While last week’s column extolled the virtue of autumn colour in deciduous trees, the consideration of what you should plant, how and when is of major importance according to the size of the landscape.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Trees may be used as stabilisers of soil on sites prone to erosion, or as major windbreaks and shelter for cattle on farms. The roots of some trees can help to modify the effects of poorly drained, or waterlogged soil. All trees will help to improve the quality of the air and counteract some of the effects of increasing pollution.
While buying and planting a tree may seem a simple enough exercise, future problems can usually be traced back to a compulsive purchase planted in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In the home garden, the ultimate size of any tree must have a bearing on its placement, so a stroll round the local neighbourhood to look at fully mature specimens will help first-time growers. Future damage to paths, drains, foundations and even roofs, where large branches might fall, can be expensive to rectify.
Trees placed under power lines will eventually require cutting back on an annual basis; and unless placement was considered initially, those with evergreen growth will continue to provide shade to a house all year round.
The site for a tree should be selected before purchase and in the case of an established garden, needs to be compatible with surrounding vegetation, at the same time allowing room for both a root system and healthy crown to develop.
Preparation of a site means more than simply just digging a hole – hopefully a large square one with well roughened sides to allow new root growth to spread.
As long-term plantings, most trees require well drained friable soil. Local soils that are clay-ey can be modified with the use of gypsum or a commercial clay breaker, while the incorporation of compost, pulverized manure, blood and bone and some coarse river sand will improve the texture of the soil and both its water holding and nutrient capacity, as well as encouraging beneficial bacteria and worms.
Ornamental trees in the home garden do not usually require regular pruning, only judicious trimming. Initially to improve the overall shape of a young tree, then in time to remove low-growing branches which may be over-shading younger shrubs beneath.
