Question
We are planning a new home in southern Alabama. What variety of maple should we consider for the best color. Also, what are you referring to when you say trees planted on the south side. I also want good grass underneath. Any suggestions for other colorful trees would be helpful.

Answer
Hi Douglas;
I don't know what kind of trees do best i your area, and the color depends somewhat on the soil conditions there.
Maples are shallow rooted trees and are shorter lived. Also, with shallow rooted trees, they teir roots tend to come up close to the surface and even come out of the soil some. This wreaks havoc with grasses are plants growing at the feet of these trees. The roots rob the soil of all the nutrients and tere is little left for other growth.
I have a fruitless mulberry out front, and to keep the roots deep enough to grow grass under that tree, I fed and watered it with a Ross Root Feeder.
The roots go where the water is, so I put more water underneath the roots to make them reach down to get it.

I searched for information on growing trees in Alabama, and I think I found a site that will gfive you just about any information you need.
Go check out these sites.

http://www.alabamaforests.org/management_for_trees/

http://www.ag.auburn.edu/hort/landscape/hurricane_BMPs2.htm

l

Charlotte