Thanks! I also picked up a cornus alternifolia, which is also a consideration for this spot..In fact, I think i prefer it there now that I look out at my property... not sure if they appreciate some wetness for brief periods in the spring but I've read they do well in moist soils... I could plant the nanny further into the background, as the cornus seems to be a real show-stopper of a specimen... Boy it is really tough deciding where to put stuff... I have made mistakes in the past where I've had to pull stuff out and relocate.. hate doing that too often as it stresses the plants and is a lot of work!!

Great choices! Put the C. alternifolia where you can enjoy the birds that will fill the tree in August as the fruit ripens for entertainment. I haven't found that the Viburnum has quite the same density of fruit. Both will seed around some courtesy of the birds and both have nice fall color (Cornus is better if not in full shade), with the Cornus earlier and more pastel, while the Viburnum holds its leaves relatively late and is a nice deep pink to red depending on amount of sun. Cornus has lovely winter branch structure, so if you can place it where that will be visible against a solid backdrop, either of snow or something like a wall rather than other twiggy shrubs, it will have 4 season value.

How wide should I expect the cornus to grow given my climate (similar to the NE USA)? I come across varying sizes... It's a moist spot and it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sun (maybe 9 hours if I can get rid of an ugly box elder nearby!!). The reason I ask is because think I have room for both in the same area (back of my property). I am thinking of planting them more or less in line with each other. I believe the nanny tree form only grows about 10 or 12' wide... I have about 30"+ feet to work with - Thanks!

This is the site. Both will be planted between the shed and that large bed. The cornus on the right more or less in front of the red wheel barrow (about 10' from the fence) and if you look carfully, you can see the nannyberry (it's in its pot still just to the left of the shed corner). I'm thinking this should give them both enough space. My neighbor doesn't mind if the cornus grows into his lot somewhat.

Just read this about cornus alternifolia on Dave's Garden "Unfortunately, as has been known for over a century, this species is highly susceptible to Cryptodiaporthe canker. Trees routinely succumb to the disease before attaining a trunk diameter of 4"

Mine seem healthier in more open areas, and in brightly sunny areas I've had them live to 4"-6" on a regular basis, perhaps 20 years old. In shady areas they die more quickly. Mine are wild, and though I love the trees, I don't think I would spend a lot of money on one due to their shorter life span.

interesting.. well, I paid $6 for a 3 gallon plant on sale! everything was 60% off.

The price is good for an experiment. Mine in full sun was something like 20' tall, multitrunked, and perhaps 12'-15' wide. That was my largest one. I have several younger ones, just less than 10 years old, whose growth has been slowed by voles munching on the roots that are single trunked and perhaps 10'-15' tall and 8'-10' wide.

How do they take to pruning?

I don't do much pruning other than to remove damaged branches so I can't help there. Sorry.

Do the nannyberry berries end up dropping & staining paver stones OR does the bird attraction cause feces staining the stone? We want to put one as a privacy shield next to our deck and patio furniture but our worried about this. thanks!