Native Plants
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
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Thursday - August 16, 2012
From: Munroe Falls, OH
Region: Midwest
Topic: Trees
Title: A tap-rooted tree for Munroe Falls, OH?
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Hello.. We need to find a fast growing shade tree which has a tap root or a heart root system. No surface roots please. We live in Munroe Falls, Ohio which I believe is Zone 5. Let us know your thoughts.ANSWER:
We're sorry to say there is no tree that meets your criteria. A number of tree species are deep-rooted or have tap roots, but none have no surface roots. Also, in general, fast-growing trees are more shallow-rooted.
We would recommend one of several native oaks in the white oak group that are native to Ohio. Among them are: White Oak, Quercus alba, Bur Oak, Quercus macrocarpa; Chinkapin Oak, Quercus muhlenbergii and Chestnut Oak, Quercus prinus. Any of these would make a very fine shade tree for your garden.
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