Choosing trees

[kerrie]

Hi

I have been asked by a client to plant a few groups of trees on his estate. The soil is very heavy clay and the site is exposed. Eight oak trees died soon after planting a few years ago but the Alder have taken.

 

He wants some Platanus hispanica which may be ok and I was wondering about small groups using trees such as Fraxinus 'Raywood', Liquidamber,Acer platanoides 'Princeton Gold', Sorbus aria 'Lutescens' and Carpinus betulus.

 

Any advice would be really appreciated.

[Bundle 2]

So much of the success of new plantings...and even more so in the situation you describe because it represents a demanding environment for establishment, relies upon correct method and preparation of the planting itself. Aswell as aftercare.

Pick only plants that are in good condition from the nursery. Look to root ball condition and size etc. Include soil amelioration. Consider mulch and or weed control. Water regime for summer months. Even consider using some nursery plants if the site is that harsh. ( these are plants used to "raise" neighbouring stock...an old forestry trick)

Heres some info on the benefits of mulching.

 

I like the choices you cite as tree species. ( On a purely personal note....I like the native species choices especially!) There are a couple good books for those planting....

Roy Lancaster- Which Plant Where. ( a bit less tree oriented perhaps)

Barcham Tree-"Its time for trees"

Clay is a very good soil...it just doesnt drain and roots have difficulty penetrating the dense nature of its structure! Alter this structure to improve drainage. Remember , you need to know what the site is like in as much detail as you can.

Hope this helps. Bonne chance matey!

Using Organic Mulch .pdf

Edited November 27, 2009 by Bundle 2

[kerrie]

Thanks for the speedy reply and info.

 

I use Barchams and have spoken with them to get an idea of cost etc.. They also talked about planting and aftercare. The aftercare is not a problem as they have a gardener but I would like to use a qualified person to plant as being a small lady, not sure if, in fact know, that I am not strong enough to plant around 30 large trees! How do I search on here to find someone near Cambridge/Saffron Walden area?

 

The Forestry Commission have also been really helpful by sending me a plan of the area which is to be planted and a search flagged up drainage issues, suppose that's why the oak died.

[Bundle 2]

Some info on planting...cos its interesting but also, you can weed out the non starters when choosing a contractor when they dont seem to know what they are talking about!!

 

Trees Are Good - Tree Care Information

 

Perhaps you can find a contractor from this list...local to the site?

 

Approved Contractors 2009

[kerrie]

Thanks Bundle 2 for all your help. Glad I joined!

[chilli]

Kerrie, I'm a landscaper in S.Cambs; been putting in trees for the past ten years & have only had one die...( & another mown over by the grass contractor on a village green!)I always go back to check on them. I get all my bare root stock from Coles near Leicester. Are you buying bare root or root ball? Pm me if you think I can help with the planting. Chris

[kerrie]

Thank you to those who responded to my post. I have replied to all but please let me know if you didn't get my response as I am still working out how to use the site and may have made a mistake so will try again!