Quote:
Originally Posted by Feral Rob  Hi All,
I am trying to develop a planting plan for a site which already has a line of mature trees (including copper beech, horse chestnut and yew) growing alongside a nearby road.
We would like to plant a line of shrubs underneath to discourage access however I am not sure which native plants would tolerate the dense shade cast by the copper beech in particular. The only shrub I can imagine growing with any success is holly.
Does anyone have any other suggestions. The site is in West Yorkshire.
All ideas welcome |
It would help to know the aspect, - for instance are we (worst case scenario) talking about an east west road with the trees on the south side, or something a bit less challenging. Soil type would help a bit as well - West Yorks gives a fair bit of choice, though as there is Yew and Beech already established I'd guess limestone is the native rock or at least it's nearby in quantity to keep the soil neutral.
But given the above as possible moderating factors I'd work on the basis of a fairly tightly planted mixed 'hedge' that would include Yew, Holly, Elder, Beech (not copper), Blackthorn, Wayfaring Tree and native Privet. The latter two may not be hardy in Yorkshire but if the treeline provides shelter from the north and east they should be worth trying. Although this includes a number of trees, the shaded environment will keep their growth in check.
I think the trick to overall success will be using fairly well established plants -mainstem growth of over 40cm, and preparing the ground well with plenty of organic material (leaf mold ?) dug in to give the roots a good start, plus watering in dry periods in the first year. I would say that bare rooted stock would be fine so long as you don't depend on slit planting.
CM