I had a big cedar tree taken down and then the stump is going to be removed. I am looking for suggestions on what kind of an evergreen tree I could plant that wouldn't get too big and low maintenance. In the area I have quite a few Rhodes and other flowering bushes.
How big? What, to you is low maintenance? Drought tolerant? Minimal litter? What are your specific concerns?
Low maintenance is not having to prune them all the time, drought resistance and not much mess plus no self seeding. I wouldn't want another cedar tree. They are messy, get too big and lots of branches on the ground. I understand that Rhodes don't like the cedar mulch either. Right now I have a laurel hedge in the front and along the back so they need to be pruned every year. I have one small nut tree in the corner and a dwarf apple tree but other than that several large cedar trees.
I realize that so that is why I am looking at other options. I could get one evergreen and maybe a 17' oak or birch to fill in the space and/or cover the tall fence.
How about a Juniper? It would fit all your low maintenance requirements and it could be very nice, too. There are many cultivars to choose from http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=juniper&FORM=HDRSC2
I have a Wichita Blue Juniper http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=wichita+blue+juniper&FORM=HDRSC2. Am thinking, one blue and one green Juniper with the same growth habit, close to each other, could make a nice accent in the landscape. In any case give careful consideration to where to plant your evergreens. In small places it is the best to plant them at the perimeter of your garden.
