If you have a question for Scott related to the book, how to choose a proper tree for your landscape, or the proper care of a tree, please send an email to Scott and he will do his best to answer your question in a timely manner.
Q. I noticed very early this spring a smaller tree blooming yellow flowers.
What type of tree is it?
A. The tree you are referring to is the Corneliancherry Dogwood (Cornus
mas) and is one of the first trees to flower in the spring signifying winter
is over. This is a great small tree with attractive flowers, leaves, fruit,
and peeling bark when older.
Q. I grew up with American Elms and would like to plant one
on my property. Would you recommend this?
A. Known for the prominent and graceful
vase-shaped growth habit, American Elm (Ulmus americana) was once the
darling of trees. Dutch elm disease has literally wiped out most of the trees.
Now Dutch elm disease tolerant cultivars are available. Look for 'Jefferson',
'New Harmony', and 'Valley Forge' cultivars.
Q. Can you recommend some alternative
types of Spruce trees? I am tired of the nursery choices of either Colorado
Blue or Norway.
A. I am happy to offer 2 choices for you: Serbian Spruce (Picea
omorika) and Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis). I believe that the Colorado
Blue and Norway are over planted and overused.
Q. We love the Ohio Buckeye tree
but it almost always loses it leaves by mid-September. Is
there another Buckeye tree that you would recommend?
A. The Ohio Buckeye
(Aesculus glabra) does tend to defoliate early in the season. Try the Yellow
Buckeye (Aesculus octandra) and I think you will be pleased.
Q. My husband
and I really like trees with peeling bark. Can you please suggest a few
for us?
A. I too like them. Here are a few of my favorites: Paperbark Maple
(Acer griseum), River Birch (Betula nigra 'Heritage'), Lacebark Pine (Pinus
bungeana), and Persian Parrotia (Parrotia persica).
Q. We live in an area that has quite a bit of shade. Can you suggest a few
trees that would tolerate partial shade?
A. A few suggestions would be Bottlebrush
Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora), Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), and Flowering
Dogwood (Cornus florida).
