Best "Front Yard" Tree?

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/5085763968555-.jpg

My small “front yard” is being dug up as I type this to replace an old sewer line which is allowing us the opportunity to plant a tree.  I know from our 1940’s tax photo that one existed in this space but at some point was removed and others on my block have one too in the same location.  Curious as to what everyone may think is the best for this space considering we have a south facing front facade and would love for this tree to eventually give us some coverage from the brutal summer sun as there are no other trees on our end of the block.  Thanks all!

Crooklyn30

in Garden 12 years and 8 months ago

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petunia | 12 years and 8 months ago

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Another vote for the Eastern Redbud. It’s an undergrowth tree, doesn’t get too big, isn’t very fussy, and ours always attracts a lot of attention from passersby in the early spring.

brooklynbemused | 12 years and 8 months ago

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I have an Eastern Red Bud which is absolutely lovely in the spring. I prune the crap out of it every year without really knowing what I am doing and it doesn’t seem the least bit offended.

rocketship | 12 years and 8 months ago

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I’d second the serviceberry recommendation (also called shadbush or _amelanchier canadensis_) – we planted one last fall. They’re pretty hardy, a native plant, beautiful white flowers in the spring and berries in the summer. They supposedly turn bright red in the fall, but ours just dropped its leaves and went to sleep. Also, they max out at 20′ or so, and they aren’t too dense.

brooklynny | 12 years and 8 months ago

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I just planted a serviceberry tree (which I received from the tree giveaway mentioned above) and was told by members of this forum that it is an excellent choice for a front yard mostly due to non-aggressive root growth.  But right now it is tiny (it looks like I stuck a little branch in the ground) and I’m wondering how long it will take for it to grow into something resembling a tree (especially since my yard is north facing and doesn’t get much sunlight).

jesseBK | 12 years and 8 months ago

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It depends on the light/site conditions and what you want from the tree as far as size, care requirements and aesthetics go.  Sounds like you might have some full sun in that area from your description, which opens up a lot more doors as far plant choices go.  A lot of people like the Magnolia bloom but it doesnt really do much after that.  I personally love Crape Myrtles (beautiful bloom and interesting bark/trunk structure for the winter months), Japanese Maples (a little overused in the area but for a good reason; they are low-maintenance and gorgeous) and the Eastern Red Bud (amazing spring blooms and native).  Let us know if you want us to plant it.  You can email us at info@newecocreations.com.

Bklnite | 12 years and 8 months ago

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Here’s some info… http://www.milliontreesnyc.org/html/plant/picking_your_tree.shtml And … for upcoming tree giveaways… http://www.nyrp.org/Greening_Sustainability/MillionTreesNYC/Brooklyn_Tree_Giveaways