Question
I need a suggestion for a tree to plant in front of house facing west that is not too big.  It is replacing a peach tree.  This new tree needs to provide some shade to help with lots of hostas underneeth , not too wide so it does not block to view from the kitchen window and not too tall beacuse their are maples near by.  We would like it too be simular to the peach tree but no fruit tree please.  This is for the area of southwestern ontario Thanks

Answer

Green Ash Hello,

I would suggest Green Ash (fraxinus pennsylvanica). This tree is used as a street tree and so has a high branch height,so it will not block your view from the window. It is of a relatively compact,tall shape.  It reaches a height of about 50 feet and may have a spread of about 30 feet.  It provides good shade,but the shade is not of a dense type. It produces a fruit in the form of a seed pod,but there is a fruitless variety.  Good luck. Let me know if I can be of further help.

Mark  Harshman
http://www.mahdrafting.com
Email: [email protected]

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