LS Designers/Plantspeople Suggestions Please

**A* Z* <a*@earthlink.net>**

Lois:

Here's what I'd suggest you do to find some suitable replacements for  
your ash.  This is the process I'd use if I were in your shoes,  
although I don't have time to do it for you.  First, using the lists  
at the back of Michael Dirr's "Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An  
Illustrated Encyclopedia," identify a few trees (if there are that  
many) that are on the 30 to 50-ft. section of his "A Guide to Tree  
Sizes List" and also on his "Tolerance to Compacted Soils, Drought,  
and Heat" list.  Then look up the ornamental characteristics and cold  
hardiness by tree to see which ones complement your rhodies and will  
grow in Zone 5B.  Then, using a copy of Richard M. DeGraaf's "Trees,  
Vines and Shrubs for Attracting Birds," you can evaluate the wildlife  
value of any contenders.  As C.L. pointed out, you should inquire with  
Cooperative Extension in your county about the susceptibility of  
anything on your final list to diseases and pests both in general and  
because of localized conditions.  CE can also tell you about growth  
rate, since I don't think Dirr has a list for that.

I'd stay away from anything that is at the far south of its range in  
Zone 5B since I do expect those trees to come under stress in future  
decades if there's significant climate warming.

I'd also avoid tulip poplars because they are messy trees and shed  
lower branches a LOT as they grow.  They are also extremely prone to  
powdery mildew and can act as mildew incubators for your whole  
garden.  When they get very large they are a hazard to structures  
because in high winds their entire top can snap off.  They are  
definitely weak-wooded.  Long and short, they are lovely forest trees  
and great nectar sources but not suitable for residential landscaping  
on anything but estates where they can be situated far from any  
structures.  I would never put one in the midst of other ornamental  
plantings.

I am a BIG fan of Amelanchier, but as C.L. pointed out, it does have  
its issues in some places.  Although it is considered a tree that  
prefers a situation similar to that of native dogwood, I have observed  
for many years that it is also a denizen of spots here in western CT  
(on the cusp of Zone 5A and Zone 5B) otherwise populated by the likes  
of pitch pine and chestnut oak—dry, hot, south-facing bluffs.   
However, it's a taxonomically confused genus, so I'm not sure that the  
ones I see in the wild are the same genetically as what you'd find in  
the nursery.  Nonetheless, I think it would tolerate the dryness in  
late summer just fine.

BTW, the books I mentioned should be obtainable through your local  
library if you have an interlibrary loan system in NJ.

Amy Ziffer
dba A Shady Lady Garden Design
128 Green Pond Rd.
Sherman, CT  06784
Home office: (860) 350-3565
Cell: (860) 248-0559
amyziffer@earthlink.net
www.amyziffer.com

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