зіasmapproaches horticulture with expertise, revealing the 5 trees he'd forever avoid in any garden and offering substitutes:
The charm of a small garden lies in its simplicity and the careful selection of plants that thrive in limited space. However, some trees and plants can pose problems due to their invasive or destructive properties. Here are five trees and plants to avoid planting in a small garden:
- Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana) – This tree grows quickly, reaching nearly 50 feet high and 35 feet wide. Its weak branches are prone to breaking, and it produces an unpleasant odour when in bloom. Worse still, it self-seeds aggressively, outcompeting other plants in confined spaces.
- Bradford Pear (a cultivar of Callery Pear) – Known for its poor branch structure, the Bradford Pear is prone to breaking during storms. It is highly invasive, outcompetes native plants, and has been banned in several states.
- Mimosa Tree (Albizia julibrissin) – An invasive species, the Mimosa Tree drops many seed pods, which spread widely and can create a mess and unwanted offspring in the garden.
- Knotweed Species (Fallopia spp.) – Aggressive invaders, knotweed species spread through seed and rhizomes, capable of growing through cracks in foundations and causing structural damage. Their dense growth crowds out native plants.
- Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp.) – Bamboo spreads wildly via underground rhizomes, making it difficult to control. If not contained, it can take over garden spaces rapidly.
Apart from these problematic plants, there are others to be mindful of. The English oak, for instance, requires regular maintenance and its roots can damage sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. The weeping willow, while a beautiful tree, thrives in moist conditions and can cause damage to underground drain and sewer pipes. The cherry laurel, valued for garden screening, is toxic to pets and humans.
However, there are alternatives to these problematic plants. For example, the Serviceberry or Amelanchier, with its attractive spring blooms and autumn fruit, can be a suitable replacement for the staghorn sumac. A flowering cherry tree, suitable for USDA zones 5-8, could be a good alternative to a black walnut tree in a small garden. The Eastern redbud, with its pink blooms in early spring, is a good alternative to the weeping willow.
Lastly, the kousa dogwood, with its spring flowers, fall color, and suitability for growing in zones 5 to 9, could be a wiser choice for a front or backyard instead of an English oak. American holly, a slow-growing evergreen tree that forms an attractive pyramidal shape, is an alternative to the cherry laurel.
Remember, a well-planned small garden can be a haven for wildlife and a source of joy. By avoiding problematic plants and choosing alternatives, you can ensure your garden remains a delight for years to come.
[1] Invasive Plant Atlas of New England. (n.d.). Callery Pear. Retrieved from https://www.invasiveplantsne.org/plants/callery-pear/
[2] Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Bradford Pear. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c193
[3] Illinois Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Mimosa Tree. Retrieved from https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/lands/Pages/invasiveSpecies/mimosaTree.aspx
[4] Invasive Species Centre. (n.d.). Japanese Knotweed. Retrieved from https://www.invasivespecies.com/invasives/japanese-knotweed/
[5] National Invasive Species Information Center. (n.d.). Bamboo. Retrieved from https://www.invasive.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=276
- To maintain a serene home-and-garden lifestyle, consider avoiding planting invasive species like the Callery Pear, Bradford Pear, Mimosa Tree, Knotweed Species, and Bamboo, which can outcompete native plants, cause structural damage, and pose problems in confined spaces.
- For a lifestyle-friendly garden that supports local flora and fauna, consider planting alternatives such as Serviceberry, flowering cherries, Eastern redbud, kousa dogwood, and American holly. These plants are less problematic and can provide beauty and interest throughout the year.
