Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5
Your front yard is similar to mine, so I can get some ideas from you. Right now it's mostly bark dust with some grasses, flowers, and lavender.
I need to replace 3 birch trees and possibly a willow tree with something else.
|
Birch and Willow usually grow in either the edges of riparian areas, or in places with mild seasonal flooding. If you're not regularly irrigating your yard, that is probably why they're struggling.
For the record, a big part of the reason why I switched to native plants was to avoid irrigation as much as possible. Last year I watered once a week, this year I'm hoping for 2/3 times a month at most.
My recommendation would be to look at your local soil and water conservation district's website, they often sell native plants. For me that's Marion:
https://www.marionswcd.net/little-ha...oject/#species
OSU has an excellent extension service to read up a bit. Depends on what your goals are and how much effort you want to put in really. The very easiest thing you could do is throw down three or four inches of good topsoil over the top of your bark dust and get yourself a couple native plant seed mixes from one of the Soil and Water Conservation District sales or some company like Northwest meadowscapes, and then just give them regular water while they establish.
Stay FAR AWAY from 'wildflower mixes' that aren't from a native plant specialist, as they usually contain a bunch of nonsense in them.
If you live somewhat near the Willamette valley, Oregon White Oak does absolutely incredible with no water during the summer. Though with the changing climate they are starting to need some supplemental water during the summer, but vastly less than most other trees.
Anyway I could ramble all day so let me know if you have specific questions and I will try to keep it brief when I reply