After waiting a month, the new tree I purchased arrived. I bought a Royal Raindrops Crabapple tree, but rather than buying a young tree from a a big-box store, I decided to spend some money to purchase a more established tree.
Given its size and weight, I decided to pay to have it delivered and installed. I decided to place it close to an existing Spirea and near the center point of the new fence (which is still under construction).
The purpose of the tree was to alter the view of the garden area along the side of the garage. There are in fact two separate gardens in this location. Along the driveway is the viewing garden, while along the garage wall is the stroll garden. The tree is being placed near the center of the two gardens and will help differentiate the transition from one garden area to the other.
I also clipped some of the branches so that one can walk along the stepping stones without bumping into low hanging branches. In time, the tree will continue to grow upwards and I will keep clipping once its gets established and over the shock of the transplant.
To celebrate the new tree, my wife and I decided to name the tree in honor of Edna Krabappel, Bart Simpson's elementary school teacher. Given our background as educators, it seemed most appropriate.
In the meantime, I am so happy with the tree. The canopy is not yet full, but it already takes one's eyes away from the ugly house next door, another intent of placing the tree in this location.
