Root Cause of Trouble: Hilariously Bad Tree Choices for Your Lawn!

📅 February 17, 2025 ⏱️ 35:41 🎤 Evan, Greg

Chapters

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0:00

Show Intro & Tech Woes

Evan and Greg begin the episode with typical show intros and discuss Evan's pre-recording computer issues and expensive graphics cards.
1:45

The Problem with Silver Maples

The hosts delve into the first problematic tree, the silver maple, highlighting its messy nature, weak wood, invasive roots, and general undesirability for lawns.
3:24

Weeping Willows & Mulberries

Evan and Greg discuss the issues with weeping willows, primarily their weak branches and messiness, and then mulberries, which cause staining and attract birds.
5:05

Ginkgo & Ash Tree Problems

The conversation shifts to ginkgo trees, noting their smelly fruit, and ash trees, which are susceptible to the emerald ash borer and can be fragile.
6:43

Cottonwood & Black Locust

Cottonwood trees are discussed for their 'summer snow' and air filter clogging, while black locust trees are mentioned for their value but also potential for invasiveness.
8:26

Leland Cypress & Russian Olive

The hosts cover Leland Cypress trees, noting their large size and susceptibility to damage, and the invasive nature of the Russian olive tree.
10:39

Bradford Pear & Tree of Heaven

Bradford pear trees are highlighted for their invasive qualities, leading to bans in some states, and the tree of heaven is described as a fast-growing, highly invasive 'weed tree'.
11:58

Siberian Elm & Norway Maple

The discussion continues with the Siberian elm, deemed an undesirable 'weed tree', and the Norway maple, which creates dense shade preventing grass growth.
14:06

Eucalyptus & Lombardi Poplar

Eucalyptus trees are mentioned for their aggressive growth and hard-to-remove nature, while Lombardi poplar trees are discussed for their rapid growth, aggressive roots, and potential to damage structures.

Speakers

Evan

Host

Greg

Host

Key Takeaways

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Advise clients against planting silver maples due to their messy nature, weak wood, and invasive root systems that damage property and impede grass growth.

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Recommend avoiding weeping willows as their weak branches frequently fall, creating significant cleanup and potential hazards, especially in small yards.

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Warn clients about mulberry and ginkgo trees because of their messy, staining fruit that can attract pests, create slippery surfaces, and ruin patios/decks.

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Educate clients on ash trees' susceptibility to the emerald ash borer, which requires costly treatments or removal, and the general fragility of their branches.

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Stress the importance of air filter maintenance for mowers working near cottonwood trees, as their abundant cotton can quickly clog engines.

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Inform clients about the invasive nature of Bradford pear trees (banned in some states) and the 'weed-like' spread of the tree of heaven, which are difficult to eradicate.

✦

Highlight the structural damage risk from trees like Lombardi poplar, whose aggressive roots can crack driveways and foundations; regularly inspect properties for such issues.

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