Does anyone have any opions on Tilia tomentosa 'Sterling'? Good, bad? I am in zone 7and have realized that this zone is borderline for this tree. I am thinking about using this as replacements for Quercus coccinea (Scarlet Oak). The oaks have been planted for 8 years and are just starting to get some size to them. This summer they have severely suffered from alcoholic flux and the bark on scaffold limbs, main leader, and trunk have major splits. We are preparing to have to replace these eventually. I like the idea of a linden and this one seemed to fit the site. Any insight would be appreciated.
I don't know about the cultivar in particular, but the species as a whole is no problem at all in zone 7, it should be hardy down to zone 6 at least, and probably zone 5. The one downside I've noticed is that it does (when old) appear to be rather liable to windthrow in storms.
