (4)5 to 8; some twig dieback at Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL.
HABIT: Small, single-stemmed tree or large, multi-stemmed shrub with an oval-rounded head of upright, ascending branches......
RATE: Medium, 10' over a 6 to 8' year period, growth is much faster, 1 to 2 times this, with adequate water and nutrition.
....
FLOWERS: Perfect, apetalous, before the leaves in March-April (early to mid-February, Athens), the showy parts of the flower are the crimson stamens, about 1/3 to 1/2" across when fully open, pass from crimson-maroon to yellow (anthers shed their pollen); most people miss the flowers which are, at best, curiously effective.


Not sure where that picture was taken, but it may be from the native range (Iran). I had a multi-stemmed tree (that I had salvaged) planted at my house in Indiana. They are few and far between in a landscape setting in my experience but I think it's mostly because no one knows of them.

[NCSULandscaper]

just keep in mind that a cherry and magnolia will be messy, my preference would be an upright jap maple, coral bark, or seryiu would look good

[swancreek]

I Put in a paper bark maple in the fall and love the way it looks. Its a tree that you don't see that often and looks great when up lit. It has a slow growth rate but reaches a height of 25 feet over many years. No flowers though so its best quality is the bark and the appearence at night. Let me know if you would like to see a picture of one uplit

[Harmony Design Group]

Stewartia koreana
Multi season interest. A great tree!!!

[CaptainsLS]

@Dan- I was just messing with you man, looks like a nice tree. The fact that it is wider than tall is nice for this application.

@NCSU- Those maples are very nice. I’ve never seen a coral-bark before! I wish they got bigger than 10’.

@SwanCreek- If you have the pictures I’d love to see ‘em!

@Marc- I wonder if the Stewartia is recommended in my zone? I looked at my master list from my nursery and they don’t stock this tree. I’m zone 6. I’ll have to look into it.

I’m making a list with attached images of all the trees you guys recommend and I plan on letting the client pick. I’ll be curious if they go for the bark or for the color.

[NCSULandscaper]

Coral Bark does get larger than 10', its culture is 20-25' tall, 18-25' wide........try googling Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' and you will see some nice pictures of full grown specimens.

[SCgreenscapes]

River Birch will be to evasive with the roots. they will creep under your base as will Crape Myrtles.

two of my favorite trees that don't get used much but have a creat shape and make great focal points is the "Jane" Magnolia, "Saucer" Magnolia and my favorite is the "Chaste" tree though the Chaste tree is pretty hard to find around here with any size to it.

[Harmony Design Group]

Stewartia is hardy to zone 5. So you just have to find some additional sources.
Another nice choice would be Cornus kousa.

[NCSULandscaper]

the fruit on kousa can stain when they drop

[GreenMonster]

Wow, lots of good choices from a bunch of hardscapers, huh?

I agree with many of the choices and the following choices came to mind for me:

Paperbark Maple ($$$$$$$)
Saucer or Dr. Merrill Magnolia
Japanese Stewartia (great 4 season interest) Chris check your nursery for Stewartia pseudocamillia... I think zone 5 hardy?
Cornus kousa

I'd avoid the cherrys. fast growing and prone to jap beetles. yeah, and "F" the pears too. Other than the spring flowers, they're a liability.

Here's some info on the a Stewartia cultivar from UCOnn website:
'Ballet' - A selection out of the Polly Hill Arboretum on Martha's Vineyard, MA, this plant is unique due to its more spreading habit and larger flowert, to almost 4" wide.

[GDK]

I'm going to go in the opposite direction of everybody else and ask why does it have to be an upright deciduous tree? How about a cool conifer? They come in all shapes and sizes, there are many problem free ones, they provide year long interest, and are relatively low maintenance.

[CaptainsLS]

That’s different! Any ideas on what type of evergreen would provide shade and allow for plantings under the tree?

[4seasons]

see my 1st thought was evergreen also, but I can't think of any that provide shade...
The birch I suggested is drought tolerant and roots aren't like the parent plant. "Fox Valley" is the cultivar I think.
Cersis 'forest pansy' is a cool tree also.
Cherry, pear, crab, all too messy
Kousa is beautiful... but dont want fruit dropping on concrete.
One of my all time favorites ----Mimosa tree

[CaptainsLS]

The forest pansy and mimosa are very cool! The way the mimosa seeds off almost sounds like wisteria!?!? Is the forest pansy kind of like an eastern redbud?

Lots of cool ideas guys. I wouldn’t have thought of some of these ideas. Thanks for all the help, I’ll find out tomorrow what they pick.

[cgland]

What about serviceberry or sweetbay magnolia

[GDK]

That’s different! Any ideas on what type of evergreen would provide shade and allow for plantings under the tree?

I really didn't consider the shade part, but i suppose depending on where it is situated it could screen sunlight...would have to think about this

[danf]

The 'Forest Pansy' is an eastern redbud, but a white flower as I recall.

I had thought about a mimosa last night after I got off the computer, but wasn't sure what zone you were in. I do like them a LOT for the summer flowers, but check into them carefully- I believe they are prone to insects of some sort. You should be fine in a zone 6- I've seen them in a transitional area between 5a and 5b (Crawfordsville, IN) but that is about as far north as I've seen them.

I had never seen a Stewardia until we moved up here, so don't feel bad. They aren't well known in the midwest. :D

One other consideration on the birch- as it ages it will likely loose the exfoliating bark.

I'll throw one more suggestion out there for you... Found it as I was looking at some pictures from Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge:
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f171/dfelix22000us/New%20England/June%2018%20Wednesday/trees/DSC02387.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f171/dfelix22000us/New%20England/June%2018%20Wednesday/trees/DSC02388.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f171/dfelix22000us/New%20England/June%2018%20Wednesday/trees/DSC02389.jpg

[GreenMonster]

Forest Pansy is an Eastern Redbud with purplish-red foliage. Way cool.

I also thoughtof Amelanchier. decent four season interest.

[danf]

Forest Pansy is an Eastern Redbud with purplish-red foliage. Way cool.
That's right. I was just to tired (lazy may be more accurate) to look it up. Besides, I'm not currently in possession of my prized Dirr book. ;)

[GDK]

How about Lagerstroemia indica - Crape Myrtle? Beautiful vase shape and beautiful bark provides year round interest....Or a Magnolia grandiflora - Southern Magnolia?

[SCgreenscapes]

Crapes have too evasive of roots. they tend to disrupt footers and patios.

From what i remember about mimosas are that they drop tons of those seed pods all over the place in the fall. they are pretty, but messy if it is the same tree i am thinking of. They grow wild/volunteer around here all over the place.

[CaptainsLS]

Thanks to everyone for all the recommendations. I created a slideshow using Layout (part of Sketchup) showing all the trees you guys suggested. She decided on the tree that reminded her of her home in Georgia where she grew up: Saucer Magnolia.