Any tree suggestions?

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

In the corner of the yard is a citrus tree that was cut down and then the rootstock took over before we moved in. The trunk is still there, but cut down to ground level. I’m assuming I’d have to remove the roots, too, when I get rid of it? Anyway, I really like the shade the tree casts on that part of the garden, but I don’t like that it’s all rootstock and won’t produce fruit that we can share and enjoy. Already planted in the yard is a bitter orange tree (left corner), a mandarin orange tree, pomegranate tree. I planted an avocado, fig, and lemon tree in the yard as well. I’d love to replace the rootstock tree with perhaps a california native tree (I live in East LA) or something low maintenance. We love birds and since this corner is a bit neglected (on purpose) it might be nice for this tree to be for the birds and pollinators and such, whether it be a tree or a large bush. I’d like for it to be tall enough to supply privacy from neighbors and create a bit of shade in this section. As seen in the picture, the tree I want to replace is rooted about 2-3 feet down from those cement barriers. So, if I plant a smaller tree it will start out in part shade, sadly, but as it grows it will be bathed in the sun from the south. The space between the fence and the the cement barrier wall is 3-4 feet wide. There’s also a chicken coop in the neighbors yard on the other side of that fence. I’d love to hear your ideas! And thank you!!!

Featured Answer

CA Kate z9

6 years ago

How about a standard lemon that is well pruned to look quite handsome and provide the shade you seem to want. It's the shade part I don't quite understand since it appears that there is a rather large tree almost, but not quite, shading the whole area already. ???

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Comments (10)

Embothrium
6 years ago
You mention you have a bitter orange tree there also. Maybe let this other one fruit before deciding you have no use for it, if you think bitter orange is worth growing.
Bebo Boll
Original Author
6 years ago
I’m going to utilize these bitter oranges from that tree to make a marvelous marmalade and then I’ll decide what to do with it. I just moved into this house: baby steps. In the meantime, the tree I’m talking about getting rid of is most certainly rootstock and has very thin flimsy branches coming out of a stump.... that is MUCH easier to get rid of. I’m looking for suggestions about a nice replacement tree for that corner. Starting there.
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Bebo Boll
Original Author
6 years ago
That’s nice! A lemon tree!
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I wouldn't dismiss bitter oranges. I can't grow citrus but if I could and I had a bitter orange I would keep it. Every year I have to buy bitter oranges specifically for making marmalade. Tonnes are imported here in January and February. The juice, flesh and peel are also valuable ingredients for cooking.
Bebo Boll
Original Author
6 years ago
I appreciate that so much, floral_uk. When I found out it was a bitter orange tree I researched all the ways a bitter orange tree CAN be valuable, while most people told me to cut it down. I’ve collected so many for friends to make marmalade and I will be making marmalade myself!
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
6 years ago
We call them Seville oranges. Sounds a bit more exotic than 'bitter'. No marmalade comes near Seville imo. It's the default fruit for it. Also for Bigarade sauce to go with duck. Seville orange recipes
Embothrium
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
The bitter orange is the one on the left in the first shot? Notice how similar the foliage and growth is to the one you want to get rid of - maybe it is the same kind. Whether the two are the same or not you don't know for a fact the fruit of the sprouting stump will be useless until you let it produce them. It does not automatically follow that when a plant variety has been grafted upon it is never any good for anything else.
Bebo Boll
Original Author
6 years ago
Ok! Good to know. So wait to see if if and what it will produce before deciding to cut down... good idea. I have 4 citrus trees in the yard. 2 mandarin, 1 Seville Orange, and this one which smells and has thorns like the others. It’s a mystery for sure. Maybe I’ll wait to cut down.
Bebo Boll
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks for the recipes, floral!!! I really appreciate this! If you were my neighbor, you could have all the Seville oranges you desire.