Recommend a nice tree to replace our cordyline australis.

[Sue Ellen]

Just like AJ's tree we have two that need to be replaced. I'm looking for something that looks after itself, if possible stays green all year round and does not grow too high or have very deep roots. I've asked a gew gardeners and have been recommended or sorbus.

Any other nice trees that could be recommended?

 

[browtal]

I havae seen red robins perish the year before last from the frost. They are very attractive. Good luck.

 

[Marion]

Hi Sueellen

What do you want from the tree/shrub? Attractive leaves, bark, berries?

How high do you want it to grow. Is it to block anything?

The Sorbus is a deciduous tree. It has very attractive berries during the summer but it will not give a lot of cover in the winter once the branches are bare.

I have an amelanchior (snowy mespilus) tree growing in the front of my house. It flowers around Easter for a couple of weeks. Then it gets leaves followed by dark purple berries. It has beautiful golden/burgundy leaves in the Autumn which last for a reasonably long time. It also has a nice twiggy branch structure that looks well in the Winter. It is a very attractive tree.

http://www.findmeplants.co.uk/plant-amelanchier-lamarckii-1183.aspx


Marion

 

[Sue Ellen]

I have seen red robins perish the year before last from the frost.

That's a pity. Its obviously something that needs to be borne in mind in future with any purchases for the garden. Our change in weather has a lot to answer for.

Hi Sueellen

What do you want from the tree/shrub? Attractive leaves, bark, berries?

Himself wants berries because he feels this attracts the birds more but I like attractive leaves.

How high do you want it to grow. Is it to block anything?

Approx 8ft (and 2.5") They don't need to block anything in either the front or back garden.

The Sorbus is a deciduous tree. It has very attractive berries during the summer but it will not give a lot of cover in the winter once the branches are bare.

I have an amelanchior (snowy mespilus) tree growing in the front of my house. It flowers around Easter for a couple of weeks. Then it gets leaves followed by dark purple berries. It has beautiful golden/burgundy leaves in the Autumn which last for a reasonably long time. It also has a nice twiggy branch structure that looks well in the Winter. It is a very attractive tree.

http://www.findmeplants.co.uk/plant-amelanchier-lamarckii-1183.aspx

That is a lovely tree alright. Worth investigating.

I know absolutely nothing about gardening/trees hence the need for low maintenance. I think I mentioned to you before that you posted a link to a tree many years ago and I think it might have been a laburnum but as it warns in that article they are toxic in all their parts.

We have one or two cherry blossom which I love but they flower for such a short time they are a bit disappointing.

I think I'm looking for too much really for too little input (as usual ).

 

[horusd]

Laburnum is a lovely tree when in bloom, but it's not compact, and tends to be slow-growing. I love the image of the snowy mespilus. It seems very attractive and more suited to a standard low-maintainance garden. I think my neighbour has one, and it's very pretty.

Another option is the acacia berlandeiri. It's a lush fern-like tree. Evergreen and flowers in April/May with almond scented tiny yellowish flowers. I had one growing in the garden for yrs but lost it in the very cold winter. I think I was unlucky as others I know survived, and it's hardy to -23 degrees. Check it out [broken link removed]

 

[Crugers]

Just like AJ's tree we have two that need to be replaced. I'm looking for something that looks after itself, if possible stays green all year round and does not grow too high or have very deep roots. I've asked a gew gardeners and have been recommended or sorbus.

Any other nice trees that could be recommended?

Have a look at the downloadable pdf from the Irish Tree Council, Guide to Irish Trees available at
http://www.treecouncil.ie

 

[Marion]

Hi Sueellen

You have a good memory. I have a laburnum. It is stunning when in bloom but again fairly short lived. The garden birds don't seem to mind that it's toxic.

Marion

 

[Sue Ellen]

Thanks for all the advice/tips.

Will have a look at the Tree Council site.

S.E.