Deodar cedars, or Cedrus deodara, are indeed considered to be messy trees. They have a tendency to drop a significant amount of needles and cones, creating a litter on the ground beneath them. This can be quite a nuisance, especially if the tree is planted near sidewalks or paved areas where the fallen debris can become a slipping hazard or cause damage to the pavement.
When considering the placement of Deodar cedars as street trees, it is important to take into account their messy habits. It would be wise to plant them at a distance from sidewalks and street paving, so that the fallen needles and cones do not accumulate in these areas. This will help to minimize the maintenance required to keep the surroundings clean and safe.
Despite their messy habits, Deodar cedars can still be an attractive and interesting choice for street trees. They have a distinctive, elegant appearance with their sweeping branches and silver-blue needles. By removing the lower branches, the tree can be shaped into a more formal and appealing street tree, adding beauty to the urban landscape.
In terms of practical considerations, Deodar cedars have some qualities that make them suitable for street planting. They are resistant to damage by deer, which can be a common problem in many areas. This makes them a durable choice that can withstand browsing by wildlife without being significantly harmed.
Another advantage of Deodar cedars is their moderate salt tolerance. This can be particularly useful in areas where road salt is commonly used during winter months to melt ice and snow. Salt can be damaging to many tree species, but Deodar cedars are able to tolerate it to some extent, making them a resilient choice for street planting in salt-prone areas.
In my personal experience as a gardening and landscaping expert, I have come across situations where Deodar cedars have been planted as street trees. While they do require some extra maintenance to keep the surrounding area clean, their beauty and resilience make them a worthwhile choice. By considering their messy habits and taking appropriate measures to mitigate any potential issues, Deodar cedars can be successfully integrated into urban landscapes as attractive and interesting street trees.
