[SecretGarden]

I'm sure the answer to my question is somewhere in some of the fourms, I just can't find it.

I'm looking for information on or names of trees that will fix nitrogen into the soil such as the legume family and will be happy to grow in Irish conditions.

Our soil is mostly heavy clay and we can be somewhat exposed to wind although I've done a reasonable job of planting over the years to filter it.

I'd be grateful for any information - many thanks

[Dr. Sunny Thomson]

Not a tree but our native Irish gorse fixes nitrogen. No problem with wind either.

[SecretGarden]

Thank you, Dr Sunny Thomson.

I'm really looking for support trees for the canopy layer and the layer below it to sustain food planting in a permaculture system.

Gorse is definitely an option at the shrub layer but I'm having difficulty identifying nitrogen fixing trees for the canopy - it appears as you say they don't exist.

Many thanks
SG

[James Kilkelly]

For nitrogen fixing trees look no further than our native black alder.
Here's a link to a piece I wrote on them........Black Alder ... Alnus glutinosa ... Fearnóg

[SecretGarden]

James

Thank you, I'm really delighted with that information.

[James Kilkelly]

Birch to a lesser extent....... Native Irish birch trees.. Betula pendula / Betula pubescens
The Californian lilac tree ...Ceanothus arboreus to a lesser extent also.
Although it is prone to frost damage and is quite shrubby in shape..

[SecretGarden]

Thanks James
I've since managed to source Black Alder and some other indigenous plants. The spade has been busy . I already have some birch and I've lost the Ceanothus to frost. I'm determined this time to plant as sustainably as possible....
Again Thanks
SG