• Canada Red Chokecherry — Large shrub that suckers or train to tree form. Grows to 20 feet tall in well-drained soil.

• Red Rocket Crapemyrtle — Fast growing, durable, mildew resistant, grows to 20 feet tall.

PLANTING TIPS

Fall is the ideal time to put trees and shrubs in their permanent location. Abner said their roots would have plenty of time to settle in before freezing temperatures arrive and they will benefit from early spring rain.

Dig a hole the same depth as the distance from the top of the soil in the can to the bottom of the can. Widen the hole to 3 to 5 times the diameter of the container. Crumble the dirt removed.

Remove the plant from the container and loosen the roots.

Place the plant in the center of the hole and fill with the original soil. Do not amend the soil. Water it in, let the soil settle and fill the hole no higher than the top of the root ball. The root ball can be 1 inch above the surrounding soil.

To stake the tree, put one stake on each side and make an eight shape out of soft material. Top the planting area with 2 inches of mulch spread out to the edge of the planting area. Leave 5 inches around the trunk free of mulch.

Resist pruning. The lower branches protect the trunk from sunscald in the summer. Maintain a 3 to 5 foot weed-free zone around the trunk. Water weekly if there is no rain and only when the temperatures are above freezing.

Wrap the trunk in harsh winters. Some insects make homes inside trunk wrapping, so check periodically to keep the tree trunk healthy.

Fertilize newly planted trees in their second year. Fertilizing at planting time can push new growth of branches and leaves that the trees are not able to support.