I am in a condo overlooking 4 gorgeous pink magnolias. They were planted 16 years ago in this development and strata has advised they are being removed due to being too large for that garden area (18" deep to membrane below above parking garage.) The garden area is between a walkway and the building/suites, which is maybe 8 feet from front to back, and a stretch of 50 feet or so long. They state the tree experts have told them the roots will damage the membrane below. Further this area receives inadequate watering with strata stating they have to regulate due to the parking below, so magnolias, rhodos, azaleas last year became scorched and barren. Distressing for me and the plants. I am now going into my 2nd summer here. What type of tree (not evergreen) can be planted in a hot, shallow garden area in the Lower Mainland B.C. is my question? This area is west facing, 6-8 hours of sun per day. I have been searching the web and finding it difficult to get all the info needed. The residents, myself included, are facing losing privacy and shade from the Magnolias, so are hoping for a replacement tree that will grow to 20 feet or more, but thrive in a shallow area. Any suggestions? I would appreciate any input you can provide. Strata has delayed removal of the trees pending a meeting with the residents. I have been researching shrub type of plantings with the idea that some of them grow quite tall, and perhaps have a less demanding root structure, like Tamarisk, Japanese flowering red current, though not the tallest of growers in relation to what we need. Further I wondered about Lilacs, Kousa Dogwood. Strata is proposing White Star Magnolias, but how is their root system any less damaging the Pink Magnolias?
