Need to replace downed tree

Hello:
Yesterday I lost a very old tall beech tree in a thunderstorm in Connecticut. It grew by a fresh water marsh and provided a fishing spot for Osprey, Kingfishers and many other birds. Moreover, it was 100 yards from my window and I have been looking at it for 20 years. It will take me some time to get use to the loss.

I would very much like to replace it so I can have a place for birds to fish and nest again. I would like it to grow quickly and not totally block the view as there are always animal activity in the marsh (since my old tree was so tall, its canopy reached above the water. (I am on a slight hill looking down -I have enclosed a photo so you can see where it was.)). There is a willow tree near it but that really is not what I had in mind. It blocks the view and its limbs are too wispy if you know what I mean.

What would you suggest? and what height should it be when I purchase it and when should it be planted?

Thanks.

Bald Cypress or Sycamore comes to my mind, but others on here may have better suggestions for your area.

This message was edited Aug 4, 2006 3:23 PM

Choosing a tree for someone else is about like buying a wedding dress for someone else. You really need to start the process yourself by finding a few trees you think you like, and then let us help you evaluate them.

Guy S.

Well, I agree that I have to make the choice myself, but not being an expert I like the idea of looking at ideas that others may come up with. For example the sycamore tree that was recommended in one of the replys is something I would never have thought of. It does look like a beautiful tree. From the photos I saw however, it looks like it has branches quite close to the ground so that it would hide much of the water behind it. Is it common to prune the branches of these trees?

I would be interested in other suggestions. Otherwise all I am doing is looking at ads from companies that are selling trees on line and I don't have that much confidence in these for good suggestions.

I plan to look around alot myself, but would still appreciate suggestions from experience.

I should point out that the area has alot of sand in the soil from glacial action.

Thanks.

By the way, I just noticed you're new here, so welcome aboard!

Taking the sycamore as an example: It grows large and fast, is gorgeous in the winter with patchy white bark, sheds bark all summer during growth spurts, has leaves that are coated with an indumentum that some people react allergically to, thrives in wet soil but tolerates almost any soil, etc. -- and any tree can be pruned (if done correctly) to expose views over time.

What else have you seen that you might like? Baldcypress (Taxodium) like Escambia suggested? Birches (Betula spp.)? Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)? Larches (Larix spp.)? Red maple (Acer rubrum)? Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) or Swamp chestnut oak (Q. michauxii)? Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)? Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) or sugarberry (C. laevigata)? Pecan (Carya illinoinensis)? Google them and see if any of them seem to suit your needs, then we can talk more about the ones that interest you.

Guy S.

I think what I am going to do is look at trees in my area that people have planted that are of a smaller size and see what I like. I don't want to introduce a tree that just does not fit in with the natural setting. I want the branches to be sturdy even at a young age so that the birds can start perching on them.

Looking at local trees this way makes sense also in that I will see what seems to be surviving best.

Thanks for the tips.

As I start honing in I will raise more questions.