I want to plant a tree in my front garden but it will be within 5 ft of the edge of my drive and I dont want the roots to cause problems. What type of smallish tree would be a safe choice ? (Alberta climate).
2007-09-02 18:09:33 · 5 answers · asked by I B 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Pick a flowering version of one of the fruit trees. For example crab apples, plums, almonds, peaches (prunus) etc or a small variety of silver birch. Small growing Pyrus (ornamental pear), perhaps a weeping cherry or Acer palmatum (Japanese maple). These all have relative small root systems for trees. The trick with having trees close to drives etc is to encourage deep root systems. People plant trees and give them a hand watering regularly which encourages surface rooting, the roots get larger and rip up surface materials. This can also happen in very wet climates. Make sure even in a wet climate that you deep water by leaving the hose on the base of the new tree on half full, for say 20 minutes a week in the growing season to encourage deep root growth. With the right choice o small tree and deep watering you shouldn't have any problems.
2007-09-02 22:43:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Planting any tree within five feet of a driveway or foundation will cause it to crack.
You might look into a bush, or plant in a large pot, and replant as necessary when the root ball becomes too large for it's own good.
Palm trees sometimes can be planted that close, but in Alberta that would not be an option.
2007-09-03 02:15:57 · answer #2 · answered by ye_river_xiv 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You might want to consider something like this not a tree but a nice small (tree size) shrub.
Hardiness to zone 5 in US not sure about Alberta. Check it out on your hardiness zone.
Hakuro Nishiki or Dappled Willow' ...
This deserves the spotlight a dark background planting affords. Like all Willows, it thrives in moist soils. Prune in early spring to promote its elegant display.
Size: 5' high x 3'–4' wide; hardy to zone 5.
Scientific Name
Salix integra 'Hakuro Nishiki'
Comments: Prune to promote variegated foliage
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/shrubs/salix_integra-hakuronishik.html
Photo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neurotic_camel/41477066/
2007-09-03 05:38:29 · answer #3 · answered by LucySD 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You've forgotten about the birds.....and they will roost in a tree. You might want to rethink planting a tree.
2007-09-03 01:16:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
a crepe myrtle would be a good choice.
2007-09-03 01:17:03 · answer #5 · answered by itsjustme 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋