Experiment with an Ornamental Tree!

by Sharon Faircloth Living in the mountains, we’re lucky that we don’t often need or want to add trees to our landscape because much of our terrain already enjoys them naturally.   When I moved into my home 40 years ago, owners had to get approval from the HOA to remove a tree.   Now we understand the importance of defensible space and spacing for optimal tree health. When adding to our beautiful landscape, natives should always be your first consideration.   They are already adapted to our climate, soil and moisture.   They require little or no pruning or fertilizing.   With proper site selection, native trees should thrive.   There are a number of Fact Sheets available to help you choose, plant and establish a new tree. Russian Hawthorn (Photo by Sharon Faircloth) If you want to try something ornamental and different, consider the Russian Hawthorn.   The Crataegus ambigua is a member of the Rosaceae family, a non-native but very hardy to Zone 4.   It will do very well in a sunny loca