Trees
Tree's are one of my favorite parts of the landscape. Trees can add so much to a landscape, shade, privacy, wind protection and points of interest. Placing trees in a landscape takes a lot of thought. A tree placed in the wrong place, may in a few years need to be removed because the root were to invasive or the tree has gotten to big or it's just the wrong tree in the wrong place. One of the biggest problems I see is that landscape architects and landscape contractors use trees in lawns. There are only a hand full of trees that will work well in a lawn area. Why? Because, trees and lawns have different needs i.e... water, fertilizer and sun. Lawn will not grow if the canopy of a tree produces more the 40% shade. The lawn will require more water than the tree, so the tree will tend to surface root. So what's the answer?
Plant trees to the outside of the turf areas. Proper planning and tree selection can prevent problems in the future. If you must plant a tree in a lawn area give the tree some breathing room, 24 to 36 in from the root crown. here is a short list of trees that will work.
Pyrus calleryana. Ornamentals Pears, *Do not use Evergreen Pears they are very susceptible to black spot.
Maytenus boaria "Green Showers" Thrives in lawns but will sucker if you disturb the roots i.e... hit them with a lawn mower or weed eater.
Pistacia chinensis.Chinese Pistache. Great tree,slow to grow but great fall color and very nice shape.
