Choosing trees carefully

Press, 31 August 1989, Page 29

Choosing trees carefully

By

CHRIS DAVIES

Tree surgeons, or arboriculturists as they are frequently called, would be a rare breed if all the advice available in books and magazines was followed. That, however, is small consolation to someone whose spouting is being crushed by a tree branch. The most frequent problems with trees in a builtup environment occur from planting too close to buildings or fences, and planting trees which will become too large for a small section.

Regrettably, many of the trees which a keen city gardener would most like to plant fall into this category and attempts to restrict or reduce unwanted growth can produce unsightly results. It is quite common to see silver birches, for example, that have fallen victim to the over-ener-getic pruner’s saw or loppers, especially on street frontages where

they have tangled with overhead wires, or branches have come in contact with fences or walls.

The common practice of removing all lateral growth from a branch in these circumstances and reducing the length to leave a truncated stick is bad for the tree and generally unsightly. A much better result can be obtained by shortening back the offending branch to just before a selected lateral growth, so that future growth can be directed away from the obstruction.

Trees which have grown too large for their surroundings can present different problems. Many varieties can be thinned

or topped without harm or disfigurement to the tree and still achieve the desired result of allowing more light and air into the area they dominate.

Thinning can be achieved by the removal of individual stems and lateral or side branches. Considerable care should be taken in planning how much to take off and what each piece removed will achieve.

If necessary, do small pieces at a time and get down to have a look, or have someone on the ground to indicate how far you should go. Do not be afraid to cut if it is necessary, but be sure, as you cannot put it back later.

Useful advice to anyone thinking of doing replanting in an existing garden, or laying out a new one, is to make sure that you know where the sewer, water and drainage pipes run.

This can be important, as all pipes are a source of moisture and even the tightest joints can be attacked by superfine hair roots.

If a tree is planted over a pipe line, interesting and expensive things can happen. Inevitably, thirsty roots will seek out the source of moisture and after a time they can wrap themselves round the pipes so that they either break or become so contorted that blockages occur.

A wet patch round a crack in a concrete path may be a sign that there is something amiss down below.

Trees are the protectors of our environment, so plant them generously, but with care and foresight.

GARDENS