Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - June 23, 2008
From: Knoxville, TN
Region: Southeast
Topic: Invasive Plants, Planting, Trees
Title: Taproot tree to replace willows by pool
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Installing Pool with bomanite decking all around it. We're in process of cutting down 18 year old Weeping Willow due to root invasiveness and small messy leaves. Can you recommend a good shade tree with tap root to put in place of Willow? I've planted Thuja Green Giant trees to form a screen at the back of the lot, but they are far from the pool. I also considered more Thujas, but want something with a canopy to create shade garden. Entire yard is full-sun until new trees grow.ANSWER:
Nut trees in the Family Juglandaceae, oaks and conifers all have tap roots. Unfortunately, the evergreen conifers don't form good single canopies for shade. The other trees do make good canopies but have the disadvantage of shedding fruits (nuts and acorns) and leaves. Here are some recommendations for Tennessee natives that will make nice shade trees:
Quercus muehlenbergii (chinkapin oak)
Carya alba (mockernut hickory)
More Trees Questions
Need a tree to grow on the south shore of Long Island, NY
May 29, 2010 - I live on the south shore of Long Island NY. My property is directly on Great South Bay and consists of sandy soil and beach grasses. I am wondering what trees would do well in this type of environm...
view the full question and answer
Danger of lichens damaging trees
September 26, 2007 - My mom lives east of Buda, Texas where she has planted many different kinds of trees, which are all over 10 years old. Now, they all have a moss or lichen growing on the bark of the trees. She is worr...
view the full question and answer
Oaks at Wildflower Center from Wimberley TX
September 05, 2012 - I know you have numerous Quercus fusiformis examples at the ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. My question is, do you also have Quercus virginiana growing there?
Also, is Oak Wilt a disease that ...
view the full question and answer
Growth rate of the American beech tree from West Hartford CT
May 25, 2010 - What is the growth rate of an American beech tree?
view the full question and answer
What to do with a sickly American elm in Austin, Texas
September 27, 2010 - I have an American elm that is about 6 feet tall in my yard. It is has not grown quickly this year--as compared to another American Elm that I have in another spot that is about 3 feet tall and has m...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |