Native trees/shrubs for a windbreak?

[BobG]

I've got a 30' gap in my garden that I need to fill with a tall hedge or some fast(ish) growing trees. The hedge is 250m above sea level in a very exposed area. I have a staghorn tree in the garden but this regularly loses branches to the wind.

I'd like to use native plants to keep the garden in keeping with the surrounding fields.

Trees that are found in the area include ash, sycamore, hawthorn, rowan, damson, elder and yew.

 

What would you suggest that I plant?

[RobArb]

If you really are coastal what about Hippophae rhamnoides - Sea buckthorn

 

It copes well with salt laden winds is attractive with the blueish leaves and orange fruit and grows on nutrient deficient soil, but though, it can sucker, but if your prepared to put up with those it does make a good large tall bushy (and spiky) hedge

 

 

Then again, what about Corylus avellana - Hazel, another good quick growing tree that can be used as a hedge due to its low form, it would need pruning/coppicing to stop it from becoming too big but think of all those hazelnuts

Edited October 24, 2011 by RobArb

[richyrich]

i'd maybe try hawthorn and hazel- you see plenty doing ok in yorkshire dales in exposed areas- mainly the thorn though!

[RobArb]

I can also recommend

 

Euonymus europaeus - Spindle Tree

Ilex aquifolium - Holly

Taxus baccata - Yew

Viburnum lantana - Wayfaring tree, and definately worth considering the..

Viburnum opulus - Guelder Rose

 

All natives:biggrin:

[WeeDee]

What about Gorse?

[RobArb]

yes gorse - Ulex europaeus they are prone to failure at the rootplate though

[Mortimer Firewood]

I would go for yew once its roots take it will grow quite quick as long as its well drained soil imo it makes one of the neatest hedges there is.

[BobG]

Any gorse within 100 metres of my property will get burnt. It's taken years to get rid of the stuff.

[RobArb]

definitely Viburnum opulus or Taxus baccata

 

Sent from Rob's GalaxySII

[Graham]

I'd give the yew a miss if you border onto grazing.

[landylass2a]

Definately no Yew near stock grazing