Best tree to overhang a wildlife pond

[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.

[artdemole]

That's a hard job looking for the right tree.Most people say keep trees well away from ponds.Somewhere I saw it might be better to have some low growing bushes,reeds/sedge.Another one idea is to grow a palm tree which would be different than some.

[TALLYHO]

Sounds like a Willow might be a good tree for your requirements.

[Cotham Marble]

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

I think there are too many contradictory requirements for there to be any successful resolution of this 'problem'. If the objective is to achieve privacy at the 'house end' of the garden then a smaller tree closer to the house may achieve the same effect as a larger one on the boundary. A tree adjacent to the pond is going to drop leaves into the pond and a 'lollipop' shape, will not massively reduce shading across the year and if a deciduous tree is chosen (not many evergreen options) winter shading will not be an issue.

My inclination would be to go for a nectar rich shrub - if a non native is acceptable then one of the taller growing philadephus species may suit, or for a native then good old privet - ligustrum vulgare which is both a nectar source and bird food source - though some lightening of the soil may be required before planting. Both of these will grow tall enough to be grown on the garden boundary to achieve the privacy requirement but can be trained to fan against the boundary and not overly encroach on the pond. Or they can be grown 'columnar' and placed closer to the house.

CM

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by TALLYHO

Sounds like a Willow might be a good tree for your requirements.

Willow leaves have high Salicylic acid content and concentrated fall into a small pond can lead to toxicity, they are also heavy shaders making them not ideal companions for a small garden pond.

CM

[Dorts]

You could consider one of the smaller Birch, such a Young's Weeping Birch.
Leaves are not a problem to the pond and it's size is quite managable.
Dorts.

[Gill Catton]

My thoughts were a birch of some type too, though Cotham's advice is very good too.

[Falesh]

Thanks for the suggestions they are very useful. As to the contradictory requirements, it's a case of trying to find the least worst solution as different people want different things.

[animartco]

I think birch is a good suggestion but especially since you have heavy wet soil, you could try alder, another tree that likes a long bare trunk. It also screens well in winter as well as summer. One downside is that you'll need to scim the catkins off the pond, and also most of the leaves.

[artdemole]

How about the dreaded Cypress.Can be topped to give it a nice form.Varigated like Castlewelyn Gold.Just another thought.