Tree Notes is about trees -- especially native trees, trees for wildlife, and trees in history.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Five Tall, Narrow Trees

Native trees with a tall, narrow shape




Bald cypress
Image courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey

These tall trees have a narrow spread and will fit into a small space.

I've noted the maximum height and spread that I found mentioned for each tree in various sources. That size might be attained by a mature tree in optimal conditions. Your tree won't get that big for a while, and it may never get quite that big, through there's an outside chance. Cultivars may be available that will have a narrower spread.

Please note that these trees all require an acidic soil. Also, most of them are susceptible to being blown over by high wind if their branches and/or leaves are heavy with a load of rainwater, ice, or snow.

I've linked the scientific names to a tree description at The Gymnosperm Database. The common names are linked to a tree description on the Virginia Tech Dendrology website.

Here's the list:


Related posts:
Narrow trees for small spaces
Ten Tall-Growing Trees
Five Tall, Narrow, Deciduous Trees

2 comments -- please add yours:

Chris Kreussling (Flatbush Gardener) said...

Are there any non-conifer examples of tall-growing trees with narrow spread? I will need to plant a tree in my backyard at some point to replace the weedy maples which are growing there.

Genevieve Netz said...

I think that deciduous trees with a narrow spread will be found more in the medium-to-short height ranges. I'll try to look up some of the taller ones for you.

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Enrich your life with the study of trees.

"The power to recognize trees at a glance without examining their leaves or flowers or fruit as they are seen, for example, from the car-window during a railroad journey, can only be acquired by studying them as they grow under all possible conditions over wide areas of territory. Such an attainment may not have much practical value, but once acquired it gives to the possessor a good deal of pleasure which is denied to less fortunate travelers."

Charles Sprague Sargent (1841-1927)

Print references I frequently consult

Benvie, Sam. Encyclopedia of North American Trees. Buffalo, NY: Firefly, 2000.

Brockman, C. Frank. Trees of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. Ed. Herbert S. Zim. New York: Golden, 1986.

Cliburn, Jerry, and Ginny Clomps. A Key to Missouri Trees in Winter: An Identification Guide. Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri, 1980.

Collingwood, G. H., Warren David Brush, and Devereux Butcher. Knowing Your Trees. Washington: American Forestry Association, 1978.

Dirr, Michael. Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs: an Illustrated Encyclopedia. Portland, Or.: Timber, 1997.

Elias, Thomas S. The Complete Trees of North America; Field Guide and Natural History. New York: Book Division, Times Mirror Magazines, 1980.

Grimm, William Carey. The Book of Trees;. Harrisburg, PA: Stackpole, 1962.

Hightshoe, Gary L. Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines for Urban and Rural America: a Planting Design Manual for Environmental Designers. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1988.

Little, Elbert L. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees. New York: Chanticleer, 1996.

Martin, Alexander C., Herbert S. Zim, and Arnold L. Nelson. American Wildlife and Plants. New York: McGraw Hill, 1951.

Mitchell, Alan F., and David More. The Trees of North America. New York, NY: Facts On File Publications, 1987.

Randall, Charles E. Enjoying Our Trees. Washington: American Forestry Association, 1969.

Settergren, Carl D., and R. E. McDermott. Trees of Missouri. Columbia: University Extension, 1995.

Sternberg, Guy, and James W. Wilson. Native Trees for North American Landscapes: from the Atlantic to the Rockies. Portland: Timber, 2004.

Wharton, Mary E., and Roger W. Barbour. Trees and Shrubs of Kentucky. Lexington: University of Kentucky, 1973.

Wyman, Donald. Trees for American Gardens. New York: Macmillan, 1965.

Photos and text copyright © 2006-2013 by Genevieve L. Netz. All rights reserved. Do not republish without written permission. My e-mail address is gnetz51@gmail.com