It WAS a pretty tree, but it was obviously leaning a bit, and had a hollow spot at the base — once it fell, it was plain to see that it was rotting at the roots. But my goodness, it was full of green leaves! I suppose it WAS dangerous to try to keep it.
Harmony, the tree man suggests oaks. I know they will take forever to really shade the porch but he said for $100 each, we should be able to get fairly sturdy size ones.
I love dogwoods, but kinda thinking I need something bigger for this area. Same with redbud, if I’m picturing them right. True, all have pros and cons. Tree man discouraged me re: maples — said the roots cause problems. My mother definitely would discourage pecans and magnolias, because they drop stuff that causes mower difficulties.
Nothing is perfect.