Chaste tree or Dwarf River Birch?

16 years ago

We are working with a landscaper, who has made several changes to the original plans/costs, as in; "I forgot to include the cost of electrical for the Disappearing Fountain" and "I forgot to add in the cost of steel edging for where the crushed granite and lawn intersect".

Giving him the benefit of the doubt that he truly forgot, we must admit that we're feeling a little wary, now that he's asking to substitute some of the trees.

We are paying $29K for concrete pavers 12x20 patio, 12 trees, 15gal size, irrigation system ($3K), fountain, 1,000 sq.ft crushed granite, and 200 sq.yds St Augustine sod - labor included.

We realize his costs are legitimate but when presented with his landscape proposal and plan, we assumed all costs had been factored in!

Now we are informed that the 'Little King' Dwarf River Birch selections are poor this season, and he wants to substitute them with Vitex Agnus Castus, Chaste Tree.

We live in the Houston area of TX, the trees are to be planted on the east side of the house. The side yard is approx 12-14ft wide, and will be visible from the family room windows, so we do want attractive, dwarf trees.

Are the Vitex Agnus Castus, a good substitution, equal cost? If not do you have any suggestions?

Thanks.

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Comments (4)

Donna
16 years ago
Chaste trees, here, are about $13.00 for a 3 gallon plant. Inside of two years they will be fifteen feet high and wide if planted in decently prepared soil. To look their best, they must have afternoon shade, which you'll have on the northeast side of your house (not on the south east). I love them; however, they require alot of ongoing maintenance. They are really a large shrub, so to keep them in tree form they must be pruned several times a season, not difficult, but time, just the same. Also, they are very difficult to get rid of if you change your mind once they are established, sending up suckers forever. That being said, they never have an "off" season, they are highly drought tolerant, are forgiving if you "muff" a pruning job, and when they bloom, they are real show stoppers.

I am not familiar with that particular River Birch, but the ones commonly planted in our area, though lovely when small, tend to get rangy looking once they are more than fifteen feet tall or so. They also drop an awful lot of limbs, and appear to be short-lived for trees.

If faced with a choice, I'd go with the vitex, but that's just me. Your opinion is what counts. (I would refuse to pay for a fifteen gallon size plant. They grow so fast, that it would be a waste of good money, IMO.)
emilynewhome
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the feedback 'donnabaskets'.
I have looked online and the Vitex, does look very pretty. Thanks for the information of pruning too!
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alabamatreehugger 8b SW Alabama
16 years ago
Vitex blooms do attract bees, just so you know. They are tough plants, I have one that I mowed down for several years because I didn't know what it was, somehow it kept living.
warart
16 years ago
I cut the old blooms from my Vitex every couple of weeks during the blooming season and it stimulates new growth and new blooms that I can get to last until mid fall. I don't know if I have to, but, I stop trimming it at some point so it can rest and store some reserves. It's stunning when in bloom and has an interesting trunk structure and low maintenance.