We suggest considering alternatives. Able to withstand dry, acid or alkaline soils, windy conditions and city grime, the Hackberry is well-suited to urban conditions. Its fruit is attractive to wildlife and it is noted as well for interesting wart-like protrusions on its bark. Grows to 40' to 60'. Its white spring flowers become grow into orange or red fruit that attracts birds come autumn.
Hawthorns offer great fall color and are available in thornless varieties.
A small tree or large shrub noted for its fragrant cream-colored June flowers and glossy brown bark. It is extremely urban tolerant and offers a nice yellow fall color. Develops a pyramidal outline in youth, and a rounded to broad-rounded appearance upon maturity. The trees are a lustrous dark green in the summer and yellow-brown to russet red in the fall.