Replacing a Magnolia Tree

[HappyHiker]

We have a small (under 10 ft. Magnolia tree) that screens our screened porch from our neighbors'. It's a volunteer--we didn't plant it.

Though I'm a huge tree-lover, I've had it with this tree. It's constantly shedding leaves..and something about the sound of those tough brown leaves skittering across the brick patio is like fingernails on a blackboard.

Plus the all too frequent task of raking/sweeping up the leaves...

So, long story short, I think we're going to dispatch with the tree...

My question is we're thinking of planting in its place several Oleanders. They do well in our coastal NC zone 8A.

I know they're toxic to cats/dogs, but we & neighbors have neither of them.

We like the Oleander idea as they seem to be "easy keepers" and drought tolerant and the hummingbirds/butterflies are drawn to them

Any advice/observations most welcomed! We'd like a small tree/shrub that stays under 10 feet and keeps leaves all year to serve as a living screening fence..

[iris lilies]

Please send that magnolia tree to me since I’m thinking about planting one soon.

I know nothing about Oleander because it’s too cold here for that.

[HappyHiker]

Please send that magnolia tree to me since I’m thinking about planning one soon.

I know nothing about Oleander because it’s too cold here for that.

Come dig it up and it's yours--for free! Or I can send you a plentiful supply of seeds--they're everywhere!

[catherine]

My son's favorite tree is magnolia, and he is going to be planting one to replace the ash tree that had to be cut down due to Emerald Ash Borer disease. He has been researching the best variety for what would suit our climate and his preferences.

Like IL, I cant speak for oleander. An obvious choice would be some variety of arbor vitae, but they are more boring than beautiful flower-blooming trees and shrubs.

[nswef]

I was just reading about rowan trees (mountain ash- not affected by ash borer) and serviceberry which draws cedr waxwings- I think it comes as a bush or a tree. I'm in zone 6 Maryland

[iris lilies]

I was just reading about rowan trees (mountain ash- not affected by ash borer) and serviceberry which draws cedr waxwings- I think it comes as a bush or a tree. I'm in zone 6 Maryland

But those don’t keep their leaves all year do they?


Her options are limited if she wants greenery all year.

[Tybee]

Oleanders are really lovely--native Georgian here.

[Tiam]

What about a Hawthorn tree?

[HappyHiker]

As we have power lines above where the tree/shrub will be, we need something that stay under 12-14 ft. Or is easy for us to trim with thinner branches. So looking for a small tree or larger shrub--hence the oleander thought...appreciate your suggestions...just might put up a simple trellis or decorative panel with some climbing/flowering vines...of course, a hurricane will make short work of that, I fear.

[Tybee]

How about dwarf fruit tree/s?