what tree to choose as grow-your-own Armco?

[noco]

Traffic is becoming more brutal every day.

What trees would you plant as a quick growing crash barrier?

We are looking for a  variety that forms a sturdy trunk asap.  They will have to withstand pruning to keep them under control.
We have grown Lombardy Poplars already, but naturally pruning does stunt the rate of growth somewhat. 

Any advice as to what would be the would  the best time prune?

 

Thank you in advance.

[Mark J]

18 minutes ago, benedmonds said:

 Apparently 3000 people a year killed in the US driving into trees..

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.irf.global/wp-content/uploads/Bradley-Winkelbauer-The_Killer_Tree_Problem.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwi10OTckIvzAhVRglwKHZbuCqQQFnoECEUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0UMM2QuZMn6SUdgK8zWZyB

There are 2 trees both within a mile of where I live which young men/boys have killed themselves by driving too fast into them the last few years. Both now shrines with attached football kits and photos..

 

I guess felling all roadside trees could save  quite as few lives, but I would suggest that would be a disproportionate response..

Target fixation - Wikipedia

EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG

 

[benedmonds]

1 hour ago, Mark J said:

Target fixation - Wikipedia

EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG

 

I don't think target fixation is the problem with trees, it's more excess speed and drivers losing control.  

 

Interestingly the wiki description mentions paragliding and I have a vivid memory from 25 years ago crashing a hang glider in a classic target fixation moment. Loads of space to land and I went straight into this boat. Quite embaracing as we were promoting tandem flights infront of a packed restaurant at the time.. 

 

 

 

[Mark J]

2 minutes ago, benedmonds said:

I don't think target fixation is the problem with trees, it's more excess speed and drivers losing control.  

 

Interestingly the wiki description mentions paragliding and I have a vivid memory from 25 years ago crashing a hang glider in a classic target fixation moment. Loads of space to land and I went straight into this boat. Quite embaracing as we were promoting tandem flights infront of a packed restaurant at the time.. 

 

 

 

It's a bit of both:
 

WWW.TANDFONLINE.COM

I'd quite like a go at hang gliding.

 

 

Edited September 19, 2021 by Mark J

[coppice cutter]

Hazel is a good shout if you have the width available to make it several rows deep.

 

Failing that, buy some s/h armco, put it in yourself, and plant beech hedging up against it to keep it hidden.

[Toad]

Armco/vrs/crash barrier is about reducing the energy and redirecting vehicles, not bringing them to a sudden, solid stop, its also supposed to move a bit to do this, so some of the suggestions of multistemmed thinner plants might be more fitting than massive fatties that cause the car to disintegrate on impact.

[openspaceman]

3 hours ago, Toad said:

Armco/vrs/crash barrier is about reducing the energy and redirecting vehicles, not bringing them to a sudden, solid stop, its also supposed to move a bit to do this, so some of the suggestions of multistemmed thinner plants might be more fitting than massive fatties that cause the car to disintegrate on impact.

This is why I thought dragon's teeth were good, only 500mm above the ground and a bit more below the car rips its bottom out, absorbing energy as it pushes the tooth over, without impinging on the passenger compartment, I have reason to take this view.

[Rough Hewn]

This is why I thought dragon's teeth were good, only 500mm above the ground and a bit more below the car rips its bottom out, absorbing energy as it pushes the tooth over, without impinging on the passenger compartment, I have reason to take this view.

Really good vs main battle tanks too. [emoji106]

[openspaceman]

1 minute ago, Rough Hewn said:

Really good vs main battle tanks too.

I was thinking of sweet chestnut rather than concrete 😉

Edited September 20, 2021 by openspaceman

[Rough Hewn]

I was thinking of sweet chestnut rather than concrete [emoji6]

I love sweet chestnut,
But no it sadly wouldn’t stop a T72.
🤷🏽‍♂️