A succession of storms have blown across the island this winter and there may be more to come as we exhaust the alphabet of storm names. Darragh and Éowyn wreaked havoc, causing widespread damage and destruction. Fallen trees are very hazardous in these situations and can cause major worry for gardeners.
Some trees are inherently more susceptible to being felled by strong winds. For example, the magnificent beech tree has a shallow root system which makes it so vulnerable.
Over the years, the wonderful beech avenue at Powerscourt Gardens in Co Wicklow has lost quite a few mature specimens in winter. With an eye to the future, many young beech trees are being planted to maintain this heritage site.
In general, planting young trees is a good basis for future-proofing them against inclement weather. Also known as feathers or whips, these two- or three-year-old plants will establish strong root systems as they develop. Unlike larger specimens, they won’t need staking and will support themselves.
If you are planting a larger tree, you will need to support it with a strong stake to keep it safe for the first few years. Drive the stake into the ground at the windward side of the tree so that the tree is blowing away from the stake. The stake should be around a third of the height of the tree. Do this before you plant the tree as you don’t want to damage the roots by spearing it with a stake.
Once you have positioned the plant and spread out its roots, backfill the hole with a mix of good topsoil, garden compost and some slow-release fertiliser Press down gently in stages so you aren’t leaving any air pockets and the tree or shrub is firmly planted in.
Secure the tree to the stake with a tree tie just below the lowest branch and also just above the ground level. Don’t secure it too tightly as the tree needs to be able to sway a little in the wind to develop its strength. Check tree ties over time to make sure they are not choking the stem and in a couple of years the tree should be sturdy enough to remove completely.
The most common contributors to trees falling over during high winds are soggy soil and a damaged root system
It’s important to realise, however, that fallen trees are the exception at any time, including storms. Most trees won’t topple over or shed major limbs during turbulence. The most common contributors to trees falling over during high winds are soggy soil and a damaged root system. When soil becomes saturated, it may lose its strength and therefore its ability to anchor tree roots. As with all planting, the quality of the soil is the foundation to good health.
Sometimes, the damage to the root systems may not have occurred recently as it can take a long time for the tree to respond to root disturbances. When a tree falls in a storm, it may be the result of damage inflicted 10-15 year ago. For example, if the roots were restricted or cut by roads, paths, or building foundations, the tree is more likely to collapse during a storm.
Dead or dying tree limbs with little foliage are most at risk of falling during storms. The risk can be reduced by removing dead wood in the canopy. Inexpert pruning can put excessive pressure on the limbs and foliage which remain, so employing an experienced tree surgeon is highly recommended for any large jobs.
Plant of the week
Dahlia ‘Verrone’s Obsidian’
Dahlia ‘Verrone’s Obsidian’
As spring bulbs such as snowdrops, crocus and daffs begin to emerge, gardeners must always be looking forward to the next round. You’ll notice summer-flowering bulbs for sale now, so it’s time to get your stock ordered ready for spring planting. Dahlias are tender so need to be started under cover in spring for planting out after frost. This variety is unusual as it has star-shaped flowers with near-black petals and a bright orange-yellow centre.
Reader Q&A
I have a small garden and am looking to get a tree that will grow in a shaded area of the garden, against the fence. Not one that grows too large as the neighbours may not be happy – any recommendations are appreciated.
Japanese maple
How about a Japanese maple, ‘acer palmatum’? These are highly ornamental small trees that grow slowly and are happy with dappled shade. There are countless cultivars to choose from with varying leaf shapes and colour but all will delight in autumn with a dramatic display before leaf fall. Beside a fence is ideal as they do like a bit of shelter. If you’d prefer something that flowers, ‘amelanchier’ is always a good option – it’s compact, has white flowers in spring and good autumnal colour.
Submit your gardening questions to Diarmuid via his Instagram @diarmuidgavin using the hashtag #weekendgarden