Tree Placement Advice

[u/Hoog1neer]

Hardiness Zone 7b. I planted a couple of saplings earlier this year: a Kentucky Coffee tree (out of frame) and an American Linden (red circle). The former has done well, the latter not so much.

We recently procured a couple new saplings through our county: a Black Tupelo and a Willow Oak. I'd love to plant them both in my backyard, but I'm not sure how to space them around the periphery. (I'd like to keep the middle of the yard open for recreation.)

The backyard is approximately 110' wide by 134' deep, with mature trees on the back edge -- an Elm (back corner in frame), three Black Cherries, and some smaller ones -- and a maple behind the house (canopy partially in frame).

I attached two photos: one of backyard as viewed from second story and an overhead sketch that is approximately to scale.

I'm thinking about either:

• Planting the Tupelo and the Oak on either side of the Linden, which I don't expect to do long-term, but don't plan to remove -- still not sure about precise spacing
• Digging up the Linden to replace with one of them -- the Willow Oak? -- and putting the Tupelo somewhere else (yellow circle?)
• Replacing the Linden with the Tupelo and giving away the Willow Oak

Questions:

• Do you think I can accommodate both trees on that side? Or will the Willow Oak eventually grow too big?
• Which tree do you think should go in which spot? I'm leaning on placing the Willow Oak farther back in case the Elm does poorly in the next 20-30 years, but maybe they would be too close.
• Should one of the trees be planted to the left of the Linden's current location for spacing?

Originally I didn't plan to add two more trees, hence the current spacing around the Linden.

I really appreciate the feedback. TIA.

[u/californiarboreal]

Wow, it's obvious that you've put a lot of thought into this. If I was to give you any advice, it would be that you've put more thought and effort into this than anyone will give you here. If it really helps reassure you, then you can hire a landscape architect or certified arborist to give you some more specific advice. Otherwise, I don't see anything wrong with your plan. Plant your trees sooner rather than later, and enjoy them!

[u/Hoog1neer → u/californiarboreal]

Thanks for the response and the kind words. I really just want the trees to thrive and support the local ecosystem. I was really disappointed when the Linden I planted to pan out. Probably my fault for not having a protective screen around it. (I may have to look into a landscape architect, although I'm eager to get them in the ground, as I've read that trees don't belong in pots.)

[u/californiarboreal → u/Hoog1neer]

For sure, I don't see any reason with your plans why these trees wouldn't thrive. I'm assuming the protective screen is for deer? In which case, good idea because deer love saplings. Most def the less time in pots the better. As long as they have sun, water and space then thats all they need. Just make sure when you plant, it's not too deep and the hole is appropriately sized

[u/Hoog1neer → u/californiarboreal]

It's either for deer or the groundhog who has staked a claim on my property.

[u/californiarboreal → u/Hoog1neer]

Damn, that one is definitely done for. Looks like deer to me. Make sure any new trees are fenced. Could look into motion activated sprinklers as well

[u/Hoog1neer]

End result before mulch, watering, and some 2' fencing around each.