looking for Ideas for Illinois tree

[redi630]

I am looking to plant a tree in my front yard.* I believe my zone is 5-6.* (zip code 60188)* I would like something that will be at least 20' high and no wider than 30" diameter.* I am looking for something that is low maintenance.* The tree that is there now is a plum.* I do not know why it died.* The guy who is removing it said there is significant damage to the base of the tree.* He mentioned something about ants possibly being the issue.


I saw a section to this web site that talks about "rapid growth" trees, http://www.backyardgardener.com/tree/indexlist1.html.* Would any of these be a low maintenance tree that could survive the frigid winters and humid summers of the Midwest?


I have never planted a tree before.* I do not know much about this.* I'm sure that some of this comes down to personal preference but any ideas, suggestions, concerns etc would be greatly appreciated.

[backyardgardener]

Another search topic to try is Sidewalk trees.

[Newt]

Hi Redi,

I get your hardiness zone as 5.
http://www.gardenweb.com/zones/zip.cgi

I do want to clarify one point you made.* You said a tree of 20' tall but 30" in diameter.* Did you mean a 30" diameter trunk at maturity or a crown of 30' wide?* I'm thinking you meant 30' wide crown.

You mention the list of trees with 'rapid growth'.* Most trees that grow slowly are softwood trees and tend to be short lived.* Hardwoods grow more slowly and live longer.* It is generally considered that we plant trees for our grandchildren.* With that said, there are some lovely trees that will do well in your location.

I consider a low maintenance tree one that is planted in the right place so it stays healthy and matures to fit the space so it doesn't need pruning to fit.* Trees that don't shed alot of litter with seeds, seed pods, fruit or small branches that break often and don't have large surface roots are also on that list.*

The damage to the trunk of the tree could have been from a weed trimmer or lawn mower.* A proper mulch ring should help to avoid that problem.* I'll give you a link to show you how to do that.* The ants could have been carpenter ants or another type of ant that is associated with aphids or scale pests.*

With all that said, here's some small ornamental trees that would work for you.

Crabapple - Malus hybrids - get one with the smaller apples as it leaves behind less mess and the birds find the smaller apples easier to eat.* They're about the size of cherries.
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/trees/handbook/th-3-75.pdf

Eastern redbud - Cercis canadensis - native tree in pinkish/lavender or white.* Birds gobble up the berries.
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/treesel...fm?PlantID=195

Dogwood - Cornus florida (native in white, pink or red) which flowers before the leaves appear.* Birds gobble up the berries.
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/treesel...fm?PlantID=592

Kousa dogwood - Cornus kousa - not native and flowers later in spring with the leaves.* Birds gobble up the berries.
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/treesel...fm?PlantID=199

Star magnolia - Magnolia stellata - lovely fragrant white or pink flowers before the leaves appear. Probably better to select the later flowering variety in your zone.
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/treesel...fm?PlantID=229

This site is from the University of Illinois Extension Service and should be helpful with selections.* The more attributes you check off the less selections you will get.
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/treeselector/search.cfm

This site is out of Florida and may not have all the trees you find listed, but has lots of info on trees about litter, mature size, surface roots, etc.
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/index.htm


Depending on where you purchase your tree, most nurseries will plant it for you.* It usually costs as much as the tree for that.* If you decide to plant yourself here's info on how.* The first site is a video.
http://www.arborday.org/trees/video/howtoplant.cfm
http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/pla...ees/f1147w.htm
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/ga...7833.html#post
http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/mulching.aspx
http://www.watersaver.org/pdfs/FALL_..._FOR_TREES.pdf

More info you should find helpful.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG089
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/WO017
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Garden/02926.html
http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/trees_turf.aspx

Newt