Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, October 6, 1994                   TAG: 9410060006
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-11   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Joe Hunnings
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

PICK TREES THAT CUT YARD WASTE

In these days of environmentally conscious homeowners, one important factor is how the tree contributes to yard waste. Trees drop leaves in the fall, there are branches from pruning, and there may be fruit.

The following trees minimize yard waste by their minimal pruning requirements, quickly decomposing leaves and relatively little fruit drop. They are also attractive landscape trees.

Amelanchier arborea - Downy Serviceberry, Juneberry, Shadbush: This member of the rose family has a white flower show in the spring, fruit in the summer, yellow to red fall color, and an ornamental bark that is visible in winter. It is a good native, four-season plant for naturalizing and border plantings. Most of its fruit is eaten by birds; its small leaves are dry and decompose quickly and it needs little pruning.

Cornus mas - Corneliancherry Dogwood: This dogwood of European origin bursts into yellow flower in March before any other small shrubs or trees are blooming in Virginia. This small tree also has bright-red, cherry-like fruits that birds love and a rust-colored exfoliating bark that is noticeable in winter. Most of its fruit is eaten by birds; its small leaves are dry and decompose quickly, and it needs little pruning.

Koelreuteria paniculata - Panicled Goldenraintree: This tree has ascending branches that bear 12- to 15-inch panicles of yellow flowers in late June and early July. It adapts to a wide range of soils and withstands the drought and heat common during Virginia summers. Leaf litter is not significant; pods hang on through winter and decompose fast, once pushed off in the spring.

Oxydendron arboreum - Sourwood, sorrel tree, lily of the valley tree: This native tree has an interesting pyramidal habit with drooping branches. Blooms are similar to those found on lily of the valley plants that open in June and cover the foliage with white flowers. The fall color is striking, with a mottling of red and purple. Fruit capsules dry and hang on the plant until spring and present no litter problem; it needs limited pruning.

Zelkova serrata - Japanese zelkova: This member of the elm family is resistant to Dutch Elm Disease. It has blue-green summer foliage, handsome cherry-like bark and a pleasant vase shape. It serves well as a street tree or in other urban plantings. Relatively small, thin leaves all fall within a week or two, so they can be picked up in one raking; there is no fruit litter and little twig drop.

Joe Hunnings is the Virginia Cooperative Extension agent for agriculture in the Montgomery County Extension Office in Christiansburg. If you have questions, call him at 382-5790.|