Marianne's Response

Replace sick red maple

Renovating my front garden: small area, on east side and southeast corner of house. My house and neighbor’s house are tall and mature trees in neighbor’s yard cast shade on area in late afternoon/early evening during summer; longer hours of shade rest of year.

A red maple (not Japanese maple) I planted 20 years ago in that garden has succumbed to verticillium wilt, root girdle, constant case of powdery mildew, and other maladies.

What should I plant in its place? I wanted Stewartia pseudocameillia or Stewartia monodelpha. A landscaper working with me liked the Stewartias too but recently said they might not do well in the hot dry summers we have been experiencing. Her current recommendations: Chinese Fringe Tree, Chiltapa, or Lavalle Hawthorn. I don’t like these alternatives.

Am I looking for disappointment in the years to come if I go with a Stewartia? Any other suggestions?

Posted by Chris Kuepfer on November 13, 2022

Marianne's Response

I love Stewartia! For this reason I may not give you an impartial opinion. The big question is if you live in a climate zone that gets rainfall in the spring and early summer. A tree can survive drought better if the soil is full of moisture early in the summer. I suggest you check to see if any of the trees that were suggested have been doing well at a local arboretum. You can also contact your local Master Gardeners or nursery folk. You did not mention where you garden so I am not sure how much drought this tree would experience. One more tip about the Stewartia. It is related to camellia so like acid soil, shade and some moisture. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

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