Street (City) Tree for Philadelphia PA.

Cappa

Hello everyone,

I am a newbie here. My name is Stephen. I am very interested in planting a tree on my front pavement. I do not know much about them but spent the last 8 nights after works up until 3am trying to learn. Needless to say I am fascinated by them! I also have OCD but that is another story. HaHa.

Anyway, I am very fond of the Darlington Oak as well as the Black Locust. I was wondering if anybody could give me a break down of both and which one might be better for my street tree, zone 6 if either are at all?

Also, while I am on the subject -- I remember reading that one of these two tree's mentioned by me above close there leaves after a rainfall. I now can no longer find that information and forget which one does this. Little help?


I initially loved the Royal Empress until I read allot of bad things about it as a street tree.


I then liked the Eucalyptus until I found out it is not hardy in my zone 6 (pushing 7) in Philadelphia Pa. Anyway, I am stuck on either of the two below:

1. Black Locust

2. Darlington Oak


What does everyone think? I know I will hear a ton of bad things about the Black locust and that is fine, I am open to suggestions but not ridicule as I already confessed to being very naive to the topic but willing and anxious to learn.

I always liked the idea of ever greens but I DO NOT like the ever greens that look like christmas tree's -- which most are. At least the tree's that grow in my zone 6. Any suggestions on this?

I read that the Darlington oak is an ever - green but then I also read that it drops its leaves in late February? Doesn't that mean it is not a ever green?

Also, I really want to plant a larger tree with a trunk that is already established (money is no issue) so it will not be destroyed by passer by's (kids)

Can any tree's be purchased online that are already 9 to 15 foot with a single, strong trunk? Why do allotof places not ship until fall? Is it bette rto plant in fall? I am sorry for the amateur questions but I really want to leanr as much as I can and do the right things!

--A very confused Newbie (Stephen)

Cappa

"UPDATE"

I called a few local (Philadelphia) nurseries and none of them carry Black Locust. They also mentioned that darlingtons are more for zone 7.

I mentioned the Sugar Maple and was told it would do well in my area. I originally remmeber them reading that they do not tolerate road salt well which me having intentions of a street tree, worries me? Am I being mislead here.


Is anybody out there that can give me some suggestions on what fast growing species that is not as common in my area would be good for my situation?

IS ANYBODY OUT THERE -- ON THIS FORUM?


--CAPPA

Cappa

Anybody Out There?

Hello -- "echo" Hello -- "echo" Hello!

spartek

Have you considered a ginko.They are very resistant to insects,disease,and they would thrive in your type of application .If you decide to get one,stay away from the female trees because they have smelly litter of pods.

Jeff Darby

B
U
M
P

This would be a good one for the American Arborists on the board.

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pcarborist

I'm not to familiar with eastern US but you might want to try littleleaf linden, honey locust, or goldenrain tree. Gingko makes a good street tree but they get big.

pridesburg

What about a southern magnolia?

aphid

homeowners are famous for wanting instant results and who can blame them? after all owning a home is problably the biggest investment in their life. making the right decisions play a tremendous role in keeping that investment going the right direction. selecting a tree that is perfect for your specific location adds great value to your home. taking time to understand how to make the best possible decision is my advice to you. the right tree right location will cost very little money. after planting a tree and waiting a season or two for the roots to become established the tree can be pruned to establish a sturdy growing structure. the tree will be trouble free.the wrong choice will leave you with a hole in the sky where you once threw money. there are major trees that reach heights 50' plus and minor trees reaching close to that. some trees make for great conversation . sparteks choice of the ginko is one of them. found in fossils 270 million years ago. people will be captured by its unique looks and curious to know what it is. the environment is rough on trees these days. the ginko's track record is second to none.

aphid

i made the mistake of wording the height of minor trees . minor trees grow to mature heights of 20 to 30 feet. i don't have a grasp of your discription "planting a tree on my front pavement". is this a location on the front street between the road and side walk(apron) or the middle of the front yard or possibly along the driveway?

treevet

Don't plant a tree in the pavement! Just kidding of course. You are likely referring to the tree lawn? Hello out there....given up?

I was born in Philadelphia, moved away but later lived near there as an arborist in Flemington NJ, less than an hour away so I am familiar with the area. Not familiar with your Darlington Oak but if it is almost non deciduous you may be too far north for this tree. As for the Black Locust (Robinia), it has thorns, over grows out of symmetry, has a shallow root system, drops pods, tends to co dominant structure, has little leaves that are hard to rake, decays easily with minor wounding and generally is considered a weed.

How about a picture or two of the site? Some pictures of trees nearby that are doing exceptionally well that you like.

TreeSpecialist

A crape myrtle might be appropriate.

You're in their northern limit.

Small leaves, not too messy, bloom cycle up to 120 days.

I've seen them successfully planted in NYC.

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