I need a tree - Ask Extension
Hello,
I live in trout lake Washington and I have a large pine tree in my yard. It will need to come down within the next couple years (Beatles are ...
Knowledgebase
I need a tree #864919
Asked April 17, 2024, 5:57 PM EDT
Hello,
I live in trout lake Washington and I have a large pine tree in my yard. It will need to come down within the next couple years (Beatles are eating it) :(.
It is the only shade my home gets and I would like to plant something now so it was time to get established before I have to take down the pine.
I need a tree that can provide shade and I would love a tree that could also provide something edible (but that's not my priority).
It will be in the front of my house and will get full / direct sun. Most of my yard is also a pollinator garden.
I have been looking at things like big leaf maples, oak, sycamore and KY coffee tree.
Any suggestions would be great!
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Selecting a new tree requires research and careful consideration. I can’t tell you what to plant, but can point you to resources and suggest which questions to ask.
First, EC 1438 is OSU’s publication about choosing, planting and caring for a new tree. Understanding the size constraints of most yard situations is the most challenging for many homeowners. Remember that a fast-growing tree doesn’t stop at the size you like, but keeps growing.
Second is to look up plants you find on the Oregon State Landscape Plants site. It gives sizes as well as common problems growing that tree.
Another consideration is finding a tree for sale. For this reason, work with a quality plant nursery to see what they recommend and can source for you. It’s disappointing to choose the perfect tree with all this research, but then discover it isn’t available in the size you’d like, or even available at all.
Look at your neighborhood too. Those trees grow in your specific soil and weather. Which do you like? Which features do you not want?
I think my last caution is about starting your new tree before the old one comes down. This might not be worth doing, because of possible damage to your baby tree when the mature tree is removed (talk to your arborist now about options), and because establishing a tree in the shade and water competition of nearby big tree can stunt it. You want those first years in the soil to be strong root development, reaching wide into the native soil to anchor it.
Best wishes with your research, and as specific questions about a plant, or to identify a neighboring tree, please check back with our service.
First, EC 1438 is OSU’s publication about choosing, planting and caring for a new tree. Understanding the size constraints of most yard situations is the most challenging for many homeowners. Remember that a fast-growing tree doesn’t stop at the size you like, but keeps growing.
Second is to look up plants you find on the Oregon State Landscape Plants site. It gives sizes as well as common problems growing that tree.
Another consideration is finding a tree for sale. For this reason, work with a quality plant nursery to see what they recommend and can source for you. It’s disappointing to choose the perfect tree with all this research, but then discover it isn’t available in the size you’d like, or even available at all.
Look at your neighborhood too. Those trees grow in your specific soil and weather. Which do you like? Which features do you not want?
I think my last caution is about starting your new tree before the old one comes down. This might not be worth doing, because of possible damage to your baby tree when the mature tree is removed (talk to your arborist now about options), and because establishing a tree in the shade and water competition of nearby big tree can stunt it. You want those first years in the soil to be strong root development, reaching wide into the native soil to anchor it.
Best wishes with your research, and as specific questions about a plant, or to identify a neighboring tree, please check back with our service.
