Tree recommendation for a city lot?
I live in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia. I have a small front yard (about 16' deep) and through the street tree program (circa 2003) I had a crab apple planted. I was not able to place the tree on the sidewalk because of underground utilities and and overhead wires, so it was placed just inside my property line about 14'-15' away from the house. This tree quickly developed apple scab. It is now a very unhealthy tree, a lot of dead branches and the leaves die and drop in June. It's also expensive to treat and onerous to maintain. I'd like to replace it with a more appropriate tree or shrub.
Are there programs that include tree removal?
Must the soil be treated before re-planting? (I'm told the apple scab fungus gets into the soil).
For its replacement, I would like to get a recommendation for a small-ish tree, 25'-30' max. height, 20- 25' max. width. Also, I would like to avoid fruit-bearing, and otherwise messy trees. And of course, hardy and drought-resistant, disease-resistant. I'm willing to allocate some funds for its maintenance and for the sake of the environment, but I can't afford a tree that will require expensive ongoing treatments or maintenance.
Some that look like contenders that I've researched:
Japanese snowbell
Kousa dogwood
Okame cherry
Crapemyrtle,
Forest Pansy redbud
Bloodgood Japanese maple.
Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Answer
Before removing the tree rake up all the leaves and debris around the tree. You are correct in that the fungus will over-winter in the leaves on the ground. Since it is a small tree, it shouldn't be difficult to dig it up. Dig around the tree's roots with a fork and try to loosen the tree by rocking it back and forth. Get all of the parts of the tree out of the hole. Some of the roots may extend out, Just cut them off so they don't interfere with the root ball of the new tree you are planting.
Philadelphia is in hardiness zones 7A and 7B.
Here are comments on the trees you've thought about:
Japanese Snowbell- may have a farther spread than you want, doesn't get as high as your house, seeds may sprout in lawn or nearby garden.
Kousa Dogwood--Great choice, should not get as high as your house, peeling, mottled bark for year round interest. Blooms later than native dogwood. Various types and colors of bloom.
Okame Cherry-- very early bloomer, blooms last short time, often affected by bad, sleety, weather that shortens bloom time...Not my choice!
Crapemyrtle--tough plant if it's happy. Should be hardy in the city if you get a hardy cultivar. Not a bad choice.
Redbud Forest Pansy--purplish leaves in spring turning green as the summer goes on, not as tough as some of the others as it's an understory tree.
Japanese Maple 'Bloodgood'--attractive leaves, slow grower, may be expensive. Fall is a good time to choose it as you are looking for a plant that holds its red color. Does not get very tall.
Still looking for appropriate woody plants? Search
Gold Medal Plants database here.
More help -- consult our subject guide
Urban Gardener: Gardening in Small Spaces
And you might also want to learn how to be a tree tender to learn basic tree care
Good luck with your tree project.