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This new section has been added called FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).  Questions may be directed to the Webmaster's address which is located at the bottom of each page. Answers to these questions are often of general interest and will be published at this location. This will be new to us so please be patient

Q: What is a good, easy to manage, shade tree for a small to medium sized yard in eastern Baltimore County? The specific location is 30'x3O', in full sun and lies between two driveways which may impact the root system. I am not interested in fruit trees which require too much clean up.

A: It is difficult to make specific recommendations without seeing the planting area, however I will try to offer some reasonable choices based on the information given. There are many things to consider prior to planting a tree, including environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, light, pests, soil, and pollution. In addition, one needs to consider tree factors such as:

1) The tree's purpose (i.e. shade, screen, aesthetics)

2) Size and location of planting area

3) Crown form or shape.

In order to plant the right tree in the right spot, all of these factors must be considered prior to selecting and planting a tree.

In urban settings, it is a generally accepted principle that medium to large trees will require a minimum of 300 cubic feet of rooting space. Considering that the depth of the planting hole must be at least 3 feet, one would have to have an area at least 10'x10' to plant a shade tree. You have considerably more space than required which is good, considering that sods in developed areas tend to be poor.

Some native trees to consider for your particular situation would include several cultivars of red maple (Acer rubrum) as well as a couple of oaks (Quercus sp.) and possibly even a seedless variety of sweet gum (Liquidambar sp.). The cultivars of red maple to consider include: 'Autumn Flame', ' October Glory' and 'Red Sunset'. These cultivars will perform well in the conditions described and all three will provide beautiful fall foliage displays. The pin oak (Quercus palustris), and willow oak (Quercus phellos) are also suitable and frequently planted in such situations. While they are strong-wooded and not prone to failure, they do produce acorns, which could be a problem. If you decide to go ahead with the planting, your local nurseryman can provide additional assistance and planting information.

Q: Can you tell me if Hickory Trees are toxic to nearby plantings?

A: Dear Sir, The condition to which you are referring is known as allelopathy. It is defined as any direct or indirect harmful effect of one plant on another by the production of chemical substances that escape into the environment. It is of widespread occurrence among many woody plants. In this area, black walnut (Juglans nigra ) is the tree most  commonly associated with this condition. Black walnut is able to affect markedly the growth of other plants through chemical exudate of its foliage and roots. Many other tree species are also known, to a lesser extent, to exhibit this condition including: cherrybark oak, sycamore, hackberry, red and white oaks, ailanthus, sassafras and sugar maple. To my knowledge, hickory trees are not known to express this condition, at least not to any great degree or to the point where it would adversely affect other plants. I have also spoken with other folks in my office and researched the literature available to me to come to this conclusion. Should I come upon any additional material to the contrary, I will let you know.

       The Forest Conservancy District Board for Baltimore County

9405 Old Harford Road

Baltimore, Maryland 21234

(410) 665-5820 

Email Robert Prenger ....... rprenger@dnr.state.md.us

 Melvin Noland ....... mlnoland@bcpl.net