Driveway Tree planting

Clondoolusk · Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 8:36 am Post subject: Driveway Tree planting

Hi, Just looking for some advice on what trees would be suitable for along one side of a driveway. The driveway is about 150yds with two bends, we want some colour and something with good foliage but that doesnt grow to huge proportions! Any suggestions would be welcomed, thanks

tippben · Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 2:45 pm Post subject:

Do you want them all the same, or a variety? Also, what ultimate height (in 15 years, say) is acceptable? Have a look at Sorbus aucuparia "Sheerwater's seedling", Betula pendula "Tristis", and Taxus baccata "fastigiata aurea". Avoid any plums or cherries (Prunus species), as they have very large surface roots which will damage your drive.

Clondoolusk · Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 2:53 pm Post subject:

Thanks Tippben, I suppose the height we were thinking of was about 20 feet and a variety in colour i/e reds,golden etc...something that would not require to much maintaining!! I will check out your suggestions thanks!

Greengage · Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 4:13 pm Post subject:

any of the mountain ash, Laburnum, Amelanchier or maple

tippben · Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 4:40 pm Post subject:

Amelancjier is very good. Maybe an upright form like http://www.frankpmatthews.com/amelanchier-alnifolia-obelisk.htm? Laburnum also, but avoid if you have children or pets, as the plant and seeds are poisonous. Maples Greengage? Most Acers are huge! Acer palmatum doesn't like exposure, but MIGHT be ok. Hmmm. Acer griseum? A. davidii and A. capillipes? They might work.

Greengage · Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 7:58 pm Post subject:

Regarding maples do not plant Acer platanoides as it is dioecious bearing male and female flowers on seperate trees either plant all male forms or all female forms otherwise you will have seedlings poping up all over the place. it is on the most hated plant list in some countries like Canada and Poland where it is causing big problems.
http://www.ecosystemgardening.com/norway-maple-makes-most-hated-plants-list.html

Good guy · Posted: Fri May 17, 2013 10:40 pm Post subject:

What about adding some hollies into the mix - good contrast of form/colours, evergreen and berries too!

Greengage · Posted: Sat May 18, 2013 9:52 am Post subject:

Here is a pic of one I have been working on for the past three years.

Good guy · Posted: Sat May 18, 2013 2:07 pm Post subject:

Those pollarded hazels remind me of the farm in Fermanagh I lived on as a child. Hazel rods and poles had many agri-uses. It would be great if some enterprising farmers marketed home-grown hazel and ash for beanpoles etc., as an alternative to imported bamboo with its attached carbon kilometres.

Greengage · Posted: Sat May 18, 2013 4:13 pm Post subject:

ever since we have been working on it, the understory has improved with bluebells, wild garlic, carrot , yarrow and angelica.

Clondoolusk · Posted: Sat May 18, 2013 6:17 pm Post subject:

Looks great greengage love the idea of bluebells and wild garlic, does it take much on going work after planting ?

Greengage · Posted: Sat May 18, 2013 10:02 pm Post subject:

None cut once per year late september dont even collect and it gets better each year.