Need recommendations for vase shaped sidewalk tree

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DonShirer Westbrook, CT(Zone 6a) Apr 27, 2010

This winter, a speeding snowplow driver threw a massive load of sleet at a young crabapple I had planted in the strip between our sidewalk and the street, snapping its stake and the tree itself off at its base. I would like to replace it, but need a vase-shaped upright tree so that the branches are either above 7 ft, or else angle upwards and do not stick out over the road or the sidewalk where they can be hit. Actually, I'm not too upset with the plow driver, since the 'Sugar Tyme' crab was already showing signs of low branching.

Our local nursery doesn't get it's order of crabs in until next week (I don't understand that, my other crabs are flowering already), but I could do with some recommendations for any upright or vase shaped cultivars.

The nursery did have some Prunus Kwanzan and Thundercloud which did look as though the branches had a suitable vase shape. If anyone has one of these, could they confirm that? (The Kwanzan looks doable, the Thundercloud may get too big.)

Whatever I put in, it will have better staking to protect it from overzealous municipal employees!

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growin Beautiful, BC(Zone 8b) Apr 27, 2010

Prunus serrulata 'Amanogawa' http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/71987/ is strongly upright and perfect for boulevard planting.

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ViburnumValley Scott County, KY(Zone 5b) Apr 27, 2010

As are several selections of Syringa reticulata, including 'Ivory Silk' and 'Ivory Tower'.

Another tough tree that provides even earlier spring bloom than the various Rosaceae mentioned...

Cornus mas 'Golden Glory'

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growin Beautiful, BC(Zone 8b) Apr 27, 2010

If it's not only Prunus, then maybe Parrotia persica 'Vanessa' (below). There's also several cultivars of Beech (Fagus) that are strongly columnar.

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Weerobin Saint Louis, MO(Zone 6a) Apr 28, 2010

Or a fastigiate hornbeam. Or zelkovas also make good vase-shaped street trees.

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pastime Waterman, IL(Zone 5a) Apr 28, 2010

I have a Kwanzan in my yard. I've never had to trim any lower branches. It's definitely vase shaped.
It's about 15 years old. I love the flowers. They (flowers) are bigger than other ornamental cherries and hang in clusters. I'm only sorry I planted it in such a shady, out-of-the-way spot. I don't get over there very much.

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pastime Waterman, IL(Zone 5a) Apr 28, 2010

Here's a picture of the flowers.

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