Tree suggestions

smk77

In my garden I created a whole section based on the plants suggested in a pre-designed bed found in a book. The tree that was suggested was a 'Robinia pseudoacacia Frisia' and was selected in the design because of it's colouring (golden foliage) etc. Unfortunately, the estimated maximum height is 15m and 8m spread which I feel is too big for my garden (30ft x 35ft). Perhaps I don't need to worry about that too much - it'll take a while! Also, they require sheltered areas but living on the east coast of Scotland about 2 miles inland it's not particularly sheltered.

Has anyone had any experience of planting a Robinia in an exposed area or general thoughts on this tree? Should I worry about the sizes quoted? My property is on a new build estate where most people have planted fairly small ornamental trees. Any suggestions for suitable alternatives?

gasbill

Don't know about planting it in an exposed area, but I do know if you decide later you don't want it - say it was to get to big – if you remove it, it will create an unholy mess, as it will send suckers up from now until forever - we had one - decided later to remove it, and suckers came up through the lawn, beds, everywhere over a really huge area. Impossible to get rid of. Mind you, we probably didn't try any nasty chemicals – they may work. Don't know how long it would take to reach max height, but an old neighbour of mine had a huge one - it was a really BIG tree. Far too big for your average sized garden I would have thought. Probably been there for years though. Interestingly enough, apparently the wood glows under ultra violet light. Can't say I've actually seen this, but so I've been told....

computerwoman

woolworth's weeping cherry with free silver birch worth £4.99 price is £9.99 for the two tree's, you could use both, and I would'nt worry about the height, as it take's year's before they are at there peak, probably after we are gone, you could alway's give the silver birch to someone as a present,
cw

Lord_Gardener

Is this the one? Maybe not so large!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/733.shtml

aderbyshirelad

I certainly wouldn't plant a Robinia in an exposed position. The branches are very brittle and break easily so wind damage can be a serious problem. A very similar tree is Gleditsia (Honey Locust) HOWEVER, having never grown one, I'm not sure if they are tough enough for your garden. Could be worth a look though???

http://www.crocus.co.uk/findplant/selectionresults/?ContentType=Plant_Card&ClassID=4573&CategoryID=

smk77

Lord_Gardener wrote: »

Is this the one? Maybe not so large!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/733.shtml

Yes, that's the one. And at 2500cm (25m) it's definitely on the large side. In fact, the spread will probably cover the majority of both mine and my next door neighbours garden! ;-)

smk77

aderbyshirelad wrote: »

I certainly wouldn't plant a Robinia in an exposed position. The branches are very brittle and break easily so wind damage can be a serious problem. A very similar tree is Gleditsia (Honey Locust) HOWEVER, having never grown one, I'm not sure if they are tough enough for your garden. Could be worth a look though???

http://www.crocus.co.uk/findplant/selectionresults/?ContentType=Plant_Card&ClassID=4573&CategoryID=

Thanks for that. It looks like a possibility. I'll need to search the internet for more photos as the crocus one isn't too good.

I can get 10% off at crocus though work and I think quidco do 10% cashback too. ;-)