Sadly I have had to completely cut down one of 2 huge trees that grew in my yard for over 60 years. Not sure what type but now the question is what do I replace it with. My yard is big so I need a tree that when grown will shade the area the old tree use to. I would like for the replacement to grow fast and be rather low maintenance. It would be nice it it was an attractive tree, ie. showy blooms or remarkable leaves when seasons chg, ...etc. Im in San Antonio so we get alot of intense heat, humidity and not much rain (especially lately). Im hoping some fellow gardeners can suggest what would be a good replacement. Unfortunately, the other tree on the other side of the house is the same type as the one cut down and it's starting to show the same signs of deterioration so I will have to look to cutting that one down as well some time soon. All suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Diana
Help
Diana,
Are you able to provide a photo of the one remaining tree? It might also help to find out what is killing the second tree or whether they are dying of old age. You don't want to plant a tree in the same area if it is going to fall prey to the same illness.
What would you like the ultimate width of the replacement tree to be?
I don't know much about the terrain in S.A., so I can't suggest a tree. But, here's something to consider. Trees that grow for 60 years are typically healthy hardwoods. That's probably what you want eventually. But they are usually very slow-growing, and it could be 7 or 8 years before they are big enough to provide even a little shade. Have you considered planting something that is faster-growing, with a shorter life, to "fill in" with shade in the meantime? I planted a willow tree for shade in my back yard while I was waiting for my oaks and ash trees to grow. It only lived about 10 years before some really disgusting borers got it. But it provided shade for 9 of those years.
@BettyDee: Im not talented in posting pictures. The width at the base of the tree was aprox 4ft. Now it's just probably going to be a stand for some pot or garden decor. In researching Im thinking of going with crepe myrtles. I now have them outlining the perimiter of the property (3 lots all together) white in color. They grew pretty fast and I've seen them in very large tree form in other places here in town. Still researching.....
@Pbtxlady: Im up in years so I dont necessarilty have to have the new trees out live me but it would be nice if they provided me with shade sooner than later.
Thanks to both of you for responding.
Some crepe myrtles grow up to 30' in height so when you go searching for them be sure to look for the taller growing ones.
There are some true red ones that grow between 20' - 30': Red Rocket, Dynamite
Nachez, a white one, matures at 20' - 30'
Here are a few more listed by height by A & M:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/trees/crape.html
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/trees/crapemyrtle/crape_myrtle_varieties_byheight.html