It took me a while to decide what tree(s) we should buy to replace the two spindly pine trees we had removed. Having lots of shade from our existing trees didn’t make it easy since most trees love sun – AND any deciduous trees must have at least a 2″ caliper according to the city rules. Sheesh. I decided to search for a Paperbark Maple, which sports a lovely chestnut colored peeling bark and bright green leaves. This tree also graces the Great Plant Picks list of ‘Trees for Shade’ so I figured it would be a good choice. I was lucky to find one with a (barely) thick enough trunk locally at Sky Nursery. The winning specimen wasn’t the most attractive shape, and I probably would have picked a taller, skinnier one if I could, but now that it’s in the ground I actually love it.
It took me a while to decide what tree(s) we should buy to replace the two spindly pine trees we had removed. Having lots of shade from our existing trees didn’t make it easy since most trees love sun – AND any deciduous trees must have at least a 2″ caliper according to the city rules. Sheesh. I decided to search for a Paperbark Maple, which sports a lovely chestnut colored peeling bark and bright green leaves. This tree also graces the Great Plant Picks list of ‘Trees for Shade’ so I figured it would be a good choice. I was lucky to find one with a (barely) thick enough trunk locally at Sky Nursery. The winning specimen wasn’t the most attractive shape, and I probably would have picked a taller, skinnier one if I could, but now that it’s in the ground I actually love it.