That's a nice list but IMO, having a scaled map of the yard with buildings and trees positioned on the map is a far more valuable way to think things through and make possible changes before the shovel hits the dirt. Position of the trees and eventual mature size is easily recognized and can be used to decide what understory is needed, borders etc.

Hi Bill, great feeback. Currently its mapped out to scale on a master plan and its also staked out in the yard to get a feel of the position of each tree as it relates to views inside and out.

I just didn't want to post my master plan and details of my house layout as it would be too small too see due lot size.

Is Coffee tree decaff an actual tree selection? If it were I'd assume it was a male clone.

If it were me I'd plant Coffee tree Breakfast Blend served w/sugar-donut maple....

Judging by what you've accomplished at your previous homes, this will be spectacular! I'm looking forward to seeing it unfold. I hope you get to stay a while.

I notice fewer conifers than deciduous in the plan. That's not a criticism, this will keep you plenty busy for a while! I was just curious if you plan to add dwarf conifers down the road. Your last place was a coniferous wonderland!

A plan should reflect your surroundings outside of your lot also. Block bad views retain good views, etc.

A good list for zone 5a. Just a few thoughts/questions:

"Black Spruce" = Black Hills Spruce? "Silver Spruce" = Englemann Spruce?

As I've observed, Pink Flair Cherry often has suckering issues from the rootstock.

Katsura doesn't like dry conditions - may need to be under irrigation.

Frontier Elm's main appeal is fall color. Not that attractive the rest of the year.

Are you sourcing them all from local nurseries?

Hi Barb,

I plan to plant quite a few conifers but closer to the house as the critters seem to float further out by the lot line. I wanted to focus on the vertical expanse for shade and breaking down some of the wind over the first few years. This will be longer term house so I plan to take my time on this one!

Hi Garcand,

Thanks for the suggestions! I have a few locations for a east cove that I can put in a few JMs. Orion, Emperor One where a couple others that did well in that nasty winter a few years ago. There where a couple others but their cultivar name escapes my memory right now.

Hi Dave,

Thats some of the feedback I was looking for. I'm torn on the Pink Flair as I've seen it sucker as well. But the bark, blooms and fall color keep it hanging it around.

Do you not like Elms in general or is there something about this one? I had one for a few years that was planted b&b and I kind of liked its light appearance. The one at Chicago Botanical gardens is quite attractive as well. Its a very old one.

Plants will come from a variety of nurseries including local. Many are placeholders for future placement.

Right on with the Silver Spruce, the Black Spruce is Picea mariana.

Haven't seen a mature Frontier elm, maybe it fills out nicely as an older tree. Seems a bit "gangly" as a young tree IMO.

Here it is...not the best pic. I can't grow Nyssa so its a top pick for me for a finer texture shade tree that has red autumn color. Its espeically long lasting too.

Paperbark hybrids are the only others I can think of.

https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/plant_profiles/frontier_elm

http://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/frontier-elm

Hi whaas - I'm curious about the yellow buckeye. My experience having about 15 of them on my property is that they look pretty tattered and ratty around late July/August. Are you going with a straight yellow or are you planning on a cultivar like Autumn Splendor or some such?

I like the list. I love the Yellowwood and Katsura.

Hi Matt, I see this on other species but not so much on the few A. flava / octandra I've seen. I had Autumn Splendor and although the foilage was tatter resistant I wasn't a fan of the fall color. At best it was a dull dingy red for 5 straight years. I wanted more of the yellowish orange color. Do you think yours have leaf blotch?

Yes mine suffer from leaf blotch, at least I assume they do. They get brownish red marks on all of the leaves. For the most part all buckeyes on my property get these.

Seems the best specimens have some airflow and decent moistire otherwise you'll have problems