Five Disease Resistant Trees

So you want to plant a disease resistant tree? That is great! Many of the trees that we sell are disease resistant when placed in the proper area and planted properly. Disease and insect issues usually arise on plants that are stressed because of poor location in the garden or water issues. Proper placement, planting, and watering can head off many issues that can arise later in the life of a tree. Of the many trees that we sell, it is tough to slim down to five really tough trees, but here is a shot:

 

1. Japanese maple (Acer palmatum): Japanese maple is a popular tree for its variety, elegance in the garden, and durability. Hundreds of cultivars exist including a multitude of red, green, and variegated leaf forms. Weeping varieties, upright forms, and cascading types are available with many different types of foliage. Large broad leaves are common as well as finely dissected foliage that can generally be found on the weeping forms. Size can vary about as much as the leaf color in Japanese maple. Any height from dwarf plants under three feet in height to much larger plants attaining heights of twenty feet or more can be found. ‘Katsura’ (pictured right) is one of my favorite cultivars due to the vast array of colors shown through the foliage throughout the year. When the foliage emerges in spring, there is a distinct shrimp pink color along the margins of the foliage contrasting with neon green in the center of the leaf. This turns to a vibrant green for the summer months and is followed by vibrant reds and oranges in the fall. ‘Katsura’ is truly an amazing tree! The Japanese maples can tolerate a wide range of conditions from full sun to a hefty amount of shade. I prefer morning sun with some afternoon shade to minimize scorching on younger plants during the summer months. A well drained soil will keep your tree happy for years to come!

CONTINUE<<