Discussions

Sorry, I don't mean at all to be argumentative but I just felt a need to defend the tree. I moved in the early spring and didn't know what I had here at my new house, it turned out to be a mature basswood tree. My tree is making quite a mess as well but even so it's lovely to sit out under it. It must be several degrees cooler under the tree and is so lovely to sit there on really hot days. It also supports a lot of wildlife in the way of beneficial insects and birds. I feel so lucky to have it on my property.

Literally all trees make a mess. They are living things and have a life cycle to complete. We have multiple species of trees on our property (including a linden, a Manitoba maple (box elder), apple, and another tree we haven't figured out yet) and they all make different messes. Our neighbours have elms, populars, cottonwoods and they all make different messes in out yard. Even our pine tree makes sticky yellow pollen that makes a mess of everything.  
 
Trees, for all their mess, are worth it if for not other reason than cited in the post above.

I am aware though of the tree qualities. Like other posts have said trees are living and most make some mess of sorts. It is apart of living with nature.

45!years ago I went to Patmores to buy a tree and they told me to buy a Basswood as they are a great shade tree and I have not regretted it. They do leave a mess but I enjoy sitting under it as our deck faces south and it is cooler sitting under it.

Just get a leaf blower you can suck them leafs up with, hit it and quit it, then enjoy the shade.  
 
It's just a tree man, it's not trying to bum you out.

Nature is messy. Trees are the reason we can live on this planet. I’ll give them space to live as is.  
My first house had 3 huge elms in front yard. Leaves covered my feet in the fall. Clean it up and then mulch what is left.

Agree 100%.

If you think basswoods trees are to messy what tree would you plant for shade. I like my basswood and I have a blower to keep deck clean. The City does not plant elm trees no more because of Dutch Elm disease and they have replaced a lot with basswood trees.

Everyone has their favorites and some have their hate list. I enjoy all trees, actually. But I highly dislike the caragana. I can't stress that enough. It was fun when I was a kid (I liked cooking with the "bananas" but it made for poor forts with all the thorns), but once you have them planted and you are an adult dealing with them, they are more like a really bad weed than fun.  
 
You are right about doing your research thoroughly and pusuing solid answers to your questions. Research done well is your best friend. That is how I operate.  
 
When I worked selling trees long ago, I was careful to ask questions of the buyer to find something for them that would suit them & their yard best, then try my best to match them with the perfect tree. I would try to be as thorough as possible, letting people know pros & cons. I wanted the customer to be happy.  
 
But, it is wise to research first, or go to the nursery to see what is available and with your new found knowledge, go back home & do your own research. Make sure that you are very well informed, like with anything else.  
 
Possibly the salesperson did not know to ask questions. Maybe they don't actually know much about the trees they sell. Possibly they don't even care...it's just a job.  
 
You can always go prepared to ask questions & the salesperson should be able to answer or find the answer for you in a reference book that is at the sales desk.  
 
People tend to just go buy and either don't do their research or not even listen to advice. There are a lot of trees & shrubs that are inappropriately planted (placement by house, sidewalks, foundations/ driveways, too close together) or don't suit the person's needs in some way. Just a simple drive around Brandon will tell you a lot about some of the people who planted years ago without a thought of how big something will grow, the damage or inconvenience it might cause, etc.  
 
Edited by Flutterby, 2021-08-05 10:51:35

Trees and shrubs under environmental stress will drop leaves early and produce many more seeds as usual when they lack moisture.  
 
Many common varieties will do this during a period of severe drought. During an unusually hot and dry summer, leaves tend to drop much earlier than usual, produce more seeds and may be more susceptible to disease and insects. It's the tree's defense mechanism in trying to conserve what resources it has. They know how to conserve little to no water supply so they can survive. Most trees will nicely recover eventually.  
 
If you notice, there are lots of different variety of trees in our immediate area that are showing unusual displays of dropping seeds and shedding leaves. They're stressed out due to drought conditions in many areas of Manitoba. I see many residential streets and avenues full of seeds and leaves through City travel.  
 
Think of how you might drop and wilt, feel stressed out or not be at your majestic glory while baking in higher heat temps, blazing sun and with little or no water to sustain you.  
 
I also agree with a previous post to fully research trees in your area to find a good fit for your space and maintenance requirements. It's good to know their habits and growing patterns and if they are a cleaner tree.  
 
As for leaves dropping, your tree or trees might be disappointing right now, but they are just doing what they do when they are faced with a severe lack of water.  
 
I enjoy what they provide to beautiful spaces in their good years. You might need to give them some sympathetic thoughts right now It's very much an off year.

My basswood is making a huge mess this year, worse than any other year I can remember in our 9 years here. The drought is most likely playing a part.  
Mine overhangs our deck, which is great for the shade, but good lord it’s making a mess. The dried blossoms this year were brutal, and they coincided with the aphids, which meant they are sticky as well. I washed and scrubbed tinge deck and all the furniture and kids toys, and now the seeds are falling. Much earlier than normal, and therefore much smaller, and harder to walk on/clean up.  
I’m ready for a day of rain to wash the aphid crap away for sure.