Found this growing in a small bed at a property I am looking at. There were also some boxwoods that had died obviously from lack of water. This thing is thriving in the same bed, but I think it is a weed or perhaps a young trash tree starting to grow up. Am I correct? I cannot convince myself that it is a shrub.

pecan or hickory -

Really???? I am very surprised!! Well, it cannot stay there. I would have to move it. My guess then would be pecan from where a bird or something dropped the seed. I cannot imagine anyone intentionally planting a tree that close to the foundation. Thanks!

yes ...at maturity around 80' tall ....

might not be able to save it without damaging the root system ....and/or costing big $

I suspect the shrubs died because of landscape fabric or plastic. Should be easy to remove the little tree and fabric or plastic and then voila! Lovely blank canvas to garden.

It looks like the tree to the left was intentionally planted too close to the house. That is going to beat-up the gutter & roof edge any time the wind is whipping.

Love that sheltered doorway. I can already see some potted plants there.

^^^ Yes, it is a little late to do anything this year, but it will be a nice blank canvas for the Spring if all works out.

I agree that tree by the window is lovely but was not planted in the best spot.

deepsouth said:
might not be able to save it without damaging the root system.

Actually... It would be fairly easy to dig and replant this Autumn.

Pecan and hickory have taproots at that size... (no lateral roots).

I think above tree is a pecan.

Edit:
Please add a location to your profile...

I agree with stone.

Okay, now I will have to educate myself re tap roots and lateral roots.... I think the best thing to do is to remove this tree and offer it to anyone in the area who might want it.

Could be. Without knowing your location, it's hard to say.

I am in the southwest part of the country---long, very hot, very humid Summers.

Hot humid Summer... Do you mean the South East?
Humidity doesn't seem like it goes much further west than East Texas.

Please tell us a state... Or... Add one to your profile... Helps us to understand your gardening conditions...