Replacing a silver birch tree - any suggestions?

[ellie_w]

Sadly i am going to have to have one of the mature silver birch trees in my garden felled - it has developed quite a lean and on inspection it is becoming rotten around the bottom

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a suitable replacement as it is going to leave quite a gap in the garden

The other mature trees we have are oak, silver birch and rowan

Hope this is in the right place

Thanks

Ellie

[Jim Ford]

How about a 'Wild Service' tree?

It's an uncommon native and a survey was recently carried out regarding their distribution in the U.K.. IIRC another name for it is 'Chequers' and a drink used to be made from the fruit, called the same name. Pubs bearing the name Chequers were named after the tree. Again IIRC, the name Chequers was because the bark of mature trees has a regular square pattern.

They're not a big tree - about the size of a Rowan, and have interesting shaped leaves.

I've got a couple in pots, waiting to go out somewhere. If you lived nearer I could let you have one - but Staffs. - I mean that's North of Luton!
;^)

Jim

[shei111]

Originally Posted by ellie_w

Sadly i am going to have to have one of the mature silver birch trees in my garden felled - it has developed quite a lean and on inspection it is becoming rotten around the bottom

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a suitable replacement as it is going to leave quite a gap in the garden

The other mature trees we have are oak, silver birch and rowan

Hope this is in the right place

Thanks

Ellie

Hello Why not plant another birch buy a mature one to replace the one you have lost it wont be such a gap then ,I do love birch theres plenty of different varieties to choose from. shei.

[Dutchess]

Hi Ellie,

'Nice to "bump into you" again

As Shei says, another Birch would be nice....or, you may want to try Willow. I have young Goat Willows in my garden and they shot up very quickly.

D.

[aeshna5]

My choices would be a Rowan- either the native or one of the exotic Sorbus species or an Amelanchier is a delightful tree which does naturalise + has lovely spring flowers, berries loved by birds + good autumn colour.

[tufftie]

How about an evergreen? I know they grow quite slowly but they do provide good shelter for birds in winter. Maybe Quercus ilex or yew?

[nightshade]

Do you have a photo of the garden? was the Birch you are going to remove
chosen for its "lightness" or for its particular shape?
A weeping Birch is nice, Hawthorn "Pauls Scarlet", Strawberry Tree, it all depends on your aspect, soil type. Why did it rot at the base ? etc.

[annmaria]

How about a Tulip tree ( hope thats right ) I love mine , one of the few things I actually chose , its not flowering yet but the wait makes it more interesting.
Annmaria

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by annmaria

How about a Tulip tree

Tulipifera liriodendron(sp?) ?

Hmm - it's not a native species!

Anyway, why's everyone recommending another Birch? They're common enough to not be particularly interesting, fill your gutters up with their seeds, and are quite short lived.

Go for an _unusual_ native species!

Jim

[ron1863]

A Copper Beech I love the colour.