***treedimensional*** More tree/plant questions

[Deleted]

treedimensional ----  I sent you a PM with questions and a special request.  Thanks!

If others want to answer, here are my questions:

1.  I see heights given in a very wide range like 20-40ft for a japanese stewartia.  Should I only look at the highest number in the range?  So, if I want a 30ft tree, a japanese stewartia would be out?  Or is this a question to a local nursery/landscaper since it depends on location?

2.  I guess I have the same question on the shrubs or small trees suggested.  Like I mentioned, I'm looking for other options for the japanese maple.  I love the recommended options, but I'm worried about the final height.  For the small trees or shrubs, is it just a matter of pruning to keep it at a desired height?

3.  Also, I see different websites giving different heights.  So this add confusion on narrowing down which to choose.  I'm worried that I choose a plant that I thought would not go over 7ft (I think we can push it that high without blocking the front porch) then realize years later that it grows taller.  I assume pruning is not always the answer in keeping a certain height?  I would think there are plants that would look crap if you try to keep them at a certain height by pruning.  Right?

[treedimensional]

Mar 6, 2013 15:57:07 GMT -5 d0ri said:

treedimensional ----  I sent you a PM with questions and a special request.  Thanks!

If others want to answer, here are my questions:

1.  I see heights given in a very wide range like 20-40ft for a japanese stewartia.  Should I only look at the highest number in the range?  So, if I want a 30ft tree, a japanese stewartia would be out?  Or is this a question to a local nursery/landscaper since it depends on location?
Neither the landscaper nor the nursery will know the answer. Just like people, they come in a range of sizes. While part of the ultimate size comes down to environmental conditions, such as sunlight, water, and soil, nobody knows whether any given plant will be on the high end or the low end of that range. Some plants can be kept smaller through pruning or hormone treatments.
Stewartia is slow growing. It has a very high appraised value. Unless you know you'll be in that house for 20 years and you have serious concerns about how an extra few feet will impact you and your house, don't rule it out. It's a very nice tree.

2.  I guess I have the same question on the shrubs or small trees suggested.  Like I mentioned, I'm looking for other options for the japanese maple.  I love the recommended options, but I'm worried about the final height.  For the small trees or shrubs, is it just a matter of pruning to keep it at a desired height?
Depend on the tree/shrub.

3.  Also, I see different websites giving different heights.  So this add confusion on narrowing down which to choose.  I'm worried that I choose a plant that I thought would not go over 7ft (I think we can push it that high without blocking the front porch) then realize years later that it grows taller.  I assume pruning is not always the answer in keeping a certain height?  I would think there are plants that would look crap if you try to keep them at a certain height by pruning.  Right?
Right.
FYI most plants DO grow larger than their "published" info would state. The listed data is based on expected 10-15 year size. There are a few reasons for this: One, most people don't stay in one place longer than that, so it doesn't matter. Two, most people's lifestyles change dramatically in that time space. They have kids, or their kids become teenagers, or they acquire two large dogs.... things that greatly impact how they will use their property. They have little kids, they want a swing set and a sandbox. The kids move out, they want a huge outdoor kitchen; everything gets ripped out and redone long before it ever reaches that size, so it doesn't matter. Three, market research indicates that when it comes to listing mature sizes on plant labels, people are put off after a certain number and stop buying those plants. Yes, this is the stupidest reason of all, but it is market driven.

[treedimensional]

I'm happy to help! If I don't know the answer, I'll say so. Obviously I have the most experience with plants that I grow, sell and work with.
I am just stuck inside for a couple of days due to horrible weather.

[treedimensional]

How big is it, and how long ago was it planted?
The worst case scenario is you might kill it trying to give it a better chance, but what if you do nothing? It probably has no future if you do nothing because it would die anyway, right?
I'd dig it up in a heartbeat, but to me, they're all science projects.

[treedimensional]

Oh, I like the analogy, but nursery grown trees are not Darwinism. Consider that an oak tree in a forest will drop thousands of acorns in in it's lifetime, or hundreds of thousands. But how many take root? How many grow into oak trees? Perhaps 10%? Commercial agriculture has nothing to do with survival of the fittest. It's all about profit (see my earlier reference to maple cultivars 'October Glory' and 'Autumn Blaze'). It is the nursery industry that creates the horrible trees sold now. They want to make something that will appeal to consumers. I can't blame consumers because they don't know any better, but the market demands trees with big, full foliage and tiny root systems (it should be the other way around), and most of these trees are doomed to fail. Okay, off that....
You certainly need a design here. I'd make a courtyard on the left, to transition you from the driveway to the front door. I'd make a low wall and a small patio, and surround it with lush plantings. There are so many possibilities.
I don't know what that tree is, on the corner. Can you get closer and post some more pics of the foliage and the bark?

[treedimensional]

Oh, if you dig up that oak, would you take pictures of that too? Like the roots, especially if they still have burlap and twine on them. I'd love to see!
If you want to replant that tree elsewhere, pick the new location first, and prepare the site to receive the tree. Then dig up the tree, remove all the packing material, remove the soil (spray nozzle + waterhose) and take lots of pictures. If the soil is heavy or clay, it helps to soak the rootball in a large tub of water (I use 100g livestock tanks for this).
I'd really love to see the process, if possible.