Re: tulip poplars

**"* L* <t*@earthlink.net>**

GWL: We have two aged tulip poplars (really magnolias) on our property and 
they do not shed in August, the leaves do not turn brown, they live to be 
300 to 400 years and are a valued timber tree. Perhaps yours are an inferior 
cultivar? Peter
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Judy Lowe" <hardbackwryter@yahoo.com>
To: <gardenwriters@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 7:37 PM
Subject: Re: [GWL] tulip poplars

I'd like to second Amy's comments (see below) about avoiding tulip poplars. 
I didn't grow this tree during the years I lived in Massachusetts, but 
farther south, if August is a dry month, the leaves start turning brownish 
and falling off, way before you want them to. Who wants to be raking leaves 
in August?? Also, the trees have big, coarse leaves that are messy in the 
lawn and on the sidewalk as they fall over a period of several months. But 
the main point is that they detract from the rest of the late summer and 
fall garden.

Because they're native, tulip poplars are the state tree of at least a 
couple of states. I suspect that the legislators never had one in their 
yards! (Admittedly, they are pretty when they bloom, and I like the trunks.)

They're used as a street tree, believe it or not, on the suburban street 
parallel to the one i live on. The developers did a great job with all the 
other tree choices, but i know that the residents who have them really 
regret these -- and the trees are less than 10 years old.

Judy Lowe

Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:04:58 -0500
From: Amy Ziffer <amyziffer@earthlink.net>

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.

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