Looking for trees that grow only 20 to 30 feet tall?

Question

tese trees will be grown close to a river

Answer 1

First, it would be helpful to know which USDA hardiness zone that you're located in. You are likely to get answers that may or may not be hardy where you live. Take the list of answers to your local independent garden center, they will be able to help you select the trees that are hardy and available in your area.

I am in USDA hardiness zone 5, so the trees I'll list will survive in that zone.

Red bud (Cercis canadensis), Nannyberry viburnum (Viburnum lentago), Service berry (Amelanchier), Dogwood (Cornus florida, Cornus kousa, Cornus mas) and Spindle tree (Euonymus europaeus).

I hope that this helps
Good luck-

Answer 2

Personally, I'd plant a Black Locust. They are a small leaved tree, will still provide shade but the small leaves do not create a mess in the fall. Nor is there any fruit to attract bees. It does get a blossom on it and it smells just heavenly! And the birds seem to be really attracted to them also. Very hard wood but still grows fairly quickly. No sturdy tree is going to get 20' tall in a couple years. Even with a black locust, you're still looking at 5-7 years. We have several in our yard. One is mature and one of it's "babies" is growing nearby. The mature one is a good 40+' tall and baby is a good 20'. Just to tell you how tough these trees are; the big one was struck by lightening several years ago. We had our tree guy come and check out the damage. Structurally, the tree is great, the strike really didn't hurt it. We did put a cable around that side because of the neighbors new 4 car garage just to be safe. We have our tree guy check it every couple years to make sure all is still ok with it and do any trimming that is necessary. And that's a large part of keeping large trees healthy; they need regular maintenance by a certified arborist. Not every year mind you but every 2-3 years unless you notice a problem. A Norway maple is another great shade tree but it's not the fastest growing tree and the roots do have a tendency to show up where they are not wanted. If the spot you want to plant is not near any underground pipes or such, that could be another great choice. But those do need regular trimming to keep them in shape and healthy. We have a huge on in the front yard, again 50' range and have it trimmed regularly to keep the center free of dead wood (normal) and to have good air circulation through the tree. Keeps fungal diseases at bay and keep the tree back from the house so I don't get moss and such growing either. I'm in N. Central PA and we have pretty much the same weather. You might have to water during dry times for the first year or two until the root system is well established but they handle the winters well.

Answer 3

My favorite tree is the native Downy serviceberry, downy juneberry (Amelanchier arborea). This little tree is a cloud of white in spring with the first leaves showing as a pale copper. June is a crop of edible berries the birds will thank you for, then fall sees a pale gold show to end the year. The tree gets to 20', needs no pruning, no problems with seedlings.
Redbud (Cercis canadensis) likes average to moist soil just like the serviceberry. They would contrast well especially if you used 'Forest Pansy' a dark red leaved cultivar.
Redbud makes an effective companion for flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), as it blooms at the same time and enjoys the same growing conditions.

Pagoda dogwood 'Argentea', (Cornus alternifolia) is named for the horizontal layers the branches achieve. This is a standout specimen tree, good against a mixed wood backdrop. 'Argentea' is a smaller, shrubby plant (to 15' tall) with layered branches and leaves variegated with a white margin. Pagoda dogwood has fairly nice fall foliage in red to purple-red. Must have moist soil to be in sun. 15-20'

Rosebay, (Rhododendron maximum) a very showy native that blooms in large clusters of pink or lavender flowers. It does best in morning sun and afternoon shade. 6-15'
http://www.rosebay.org/chapterweb/specmax.htm

Combine these trees with Swamp azalea (Rhododendron viscosum) that has white flowers with a delightful, spicy fragrance. The flowers attract hummingbirds and grows to 5'-7'.

Answer 4

I would suggest members of the Sorbus genus (Rowan and Whitebeam), both small trees, very hardy, nice blossom and red berries. Good autumn colour too.

Mulberry is also a good choice, never exceeds 20ft even when mature. Long lived, very hardy and luscious fruits too.

Finally, Hawthorn is an old favourite. Agian is very hardy, nice spring blossom and autumn berries and never gets too tall.

There are many more to choose from but those are a few ideas.

Answer 5

Redbuds, Amur Maples, Japanese Tree Lilacs. Best bet though is to contact your local county extension office and see what they recommend. They will know what grows best in your area.

Answer 6

River birch, serviceberry, some alder

Answer 7

http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/OkameT.htm