small irrigation system - species selection

[fattyphatcakes]

I have a customer who is building a house on a sw facing slope. Sun most of the day, very dry, acidic soil (pondo's are the dominant species around here especially on south facing slopes) and very good drainage. He wants to plant a deciduous tree on the south side of the house to block some sun in the summer. There are very few deciduous trees that would naturaly grow in this spot. There are some siberian elms and cottonwoods in the area, but I'm guessing that they are taking advangage of very local topography eg. gulleys where water collects and moves down the mountain.

I know I'll have to ammend the soil and mulch well. My questions are these:

1) What species of tree would you plant on this site?

2) What kind if irrigation system, if any.

If irrigation is only neccessary to establish the tree I would just recommend a soaker hose. However, on this site it may be necessary to support a good shade tree.

 

[TreemanFJR]

This may help you.


Species Selection

 

[fattyphatcakes]

thanks, that's what I was searching for.

Anybody have much experience with kentucky coffeetrees? I havn't seen too many around here. Nice looking tree though.

 

[Nickrosis]

Originally posted by fattyphatcakes
thanks, that's what I was searching for.

Anybody have much experience with kentucky coffeetrees? I havn't seen too many around here. Nice looking tree though.

No experience in Colorado, but here in Wisconsin, it's a great tree. Does well in sandy soil with little irrigation, in my experience.