Best tree to overhang a wildlife pond

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by Falesh

I'm in the process of turning my garden into a native wildlife garden. I need to put a tree up in one corner to block sight of the next door neighbours windows but as it happens that is the only place we can put the pond. Because of that a new tree is going to be planted and then the pond built to encircle it.

I don't want to have to keep clearing the surface of the pond or for it to get too many nutrients but I also don't want to pick a tree that is just an ornament and doesn't add anything for wildlife. Below are the ideals for such a tree:

• Single bare trunk so it doesn't throw too much shade
• Well branched at the top for screening
• As close to 11' - 12' high as possible but no shorter
• As close to 8' crown as possible but no smaller
• Will grow in slow draining clay heavy soil
• Good for wildlife

If anyone has any ideas for which trees may fill the role I would be very greatfull! Cheers.

I have a Weeping Birch over my pond which works fine and I can sit under it and watch the pond even in the rain.

[paulinemiller10]

Unless you choose evergreen the pond will be full of leaves every Autumn. Pauline.

[tom00_uk]

i have a pond located under the over hanging branches of a few mature sycamores and fruit trees. not normally a ideal spot for a pond but it had to go there as the grounds to dry for the veg patch to extend into this bit thanks to a stream on the other side of the fence thats been lowered to drain the fields. if it was located higher up to garden to the house it would have not been a wildlife pond and would have been a koi or goldfish pond as nearer the house. its location provides a willing army of frogs and toads to keep the pests on the veg patch down and also provides a watering hole for the birds that feed there

we get a few leaves in there but thanks to the wind most of the leaves are blown away. dry leaves falling on the pond float and with a good gust are soon sent onwards.

[Falesh]

We have decided on a Birch, Betula utilis Jacquemontii. Even if I have some extra work removing leaves if too many fall I'd rather do that then have a tree that is poor for wildlife.

With that decision made the pond project will surge ahead, I'll post a thread once it is done with pics. Thanks again for the tips.

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by Falesh

We have decided on a Birch, Betula utilis Jacquemontii. Even if I have some extra work removing leaves if too many fall I'd rather do that then have a tree that is poor for wildlife.

With that decision made the pond project will surge ahead, I'll post a thread once it is done with pics. Thanks again for the tips.

Betula utilis var. 'Jacquemontii' is one of the lovliest of trees with its fine chalky-white bark. But be warned, it can reach well over 50ft.!
Dorts.