Feature Article

Selecting Trees for your

Garden Landscape
by Liz Ball and Rick Ray

Q   uick...think gardening ! What

comes to mind immediately—flowers?
These oaks, maples, walnuts, lindens,
zelkovas, and others grow to stately
dogwood, stewartia, crapemyrtle,
witchhazel, redbud, and others. For
vegetables?, shrubs?, seeds?, compost? proportions, dignifying and protecting many, buying even a small tree is
Probably lots of these things. But, neighborhoods and communities. Some somewhat daunting. Trees cost more
rarely trees. Many of us who are of us are lucky to have established than most perennials. They need more
seriously afflicted with the gardening shade trees on our properties. Their leaf careful siting because they are not easy
syndrome typically devote the majority canopies provide wonderful overstory to transplant. They require some special
of our passion and enthusiasm to for shade gardens. expertise to plant properly. And there
choosing perennials and designing Both the large shade trees, that are are so many wonderful ornamental
gardens to best display them, taking already in the yard, and the smaller trees to choose from it is hard to make a
trees somewhat for granted. Yet, when ones, that you add to the plant palette, commitment.
you consider the designed garden provide shade in varying degrees. Of course you want beauty.
areas in a yard, trees (or lack of) have But more importantly, they protect However, trees can multitask! They
enormous influence on the entire your entire residential ecosystem can also be functional while they
landscape. You would think that, having by controlling stormwater runoff, are being beautiful. A single tree can
this role, trees would be not a second mitigating the climate, and offering stand beautifully alone as a specimen,
thought, but the first thought when habitat for many of the insects and accent, or anchor for a garden. Or,
thinking gardening. other wildlife that are essential to a planted in various kinds of groupings,
Because many gardeners do not healthy garden landscape. Evergreens lovely trees can show off in groups
regularly choose and plant trees as and deciduous trees are both valuable in allees, groves, and buffers. At the
a routine part of gardening, they are to establishing the sense of place and same time, alone or grouped, they can
often less familiar with tree issues, the character of your garden landscape. simultaneously reduce noise, feed and
terminology, and selection. So, the They all affect the structure, scope, and shelter wildlife, preserve stream banks,
following discussion is an overview of functioning of your garden
these issues to help you select trees for landscape.
your gardenscape
For purposes of design and Ornamental Trees
discussion, it is customary, when While large shade trees are
considering trees in landscapes, to a huge asset to a property,
distinguish between shade trees and only gardeners who have
ornamental trees. The term “shade tree” very large properties have
is used by municipal codes to mean much opportunity to chose
very large trees, usually deciduous, and design on the scale of
planted in public spaces, college these trees. When it comes to
photo ©Rick Ray

and corporate campuses, parks, and buying trees for their garden
especially along roadsides. In general landscape, gardeners typically
usage, the term means any tree species buy small to medium-size
ornamental ones, such as Koelreuteria paniculata in bloom.
that grows to 60′ or more at maturity.

Vol. 24, No. 6 Hardy Plant Society/Mid-Atlantic Group 3

and control flooding and soil erosion. carelessly. They require some attention that is wrapped in burlap and tied with
Then, of course, there are those that, in the first year or two, mostly watering. string or surrounded by a wire cage.
while being beautiful, can do all this If you are looking for large, older They are commonly sold at nurseries,
and also bear edible fruits and nuts. trees, they are available from landscap- and also are available at some garden
So the ing firms at centers. B&B trees are fairly expensive
challenge is a premium because there are usually delivery
to find a tree price and, costs included due to their weight.
that simul- initially, they The advantages of B&B trees are that
taneously is will not grow they are usually a bit bigger, you can
beautiful to as fast as plant them all year round if the soil
you, suits those planted
your site, and at a younger Checklist for Choosing a
is an asset to age. Young Garden Tree
your home ornamental
Here are some of the major issues to
ecosystem. (and fruit)

photo ©RIck Ray

consider when selecting a tree for your
Unless you trees are gardenscape. Check all those that
have already available in apply, then consider which issues are
seen and stores and a top priority for you. Use this list when
Native Cornus florida in bloom.
fallen in love catalogs in you research possible choices. Take it
with a certain tree species, it is a good three types of packaging—bare root, with you to the nursery or garden center.
idea to develop some criteria before balled and burlapped (B&B), and ____Do I have mature height and width
you start hunting for the ideal tree for containerized. Each has advantages and limitations for this tree?
your garden. This will save you time disadvantages. ____Will this tree increase plant
and keep you focused on specifics. Bare root trees are just that. They diversity in my landscape?
are simply a branched trunk ranging ____What do I want this tree to do for
At the Nursery or Garden from 4–6′ in height, with roots exposed my garden landscape?
Center at the other end. They are not always
●● Screen view, light, noise
Trees require commitment. Planting ●● Feature foliage color or variegation
readily available at nurseries and ●● Be a focal point, specimen, or
them properly is critical to their futures, garden centers, but mail-order nurseries anchor
so you need to know how to do that. offer them in a wide variety of species. ●● Provide flowers in spring; in summer
Young trees grow twice as fast when They are very lightweight and easy to ●● Provide foliage color in fall
chosen and planted carefully and they handle. They are also less expensive
●● Provide interesting bark
will live twice as long as trees planted ●● Block summer sun and/or admit
than young trees that are B&B or in winter sun
containers. Bare root trees arrive with ●● Hold the soil
their roots wrapped in material to ●● Shelter/feed wildlife
keep them moist and in a plastic bag. ●● Yield edible fruit
(pawpaw, persimmon, apple, etc.)
They should be stored in a cool place ●● Hold the soil
until planting time. Plant them fairly ●● Provide material for indoor home
promptly in late winter or early spring decor
while they are still dormant. To avoid ____Does it matter if it is native or non-
planting too deeply, be sure the root native?
flare at the base of the stem shows at, or ____Do I want deciduous or evergreen
slightly above, ground level after you (needled or broad-leaved)?
put the soil in the hole over the roots. ____Do I want a certain shape
Bare root trees need staking for the first (pyramidal, vase, weeping, narrow)?
year or so to assure that they are stable. ____Does it need wet soil? Acid soil?
(The trees that PHS is distributing to ____Does it need a male or female
communities for tree planting under its nearby to produce fruit?
photo ©Rick Ray

Tree Vitalize program are bare root). ____Will it grow in a container?

Balled and burlapped (B&B) trees ____Are there any special situations
are substantial. At retail stores their in my garden that the tree must
accommodate (slope, overhead wires,
Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Sunset’ in trunks are typically 6–8′ tall. Their
other)?
fruit and fall color. roots are embedded in a ball of soil

4 Hardy Plant Society/Mid-Atlantic Group November 2010

  Recommended Trees for the Mid-Atlantic Region
  The trees on this list are well suited for our local climate and soil conditions.

  Small Evergreen Trees (Under 30′)*   Small Deciduous Trees (Under 30′)*
 Ilex opaca   Pinus densiflora ‘Umbraculifera’   Acer campestre   Davidia involucrata
‘Angelica’, ‘Jersey Knight’, Japanese Red Pine Hedge Maple Dovetree
‘Jersey Princess’, ‘Old   Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s   Acer griseum  Franklinia alatamaha
Heavy Berry’, ‘Wyetta’ Pyramid’ Paperbark Maple Franklinia
American Holly Limber Pine  Aesculus pavia  Halesia carolina
 Juniperus virginiana Emerald   Pinus parviflora Glauca Group Red Buckeye Carolina Silverbell
Sentinel™ Japanese White Pine  Amelanchier arborea   Maackia amurensis
Eastern Red Cedar
  Pinus thunbergii Downy serviceberry Amur maackia
  Magnolia grandiflora Japanese Black Pine  Amelanchier canadensis  Magnolia virginiana
‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’,
  Pinus flexilis ‘Vanderwolf’s Shadblow/Serviceberry Sweetbay Magnolia
‘D.D. Blanchard’, ‘Edith
Pyramid’  Amelanchier laevis   Magnolia x soulangeana
Brogue’, ‘Little Gem’
Limber Pine Allegheny Serviceberry Saucer Magnolia
Southern Magnolia
  Thuja ‘Green Giant’  Betula populifolia   Malus spp.
  Picea omorika
Hybrid Arborvitae ‘Whitespire Senior’ Crabapple—assorted
Serbian Spruce
  Thuja occidentalis Gray Birch disease-resistant
  Pinus bungeana
‘Nigra’, ‘Pyramidalis’,  Carpinus caroliniana varieties
Lacebark Pine
‘Smaragd’, ‘Techny’ American Hornbeam  Ostrya virginiana
  Pinus cembra American Arborvitae  Cercis canadensis American Hophornbeam
Swiss Stone Pine
Eastern Redbud   Prunus 'Okame'
Okame Cherry
  Medium Evergreen Trees (30–60′)*  Cornus florida ‘Appalachian
Spring’   Prunus serrulata
  Abies concolor   Chamaecyparis nootkatensis
Flowering Dogwood Oriental Cherry
White Fir ‘Glauca Pendula’
Alaskan Cedar   Cornus kousa   Prunus subhirtella
  Abies nordmanniana
Chinese Dogwood 'Autumnalis'
Nordmann Fir   Cryptomeria japonica
  Cornus mas ‘Golden Glory’ Higan Cherry
  Calocedrus decurens ‘Benjamin Franklin’,
‘Yoshino’ Cornelian Cherry   Stewartia pseudocamellia
Incense Cedar
Japanese Cedar   Crataegus viridis ‘Winter Japanese Stewartia
  Cedrus atlantica
King’   Syringa reticulata
‘Fastigiata’, Glauca Group
Green Hawthorn Japanese Tree Lilac
Atlas Cedar
For detailed information about these trees, their uses, and care,   Medium Deciduous Trees (30–60′)*
visit www.horticopia.com or see the Manual of Woody Landscape
  Acer buergerianum  Gleditsia tricanthos f. inermis
Plants by Michael Dirr, Easy Tree Guide by Keith Rushforth, or
Trident Maple ‘Imperial’, ‘Moraine’,
Encyclopedia of Trees by Hugh Johnson.
  Aesculus x carnea ‘Shademaster’, ‘Skyline’
‘Briotii’, ‘Fort McNair’ Honeylocust
Springtime in Morrocco Red Horsechestnut (thornless; no fruits)
Ancient ruins, imposing kasbahs, mysterious medinas,   Alnus species  Oxydendrum arboreum
towering mountains, and the endless desert will be the next Alder Sourwood
destination for our forthcoming 2011 HPS/MAG overseas tour.   Betula lenta   Parrotia persica
Our tour will include gardens visits, markets, and cuisine, and Sweet Birch Persian Ironwood
will take us from Marrakech, then through the Atlas mountains  Betula nigra ‘Heritage’ (single stem)
to Essaouira, a charming town of medieval architecture on the   Prunus sargentii ‘Columnaris’
River Birch
coast, and Taroudant, a market town renowned for fine crafts. Sargent's Cherry
  Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata'
Dates: March 29–April 7. Cost: 2480 GB Pound Sterling. European Hornbeam   Quercus acutissima
Includes: flights from Gatwick to Marrakech and return, hotels, Sawtooth Oak
all meals (BLD), cooking classes, garden visits, all transfers,   Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Katsura Tree (use male)  Quercus imbricaria
and all tips (includes Berber guides, drivers, & chambermaids.)
 Cladrastis kentukea Shingle Oak
For a complete itinerary, including a booking form, please  Quercus phellos
contact Joan Schmitt, 610-363-7693, joan912@verizon.net; Yellowwood
(not near street) Willow Oak
or Alice Johnson, 610-269-4862, raj3k@verizon.net.
  Ulmus parvifolia
Lacebark Elm

2011 Membership Directory

When you receive your membership renewal notice, please
return your renewal as soon as possible so we can ensure  Denotes native trees. They are especially recommended.
your inclusion in the Directory. Also notify us of any e-mail or *The height categories listed are for effective landscape height, not the
other changes since the 2010 Directory, bcubed32@aol.com. actual height that the trees might attain at maturity.

Vol. 24, No. 6 Hardy Plant Society/Mid-Atlantic Group 5

is not frozen, and they generally do while inside the pot and to check to Get your trees in first and soonest and
not need staking. However, planting see if the root flare at the base of the they will grow and thrive while you
them is somewhat more complicated trunk is visible. Often soil is piled on a take your time developing the area
because the burlap or wire must be at containerized tree when it is in its pot, around them.
least partially removed and sometimes literally burying the stem for several
the root flare is covered by the soil on inches. Remove all extra soil so that the
the rootball which must be removed to root flare is visible at, or a bit above, Liz Ball is a garden writer, lecturer,
establish correct planting depth. ground level when you set the tree in photographer, and teacher. She has written
seven books and coauthored nine others over a
Containerized plants are its hole. Also, it is a good idea to mix
25-year career in horticulture, as well as written
convenient. The young trees are loose potting medium into the soil numerous articles for many horticulture
planted in potting medium in a nursery from the hole before filling in around magazines. Rick Ray retired from teaching
container. Available from about 6–8′ the tree roots to provide a transition to ornamental horticulture at Delaware Valley
College after 20 years and has taught at the
tall, they are moderately priced and encourage the roots to venture outward
Arboretum School of the Barnes Foundation for
are relatively easy to bring home from into real soil. 20 years. He is also a lecturer and garden
the nursery or garden center yourself. The time to select and plant a photographer.
A great number of tree varieties are new tree is always last year. This Residents of Marple Township, Liz
available in containers in nurseries and is especially true when one of your and Rick formed the Marple Township Tree
Committee and began earning certification in
garden centers and they can be planted existing trees is in obvious decline. 2006 as a Tree City USA® site to address the
any time all year as long as the soil can Do not wait until it dies to replace it. alarming decline in Marple's community forest
be worked. Planting containerized trees Put its replacement in nearby now. It due to the lack of knowledge about trees and
is relatively straightforward, but it is will be fully established and growing their benefits on the part of both residents and
township leaders. Under their leadership, the
important to probe the potting medium vigorously when you lose your old committee of seven members has planted more
before planting to be sure that the roots one. It is also true when you are than 125 trees in the township in the last year
have not wrapped around themselves contemplating a new landscape design. and a half.

Maine Coast Trip

Continued from page 1
there (Andrew painted Christina's World reveals a pristine, though waterless, spent our last night, but it was a welcome
nearby). I  loved the recent, room-sized Japanese water garden designed by Elsie's rest stop on the long way home. Scarlet
paintings by contemporary artist Alex Katz new husband. Visitors cross on a raised lobelias smoldered around a turtle pond in
and the 19th-century hooked rugs. walk of octagonal rocks so as not to disturb the woods, where pitcher plants showed
the raked sand ocean waves. Frog their peculiar blossoms and late-blooming
sculptures pop up in and out of water azaleas were in flower. Shopping was
features throughout the garden and excellent and I brought back a crate full of
in front of the deep-porched shingle native plants.
house. Kudos, as always, to Joan Schmitt and
I would move in a minute if I Alice Johnson, who arranged everything,
could live in the gazebo on Carol and to bus driver Tony Scott, who got us
Donnelly's long white wraparound there safely. Pictures tell the story better.
photo ©Betsey Hansell

porch in York. Perched on a bluff

overlooking the York tidal river that
pours into the ocean near there, you
watch lobster boats and sailboats,
kayaks, and motorcraft change color
Perennial garden at Frogs Leap with the advancing day. An armchair
photo ©Betsey Hansell

On an afternoon stroll through five made from lobster traps is a showstopper

gardens in Cushing, we saw many ways of near the entrance.
joining house to river. The absolute zenith of Braveboat Harbor Farm, Calvin and
the trip was Frogs Leap, the inviting 75-acre Cynthia Hosner's elegant oceanfront es-
oceanfront garden of Dr. Elsie Freeman. A tate, included a formal vegetable patch
glowing bride of just a week, she led us fronted by huge, glowing orange gloriosa Porch and gazebo at Carol Donnelly's
through the island estate inspired, in part, daisies, espaliered pears and apples beg- garden.
by English cottage gardens. You can see ging to be tasted, and an ancient graveyard Come to the annual potluck supper on
the ocean, but must walk through perennial overlooking the water. November 13 to see a slide presentation of
heaven to reach it. There are surprises. We didn't have enough time at the New the Maine trip and also the trip to Wales/
A climb through mossy woodland dotted England Wildflower Society's Garden in the the Cotswolds, plus other 2010 HPS/MAG
with glacier-deposited rocks called erratics Woods near Framingham, MA, where we events.

6 Hardy Plant Society/Mid-Atlantic Group November 2010