With a movement towards native trees, this fast-growing native is increasingly being used in landscapes.  As it’s name implies, it has flowers in the Spring that are somewhat reminiscent of tulips.  These are highly prized by honey bees making it a favorite of bee keepers.  The trees rapid growth, tolerance for dry as well as soggier soil conditions make it a good choice for areas needing rapidly growing trees.

Trees should not be planted near structures as their rapid growth translates into weaker branching and wood.  This lends susceptibility to wind and ice storm damage.

 

Weeping Willow is one of our favorites if you have the right environment and enough room.  It is very tolerant of soggy soils as well as dryer placements.  Very rapid growth and its beautiful weeping nature make Weeping Willow one of the widest used trees in landscaping.

Weeping Willow is one of the first indicators of Spring with its leaves starting to peep out long before other trees have broken dormancy.  It’s yellow foliage in fall add another positive for this beauty in the landscape.

Limiting factors include a highly invasive root system which means placing it near septic lines or masonry a no-go. With its rapid growth, it also is relatively short-lived and has weaker branching lending susceptibility to ice-storm damage.

River Birch is a native of Eastern North America and is extensively used in the landscape.  As one of the few trees with a tolerance for soggy soil conditions as well as dry placement, this allows for a large range of use in landscaping.

Trees are very fast growing and have a coppery-brown coloration to the bark.  Extreme heat can cause premature leaf drop in late Summer but some cultivars such as Dura-Heat River Birch lessen this problem.

This tree should be given plenty of room and not planted near foundations, masonry or the house where its invasive root system can cause issues.  It is also susceptible to ice storm damage and should not be planted where it can fall on structures. However, if you have the room, this is a great fast-growing shade and/or ornamental choice for the landscape.

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