Hey everyone! I recently had to remove a Bradford Pear tree from my yard. It was beautiful when it was healthy, providing nice shade to my front windows, but it was planted way too close to my foundation and started breaking branches. Thankfully, my house didn't suffer any damage during its lifespan. Now that it's gone, my yard feels really empty, and I'd like to find a new tree to replace it. I'm considering replanting about 10 feet from the house and am looking for some advice on what to buy.
I'm hoping to get a tree that's already around 12-15 feet tall (if it's within my budget), has non-invasive roots, and grows quickly—around 3 feet a year would be ideal. I want a tree that's bushy but won't grow into my house and reaches a maximum height of about 30 feet, unlike the Bradford that loomed over my house. I need it to provide decent shade (about 50% to 75%), but I also want to avoid branches that might fall off during storms. I'm steering clear of Arborvitaes since I have enough of those already. Any suggestions from you guys? Thanks a ton!
3 Answers
Eastern Redbud is a great choice too! They’re not only pretty, but they tend to have healthy growth patterns and won’t be a hassle near your house. Plus, they provide lovely flowers in spring. Good luck with your search!
I think you might really like a Paperbark Maple or a Service Berry. They both have nice, sturdy branches and won’t create too much shade that it feels dark. They also won't invade your foundation space. Just make sure whatever you pick has enough room to grow!
Congrats on getting rid of that Bradford Pear! They're known for being pretty problematic. If you’re looking for a shade tree, I’d recommend considering a Flowering Dogwood or a Redbud. Both are beautiful and grow well without causing too much of an issue with their roots. They won’t tower over your house and should give you some nice shade without dropping branches all the time. Definitely worth checking out!
Yeah, I second the Flowering Dogwood! It's lovely in spring with its blooms and grows nicely. Just keep in mind they do need some sunlight to thrive!