Project Tree: Update.

So broad basis research…Okay I googled images of my 6 species. One was ruled out immediately as it was more a shrub than a tree…The Juniperus virginiana.  I also feel it is only responsible to rule out the Ulmus americana as it would be a disservice to plant such a majestic and extrodinary species in my meager front yard.  Here are some of my calculations, please share your thoughts!

I am very close to ruling out the Quercus alba for similar reasons, but am keeping it in the running as I am a sucker for acorns, and I also think it only fair that I keep a shade tree in the running past the first eliminiations…Not that I’m keeping it just because of that, I think it a beautiful tree (and no that is not a grammatical typo, it’s a poetic statement) but I fear that the other 3 species lend much more in the way of breath-taking, in-your-face beauty (which the less in-touch-with-nature types will appreciate more) due to their flowering, colorful berries, and changing fall color.  While the Quercus alba flowers in spring, it’s berries are brown (acorns) but it does still lend a beautiful, yet typical fall foliage-plus it’s got the summer shade factor…. It still has a strong chance of a win.

Cornus florida has it’s religious aspect too, and Lord knows (no pun intended) that I have been thinking of religion ALOT lately… It also has the HUGE factor of being rare and endangered… Will I be able to get it? Will I be able to keep it alive? Will I choose this just because it is rare and endangered? It is beautiful. Will not lend much in the way of shade, but plenty in visual asthetics year round. Read about the Dogwood legend by clicking here. And for those of you who say “’tis only a legend, it is ficticious, there is nothing in the Bible about the dogwood.” I say unto you, the Bible is ficticious, is it not nothing but superstition? Burning bushes that do not cease, parting of seas, walking on water, water to wine? (This is getting way off topic, I apologize…back to Project Tree.)

Sassafras albidum–more tree like, I believe it can be pruned to show its bark under its branches, so there are asthetic options within this species. This attracts butterflies (is actually a host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly) in addition to birds. Will need less in the way of soil care than the Cornus florida, but does not lend as much in the way of year round beauty.

and lastly, but not leastly

Amelanchier canadensis, again, a tree that is beautiful throughout each season change and has a delicate look. This seems to be more tolerant of a range of soil and light conditions, and is said to “fruit on its own.” Does that imply it attracts less in the way of wing’d friends? Apparently this tree’s fruits are edible and taste like pears. Mmmm.

Well there is tonight’s synopsis.  Two species have been eliminated. I do love the Ulmus americana, I just don’t feel my yard, and neighborhood for that matter would allow it to grow to its full potential. It would be hindered immensly in this environment. Godspeed majestic tree, godspeed.

A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in. –Greek Proverb.