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Planting a tree question
Posted on 3/14/25 at 2:33 pm
Posted on 3/14/25 at 2:33 pm
I've got a rabid 6 year old who has been learning about trees at school, and he wants us to plant one in the backyard. I've got some older smallish trees I want to cut down to get away from power lines and cable anyways, so there's a couple of good spots that will be good after I cut those.
My question is, what is something that would grow relatively fast, and what time of year would be good in central Alabama to put in a couple of saplings? Mainly doing it because he's always been interested in helping in the garden and loves the outdoors, and he wants to "help" plant a tree that is all his.
My question is, what is something that would grow relatively fast, and what time of year would be good in central Alabama to put in a couple of saplings? Mainly doing it because he's always been interested in helping in the garden and loves the outdoors, and he wants to "help" plant a tree that is all his.
8
Posted on 3/14/25 at 2:38 pm to TU Rob
Crepe Myrtle and Chinese Elm come to mind. I’m in Louisiana, but I think you’d be safe planting one now so it can get established before the brutal summertime heat hits.
This post was edited on 3/14/25 at 2:43 pm
Posted on 3/14/25 at 2:41 pm to TU Rob
Planting a tree is probably one of the most rewarding things you can do. One afternoon's work can last a lifetime. Be sure to take plenty of pics.
I'm a fan of live oaks as they actually grow pretty fast when they're young; however, with your powerline situation, you may want something else. With that said, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now"
I'm a fan of live oaks as they actually grow pretty fast when they're young; however, with your powerline situation, you may want something else. With that said, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now"
Posted on 3/14/25 at 3:51 pm to sledgehammer
A crepe myrtle is a glorified bush.
Posted on 3/14/25 at 3:52 pm to TU Rob
Eastern Cottonwood and Hybrid Willow are two trees to consider if you aren't planting close to your house. They both grow ridiculously fast and can be planted from cuttings. Just stick the cutting in the ground and keep it watered and you will have 6-12 feet by the end of the growing season depending on which you plant.
Lacebark Elm can grow 5-6 feet per year.
Arborvitae (Eastern White Cedar) grows pretty fast and gives you that conical evergreen look.
Red Cedar grows fairly fast, as does Eastern Redbud.
Southern Catalpa is a decently fast grower + catalpa worms.
Check out FastGrowingTrees.com for many more species.
Lacebark Elm can grow 5-6 feet per year.
Arborvitae (Eastern White Cedar) grows pretty fast and gives you that conical evergreen look.
Red Cedar grows fairly fast, as does Eastern Redbud.
Southern Catalpa is a decently fast grower + catalpa worms.
Check out FastGrowingTrees.com for many more species.
Posted on 3/14/25 at 3:56 pm to AaronDeTiger
I hate them too, but some selections make some beautiful trees.
Posted on 3/14/25 at 4:18 pm to sledgehammer
quote:
I hate them too, but some selections make some beautiful trees.
Yeah, i've seen some pruned to a single trunk that look nice.
This post was edited on 3/14/25 at 4:20 pm
Posted on 3/14/25 at 5:31 pm to TU Rob
quote:
My question is, what is something that would grow relatively fast, and what time of year would be good in central Alabama to put in a couple of saplings?
What kind of space do you have for a mature tree? Sunny location?
As far as when, right now is good for the next couple of months. Otherwise, I'd wait til fall and not plant in the middle of the summer.
Posted on 3/14/25 at 7:49 pm to TU Rob
I planted 25 plum trees at my place on Wed.
Not sure what I’d suggest though. I planted a magnolia tree with my grandfather many years ago.
It’s still there and I’ll always remember doing that even though my mom sold that house years ago.
But a magnolia makes a huge mess.
Not sure what I’d suggest though. I planted a magnolia tree with my grandfather many years ago.
It’s still there and I’ll always remember doing that even though my mom sold that house years ago.
But a magnolia makes a huge mess.
Posted on 3/14/25 at 8:42 pm to TU Rob
How about a fruit tree? Teaches patience as well.
Posted on 3/15/25 at 2:37 pm to East Coast Band
Plenty of space. Have a few thin and one thick line along one side of the yard. Nothing but the two smaller ones on the other side that I’m taking out. It will have plenty of sun there and room to grow.
Posted on 3/15/25 at 3:31 pm to sledgehammer
2nd the lacebark (Chinese) elm. That’s a problem-free tree. It’s a tad bit messy and will light up your allergies for a week or so, but otherwise great.
Posted on 3/16/25 at 10:51 am to TU Rob
Bald Cypress would be great if you can put it somewhere you won't be concerned about the roots getting in the way. I put one in the ground when it was 5 inches tall. 8 years later it's 40 feet tall. That growth rate is where it gets full sun and endless water from an area in my yard that's prone to get soggy during rainy season.
Posted on 3/16/25 at 12:28 pm to TU Rob
This is the time of year to do it. A couple months earlier would have been better, but it's not too late.
Your AL extension service has tips on planting trees. LINK You might talk to one of their horticulturists for recommendations on variety. It's free.
Red Maples have been good medium size trees for us. Have a young Chinese Pistache that's really taking off after a couple of years.
Your AL extension service has tips on planting trees. LINK You might talk to one of their horticulturists for recommendations on variety. It's free.
Red Maples have been good medium size trees for us. Have a young Chinese Pistache that's really taking off after a couple of years.
Posted on 3/17/25 at 1:24 pm to Twenty 49
Put down five Chinese pistache trees this winter after seeing some in the fall. The color is amazing. FYI I got the red push variety. Supposed to be more drought tolerant and hold its leaves longer.
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