Tall tree-like shrubs?

15 years ago

Haha...that just sounds plain dumb...tree-like shrub! We have to replace a tree...sadly. A mountain ash that screened the front porch from the hot sun and also our neighbor's window. We have decided to look for something that is not quite a tree (here we go again!) but maybe a shrub that will grow to about 10-15 feet tall and can be pruned up into a half-arch, so to speak. This will be going on the side of our house in which there is about fifteen feet to our property line. We'd still like to be able to pass through the space, which is why we are looking for something of this nature.

I noticed some tall sumac in someone's wooded yard recently...mixed in with oaks and pines. It had the look I am going for but I don't know if this is typical of sumac.

Any input is greatly appreciated....don't worry about hurting my feelings if you feel the need to poke fun at me. ;-) I'm really just looking for ideas that I can move forward with without having to go to the tree farm first.

Thanks!

Kristy

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Comments (8)

woodyoak zone 5 southern Ont., Canada
15 years ago
How about a Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) or Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana). They are hardy in your zone and can be shaped into nice small trees. You can see my Wayfaring tree in front of the big old cedar in this picture from late May:

{{gwi:270534}}
rubybaby43
Original Author
15 years ago
That is pretty...I really like the nannyberry too. Gives me a little food for thought! Thank you!

Kristy
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WendyB 5A/MA
15 years ago
I am not familiar with the sumac you refer to so I'm not sure what look you are going for. But Ninebark 'Diablo' gets quite large and has arching branches. The dark foliage adds a lot of interest. Also Amelanchier (serviceberry)can be grown as a tree or shrub or somewhere in between depending on pruning out trunks at the base. If you want to attract birds, it is great for that. They love the berries.
rubybaby43
Original Author
15 years ago
I really do appreciate the input!

We were sitting out on the front porch last night - the sun was hot and trying to stream down on us...and that mountain ash is still there doing a wonderful job of providing lovely dappled shade. I just don't know what we're going to do! The tree is about 8+ years old and maybe about 20 feet tall. It's perfect!! Except for the fact that its roots refuse to remain stable. But I'm now thinking that another tree is the route we'll have to go.

Thanks again!!
Kristy :)
karinl
15 years ago
If you're in full sun you need a plant that likes that, so my thoughts - elderberry, heptacodium - might not be ideal, but would also work. But there are many smaller, understory trees that max out at about the height you have in mind.

Fall is a better time to plant than mid-summer, so can you keep the ash for the summer?

KarinL
woodyoak zone 5 southern Ont., Canada
15 years ago
I would second a heptacodium - I love that tree! - except I checked and it's only listed as hard to zone 5 so would be risky for you.
ginkgonut
15 years ago
Heptacodium is hardier than usually stated. It will do fine in the Twin Cities area. It is a nice tree/shrub. Mine is about 15 feet after 6 years from a #1 pot. Flower buds starting to poke out.

I have found the Magnolias Elizabeth and Butterflies to be quite fast growing as well and hardy. Wonderful, fragrant yellowish flowers in the spring.
jubilante
15 years ago
I've never heard of a heptacodium. I'm looking for small trees or tree-form shrubs for our "hellstrips" which are between 5-6' wide. Is this something that would thrive in my zone? I'm in Monterey County,Central CA. Any other suggestions?