Try to avoid a tree terror
Introducing a tree or two can add further character to a garden.
However, there are certain things to consider before deciding to buy and plant a tree 'just because it looks nice'.
In recent years there has been a lot of coverage about Leyandii hedges growing out of control. The same can be applied to trees ; choose the wrong one and you may have a monster on your hands in years to come.
One tree that was popular in the 60s was the weeping willow and, to the detriment of many an owner, what started out as a delicate and lovely looking tree not only grew upwards and outwards but the ever lengthening roots caused many problems in unexpected areas, breaking through patios etc.
Gardening expert Nicholas Warliker would just caution people to plant with care and be aware of your surroundings.
Some of the trees suited for small gardens and our local soil conditions include cherry trees, including the Flag Pole Cherry (Prunus amanagowa) which although growing to a height of 20 feet grows straight and produces single pink flowers, and the Cheal's Seeping Cherry (Prunus Kiku-shidare Sakura) a smaller tree which grows to around six feet and produces double pink flowers.
Other options include Silver Birch and the Japanese crab apple, which produces light pink to white flowers and occasional small fruits, and the Salix Caprea, or Goat Willow as it is called.
It is possible to consider a laburnum, a small tree for the smaller garden, but care should be taken with children around as this is poisonous.
For the medium-sized garden, Drummondii (Acer platanoides) a form of sycamore, grows to a height of around 20 feet and its deep crimson purple leaves can be very pleasing on the eye.
Keeping to the common names, a few other trees suited to the medium-sized garden are the false acacia, the whitebeam/chequer tree and the rowan or mountain ash.
One to avoid is the robinia, another good looker which is apt to get easily out of hand.
Novice tree growers are advised to seek expert help in choosing a tree.
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Weather for Kettering
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
