Page 43 - Garden News

TONY DICKERSON

The problem

SOLVER

Royal Horticultural Society gardening advisor and podcaster

How do we prune

our ash tree?

What should we do with a where possible, it’s always better
Qlarge mature ash tree in to try to preserve a mature tree.
our new garden? Whatever you do with the tree,
Michael Bland, Rugby, check first that it’s not under a
Warwickshire Tree Preservation Order (TPO), as
fines for unapproved work are
sh are large trees when fully considerable. The tree officer of
Agrown, reaching 25m (82ft) your local council can advise.
or more in height and are usually Of the pruning options
unsuitable for most residential available, crown lifting is
gardens. They don’t respond relatively straightforward. This A mature ash tree is
well to hard pruning, which is involves removing the lower Photos: Shuerstock, unless stated likely to be too big
normally only recommended branches completely, which for most gardens
to remove damaged branches. allows more light in. It also
However, a tree of this size will limits the number of pruning
be beneficial to local wildlife so, wounds, which could become Ensure you employ professional term, affect wildlife, it’s often
points of infection, and tree surgeons. The Arboricultural sensible to remove a large tree
will make a noticeable Association (tel: 01242 522152) from an urban setting before it
difference to the size of can give details of suitably becomes a potential problem.
the tree in the long run. qualified contractors. Bear in mind that even if you
If possible, pruning Crown thinning is your second- do pay to have the crown lifted,
should be carried out best option. This involves you may still need to pay for the
gradually over a few removing some of the branches tree to be removed in the future.
successive winters, in the canopy to open up the Consider the tree’s value in your
starting with the tree, but exposes large pruning garden, not just in terms of
worst-placed branches wounds. Simply trimming back wildlife, but also aesthetically.
and taking them back all of the branches will just result Perhaps you could plant a smaller
to the main trunk; in vigorous water shoots, replacement now, giving it the
You need to employ a however, this often spoiling the shape of the tree. chance to establish while you
qualified tree surgeon for makes the process Although replacement seems continue to enjoy the ash, and
any work you undertake
more expensive. drastic and will, in the short plan ahead for its removal.
Four trees for small gardens

Acer griseum Pyrus salicifolia Arbutus unedo Liquidambar Alamy
The paper bark maple is a slow ‘Pendula’ The most stunning feature of styraciflua ‘Gum Ball’
growing tree that’ll do well This compact, ornamental pear this evergreen strawberry tree Beautiful in autumn when the
in most spots except exposed is suitable for any well-drained, are the red fruits after its white leaves turn purple, yellow and
sites. Grows to 8m (26ft). sunny spot. Grows to 5m (16½ft). flowers. Grows to 8m (26ft). red. Grows to 3m (10ft).
Continues over the page
Subscribe and get 4 issues for just £1! Go to www.greatmagazines.co.uk/gn January 27 2018 / Garden News 43