Native trees with a tall, narrow shape
 Bald cypress Image courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey |
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:
- Abies concolor (White fir) -- Max. 100 feet tall and 35 feet wide, needs shelter from wind and an acidic soil.
- Picea engelmanni (Engelmann spruce) -- Max. 100 feet tall and 35 feet wide, but usually very narrow. Needs shelter from the wind and an acidic soil.
- Picea pungens (Colorado spruce) -- Max. 100 feet tall and 35 feet wide. Needs an acidic soil. This tree is not particularly vulnerable to the weather, but you may have to spray sometimes for various bugs and diseases.
- Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir) -- Max. 100 feet tall and 35 feet wide. Needs a slightly acidic soil and protection from the wind.
- Taxodium distichum (Baldcypress, aka bald-cypress) Max. 100 feet tall and 35 feet wide. Needs an acidic soil, and prefers it damp. This tree is rarely affected by the wind. Be aware that cypress knees are very likely to develop.
Related posts:
Narrow trees for small spaces
Ten Tall-Growing Trees
Five Tall, Narrow, Deciduous 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."
2 comments -- please add yours:
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.
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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