Question
Hello,

We recently moved into a house in Zone 5a.  The backyard is very private and looks like a tropical garden in summer.  The problem is that what we have (and have lots of) is sumac and our neighbours have been asking if we'll remove it as it is intrusive.  Is there anything you can recommend that is relatively fast growing and would provide winter interest as well?

Thanks very much in advance.

Answer
Hello Margaret

Yes, Sumac (or Rhus typhina as it's known in the trade) is very invasive indeed and is far from the best choice as a barrier plant.

Why not try something like the strawberry tree (Arbutus andrachnoides)a large evergreen shrub that provides large, edible winter berries. Alternatively, try a Garrya elliptica or, if a combination of a small tree and a small winter-flowering shrub would be ok, then try a nespolo (Eriobotrya japonica) and a simple red camellia, as the Eriobotrya will provide the height and the camellia- the flowers.

Let me know if you need any more help and the best of luck!

Kind regards

Jonathan www.ecologica.com