[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by philnpat

As was mentioned before, most of us live on postage stamp size lots. If you plant an oak, it HAS to be near a driveway, roof, lanai or birdcage. Not in my yard...I think I'll pass. I'll enjoy the oaks planted elsewhere where they are not a problem.

No, an oak doesn't have to be near the areas you mention. First of all, there are many different types of oaks. A laurel oak, for instance, is more upright, as opposed to spreading.

There are many properties where there is space to plant an oak. Premiere lots are larger as are those on a cul-de-sac or golf course.

[philnpat]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

No, an oak doesn't have to be near the areas you mention. First of all, there are many different types of oaks. A laurel oak, for instance, is more upright, as opposed to spreading.

There are many properties where there is space to plant an oak. Premiere lots are larger as are those on a cul-de-sac or golf course.

So we agree that most of us do not live on lots that will reasonably accept an oak tree, as most of us do not live on premier lots, cul-de-sacs or golf courses.

[jimbo2012]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

Palm trees are not a good choice for being planted that close to a dwelling because probably, you very well could end up with rats on your roof and ultimately, in your attic.

That's a gross overstatement,

If it were such a problem you would see small metal rat guards that prevent rodents from climbing into the trees all round TV, you don't!

trimming dead fronds will be the preventive maintenance.

But you will notice TV doesn't trim off any of the palms and still see no rodents.

PS: citrus trees are also subject if not more so.

[Polar Bear]

While caution is necessary when planting oaks...and many other trees...it's not the extreme problem some have described. We live on a standard, interior lot. We have a live oak in the center of our front yard. It's plenty far from our house, all driveways and the street and it's has all the space it needs to mature. No negative impacts at all unless a bit of leaf raking/mowing is not your thing. And there's not even much of that compared to many other types of trees.

And oh yeah...forgot to mention...it's beautiful.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

While caution is necessary when planting oaks...and many other trees...it's not the extreme problem some have described. We live on a standard, interior lot. We have a live oak in the center of our front yard. It's plenty far from our house, all driveways and the street and it's has all the space it needs to mature. No negative impacts at all unless a bit of leaf raking/mowing is not your thing. And there's not even much of that compared to many other types of trees. And oh yeah...forgot to mention...it's beautiful.

PB, could you please post a picture?

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

PB, could you please post a picture?

Our oak is pretty young...not one of those ancient, sprawling oaks. I was using ours as an example just to say there is plenty of room on an average (small) lot.

I'll still post a picture if you like, Barefoot...just wanted you to know it's not one of the huge oaks, if that's what you're looking for.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

Our oak is pretty young...not one of those ancient, sprawling oaks. I was using ours as an example just to say there is plenty of room on an average (small) lot.

I'll still post a picture if you like, Barefoot...just wanted you to know it's not one of the huge oaks, if that's what you're looking for.

I would like to see a picture.
And I'm also wondering whether you planted the tree or if you "inherited" it by buying a resale.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I would like to see a picture.
And I'm also wondering whether you planted the tree or if you "inherited" it by buying a resale.

Here is a photo of my "inherited" oak tree. Not a great photo...took it today with overcast skies. But it gives the idea of spacing, etc.

By the way, birds love it. There is a hawk or falcon that visits the tree regularly. (Of course the other birds don't liked that so much...heheh.) Very cool for those that like such things.

[angiefox10]

Don't we all just plant what WE like?

[joldnol]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

Here is a photo of my "inherited" oak tree. Not a great photo...took it today with overcast skies. But it gives the idea of spacing, etc.

By the way, birds love it. There is a hawk or falcon that visits the tree regularly. (Of course the other birds don't liked that so much...heheh.) Very cool for those that like such things.

nice

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

Here is a photo of my "inherited" oak tree. Not a great photo...took it today with overcast skies. But it gives the idea of spacing, etc.

By the way, birds love it. There is a hawk or falcon that visits the tree regularly. (Of course the other birds don't liked that so much...heheh.) Very cool for those that like such things.

Nice tree. You referred to is as a young tree-- will it double in size?

[Polar Bear]

I'm far from an expert, but live oaks grow fast when they're young. The growth rate slows as they age. In a VERY long time, this tree could probably double in size.

Ideally, for my tastes, the oak could have been centered in the front yard a bit more, and the palm tree to the right not planted at all. The palm is actually too close to the oak. Unfortunately, mature size wasn't adequately considered when they were planted. Could cost the palm tree its life someday.

[kittygilchrist]

Anyone interested in research-based information may bring questions to the UF agricultural extension office, known as IFAS and frequently in the daily sun as Master Gardeners.
Google sumter ifas...
Otherwise, you are likely left with nothing more than a casual opinion...

[joldnol]

Originally Posted by kittygilchrist

Anyone interested in research-based information may bring questions to the UF agricultural extension office, known as IFAS and frequently in the daily sun as Master Gardeners.
Google sumter ifas...
Otherwise, you are likely left with nothing more than a casual opinion...

good to know

[Bonanza]

My Previous Quote: Palm trees are not a good choice for being planted that close to a dwelling because probably, you very well could end up with rats on your roof and ultimately, in your attic.

*******

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

That's a gross overstatement,

If it were such a problem you would see small metal rat guards that prevent rodents from climbing into the trees all round TV, you don't!

trimming dead fronds will be the preventive maintenance.

But you will notice TV doesn't trim off any of the palms and still see no rodents.

PS: citrus trees are also subject if not more so.

Sorry, Jimbo, but what I said is not a gross overstatement. Most people wouldn't know they have a rat issue because you'll probably only see rats at night and almost never during the day.

In addition, TV does trim palm trees in all the common ground areas. Perhaps you are speaking of the Washingtonia palms which develop a "skirt" and the "skirt" is never trimmed.

It isn't the dead fronds that are the problem; it's the live green ones that hang over rooftops and it's the Queen palms which are the biggest culprits -- far worse than any other palm.

I'm sorry but I'm not sure what you mean: "citrus trees are also subject if not more so." Subject to what?