Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - June 23, 2008
From: Knoxville, TN
Region: Southeast
Topic: Invasive Plants, Planting, Trees
Title: Taproot tree to replace willows by pool
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Installing Pool with bomanite decking all around it. We're in process of cutting down 18 year old Weeping Willow due to root invasiveness and small messy leaves. Can you recommend a good shade tree with tap root to put in place of Willow? I've planted Thuja Green Giant trees to form a screen at the back of the lot, but they are far from the pool. I also considered more Thujas, but want something with a canopy to create shade garden. Entire yard is full-sun until new trees grow.ANSWER:
Nut trees in the Family Juglandaceae, oaks and conifers all have tap roots. Unfortunately, the evergreen conifers don't form good single canopies for shade. The other trees do make good canopies but have the disadvantage of shedding fruits (nuts and acorns) and leaves. Here are some recommendations for Tennessee natives that will make nice shade trees:
Quercus muehlenbergii (chinkapin oak)
Carya alba (mockernut hickory)
More Planting Questions
Growing Loblolly Pine in Salado, Texas
March 09, 2016 - I would like to plant a loblolly pine in Salado, Texas. Will these grow well here?
view the full question and answer
Ensuring survival of wax myrtle in Wilmington, NC
July 29, 2009 - I just transplanted some wax myrtle bushes. What do I need to do to insure they live?
view the full question and answer
Prospects for newly-seeded Habiturf lawn from Round Rock TX
March 17, 2012 - Re: Habiturf installation
Can you provide feedback about how my newly seeded Habiturf lawn should look at various stages?
I think I prepped the lawn properly, but I may have planted too early (...
view the full question and answer
Will Bittersweet climb on a streetlight pole?
February 05, 2015 - Will Bittersweet climb on a streetlight pole, or does it need to be with a tree?
view the full question and answer
Move Roses or Ornamental Grasses in Crown Point, Indiana
September 15, 2010 - I have two ornamental grasses that grew real wide this year. They are blocking three big knock out roses that are four foot tall and four foot wide. My question is which one would be easier to dig up ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |