Trees And Shrubs Flashcards
Definition of a tree
Woody plant
Usually one main stem or trunk
Usually quite large
Suitable for domestic garden at no more than 10m
Trees for winter interest
Acer griseum - deep copper bark that lifts like sheets of paper
Prunus serrula - beautiful bark
Trees for autumn interest
Acer griseum
Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘ballerina’
Cercis canadensis ‘forest pansy’
Shrub definition
Woody plant
Often with several stems or a very short single stem
Not normally very large
Winter interest shrubs
Cornus alba 'sibirica' Daphne bholua (fragrant flowers) Hamamelis x intermedia (very fragrant flowers)
Autumn interest shrubs
Euonymus alatus (leaf colour) Callucarpa bodinieri (violet berries) Clerrodendrum trichotomum (unusual berries) Rhus typhina (leaf colour)
Function and role of woody plants
To add height To add permanent structure Create shelter and shade Year round interest Visual and noise barriers Wildlife Dust pollution filtering Focal points
Effects can provide
Flower Fruit Bark colour Leaf colour Autumn colour Shape Texture Form
Disadvantages of woody plants
Undesirable shade Can grow too big in time Roots can damage buildings Competition with other plants Production of debris (leaves and fruits) Cost of maintenance
Types of tree to buy
Bare root or container grown
Most native trees ate field grown
Most ornamentals are container grown.
Evergreens and conifers are more suited to growing in containers, unless for commercial timber production.
Classification of trees in the nursery trade
Name. Overall height Seedling variable Transplant. 20-40cm Whip. 60-90cm Feathered whip. 150-180cm Half standard. 175-250cm (125-150cm stem) Standard. 275-300cm (150-180cm stem) Heavy standard. 300-360cm
Seedling and transplant
Seedling is the end of a trees first season.
Transplants have been potted up or lined out in the nursery to grow for a further year.
Whip
Single stemmed young tree which have yet to develop side branches.
Common for native trees as cheap to produce and shape of tree is usually less important.
A whip will grow side shoots as it grows and if sold with these it is known as a feathered whip.
Standards
Have had all the laterals removed in the nursery to create a clear stem. This is considered a more desirable shape for a tree, but some growers prefer to leave feathers on as long as possible as it produces a stronger trunk in a mature tree.
Role of shrubs
Mixed borders Shrub borders Focal points Hedging Containers
Planting a shrub border
Large shrubs should go at the back, or in the middle for an island bed
Try to get lots of contrasting colour, texture and form in the bed and consider the use of repetition to create unity.
Designs can be marked out with silver sand prior to planting.
Pleanting us best carried out in autumn to enable roots to settle in over winter, but anytime from nov-mar is acceptable, avoiding frost.
Once planted it should be mulched with good layer of organic matter e.g. well rotted manue, garden compost or bark chip which is more attractive.
Soil preparation
If planting in spring begin prep in autumn, especially in heavy soils since any large lumps will be broken down in winter frosts.
Remove perennial weeds.
If area is overgrown, cut down the vegetation and dig out the root.
Regrowth from remaining roots should be dug out as soon as the appear or use a weedkiller.
Once clear dig in lots of organic matter to improve moisture retentio. And increase soil nutrient content.
Planting a container grown tree or shrub
Place container in water for at least 30min before planting.
Mark out an area 3-4 times the diameter of the pot.
Remove any turf or weeds from the surface and dig a hole 1.5 times the pot depth.
Using a fork break up the soil at the base and side of the hole to enable roots to penetrate more easily.
Lay plant on its side and carefully slide it out of the container.
For trees insert stake firmly, slightly off centre, towards the direction of the wind, at an angle of about 45 degrees.
Add about 1/5 of the topsoil into the hole.
Place plant in the hole and use a cane to check the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with the rest of the soil and organic matter, firming evenly by treading.
For trees tie to stake.
Water, mulch and cut back any damaged shoots.
Planting bare root trees and shrubs
As for containers but make the hole just wide enough to take the roots when spread out.
Cut off any damaged roots before planting.
Drive in a stake then make a small mound of loose soil in the centre of the hole.
The stake can be vertical as its not going to damage the roots.
Place the plant on the mound and spread the roots round the stake.
Use a cane to line the soil mark on the stem so it is flush with the surrounding soil.
Gently firm in.
Water and mulch.
Lime hating trees and ahrubs
Camellia japonica
Rhododendron spp
Leptospermum scoparium
Gaultheria mucronata
Weed control in a shrub border
Good eradication before planting
Maintain a good depth of mulch
Control perennial weeds by digging out or spot spraying.
Annual weeds can be hoed or covered with mulch.
Watering a shrub border
Water during dry spells in first season
In later years unlikely waterig will be required.
Pests and Diseases of woody plants
Aphids
Powdery mildew
Cankecoral spot
Honey fungus
Pruning tools
Pruning saws - slightly curved blade and cut on the pull stroke.
Bow saws with narrow end are easier to work between branches.
Chainsaws - need trained operator. Poe required
Long handled pruning saw better for at height
Secateurs
Loppers for thicker branches
