and reduced its effective size. The maple posed another problem—a threat of wrist injury to golfers taking a divot. In a more suitable location, this maple would have been revered; planted where it was, it was only loathed. Intellectually, almost everyone agreed the tree presented a significant problem that could only be solved by its removal, but they found it emotionally difficult to allow that to happen. But, happen it did, and now the tee and the entire golf hole are so dramatically improved that almost no one misses or even mentions that maple. Instead, they wonder why the tree wasn’t taken out long ago.
So put Scott’s knowledge to work for you. Use his experience, intellect, and insights to make your large or small property better.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Hurdzan, Ph.D.
ASGCA
Hurdzan Golf Design
Preface
to the Expanded Edition
IT HAS BEEN five years since the release of Desirable Trees for the Midwest: 50 for the Home Landscape and Larger Properties. I felt it was time to offer a somewhat different, expanded version with photographs, both new and a few old; 15 more trees to consider; and, of course, some new cultivars available in the trade.
In this edition, the vast majority of the color photographs are my own. From the many interactions I have had through book signings and speaking engagements, it is very evident that consumers greatly appreciate seeing the trees in their various forms throughout the growing seasons. Why pay a large amount of money for a tree without knowing or being able to see what it looks like in progressing stages of the year? I took the photographs using a Panasonic Lumix digital camera along with an Apple iPhone.
There are 15 more trees recommended in this edition for the Midwest. Because of the warmer temperature shifts in our climate, more trees were added. These trees still are site specific, each requiring its particular shade, protection, and/or watering needs.
That people from homeowners to green industry professionals actually use the book as a reference has been very rewarding to me. Whether a tree is selected to be grown for shade, fall color, ornamental bark, or spring flowering, or for another purpose, this book will give you the ability to visualize the tree and read about its culture before it is planted. Gone are the days of only looking at illustrations and/or black and white photographs.
From a “green” perspective, trees are a very important part of the environment, one that helps to beautify communities and neighborhoods. A well-designed landscape not only can add beauty to your property but also can reduce your cooling and heating costs. Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25 percent of the energy a typical household uses. Research shows that summer daytime air temperatures can be three to six degrees cooler in tree-shaded neighborhoods than in treeless areas.
Trees can help a home be more energy efficient by providing shade, reflecting heat, and blocking those cold winter winds. Deciduous shade trees planted to the south and west will help keep your home cool in the summer and allow sun to shine through the windows in the winter. They also cool sidewalks and driveways that reflect heat. Planting evergreen trees to the north and west can block winter winds, improving energy efficiency.
The emerald ash borer continues to wreak its havoc across the Midwestern parts of the United States. The effects are devastating. This book offers solid replacement alternatives for those unfortunate enough to lose an ash tree.
This edition is published in a very nice compact 7 x 10-inch paperback form. Compared to the first edition, costs have been decreased, enabling, I hope, more readers to get this book into their hands.
Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm.
Preface
to the First Edition
WHEN I WAS asked to chair the Scarlet Restoration Committee at The Ohio State University Golf Club in 2003 by Director of Athletics Andy Geiger, little did I know that it would lead me to write this book.
We removed quite a few trees from the Scarlet Golf Course and I quickly realized there were no guides or writings listing desirable trees for use on golf courses. Naturally, this crosses over into many other areas, too.
With so many golf courses now taking out larger amounts of overgrown, poorly selected, and site-planted trees, it made sense that they have a replanting program established with the idea to plant trees more suitable to the golf course but more importantly for the growth of turfgrass.
I have tried very hard to make this user-friendly to all readers whether they are golf course superintendents, golf course architects, green committee members, horticulturists, arborists, grounds professionals, master gardeners, home gardeners, or homeowners.
Cultivars are listed but are not necessarily functionally better than the species. Cultivars are normally selected for marketing characteristics or purposes.
I sincerely hope this book is informative, useful, and educational for all of you. I also hope it provides thought and reason for help in selecting the desirable tree.
For additional copies of this book, please visit www.desirabletrees.com.
Acknowledgments
THIS BOOK WOULD not be possible without the support and assistance of many special friends and people. It was a long journey—one that took longer than anticipated—but nonetheless was very rewarding. Writing a book takes discipline and requires much patience.
I wish to thank Ohio State University Professor Emeritus Dr. Steven Still for his advice, guidance, and photographs. I was privileged to have Steven, a true plantsman, as my instructor and mentor for all of my OSU horticulture identification classes, consisting of woody plants, trees, shrubs, and perennials. He is currently Executive Director of the Perennial Plant Association.
I wish to thank Dr. Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA, for his encouragement to author this book. A noted and respected golf course architect, Mike has received the Donald Ross Award from the American Society of Golf Course Architects. This award is given annually to a person who has made significant contributions to the game of golf and golf course architecture. It is the organization’s highest honor.
I wish to thank OSU Professor Dr. Karl Danneberger who thought I had a good idea that would be helpful when I approached him about writing this book. An agronomist, Karl is a noted turfgrass expert in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science.
The following individuals and organizations helped in numerous ways—from providing photographs and literature, sharing their knowledge and experience, and allowing me to ask their advice. They are:
James Chatfield: Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science and Department of Plant Pathology; The Ohio State University
Steve Cothrel: Superintendent of Parks & Forestry; City of Upper Arlington, Ohio
Dr. David Gardner: Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science; The Ohio State University
Dr. Randall Heiligmann: Professor Emeritus, School of Environment and Natural Resources; The
