Trees that will grow on the Brecon Beacons

[Gooch]

Hi

I'm looking to plant a new tree on the Brecon Beacons as a memorial to someone. I previously planted a Holly bush (in January 2007) as I thought this might be able to survive the harsh weather up there. Although it hasn't died it hasn't really grown either so I am looking at planting something else that will hopefully flourish.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[ForestPaul]

Whereabouts in the Beacons ? - conditions vary widely according the the exact location, and even the location on one side of a hill to another.
Best bet would be to look at what's growing in the vicinity already - and if there isn't anything growing there, there's a probably a good reason for that !

Off the top of my head, oak, rowan and hawthorne would be the top contenders.

BTW, is this on private land with permission, or 'guerilla' gardening ?

[Gooch]

Thanks ForestPaul. Yes it is guerilla gardening but I would like to think that I am not doing anything to harm the landscape. Its east facing on the lower slope of one of the fan's.

Thanks for your advice about what trees are contenders. Much appreciated.

[The Woodman]

I'd go along with Pauls suggestion, especialy Rowan, Sorbus aucuparia.

Why not plant two or three as a small group? As a survival strategy a group of S.a.'s may succeed. If one or two fail then there's a survivor. What about sheep protection?

[Gooch]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

I'd go along with Pauls suggestion, especialy Rowan, Sorbus aucuparia.

Why not plant two or three as a small group? As a survival strategy a group of S.a.'s may succeed. If one or two fail then there's a survivor. What about sheep protection?

Thanks for your input. I think a Rowan it is then. I won't be able to get up to Brecon until the start of October though. Will a young sapling survive the oncoming winter or should I wait until spring?

[The Woodman]

If I had the opportunity to plant in the spring, I'd do that, Feb or March. Plant bare roosted stock before the buds break or container grown at any time. Good luck.

[Gooch]

Originally Posted by The Woodman

If I had the opportunity to plant in the spring, I'd do that, Feb or March. Plant bare roosted stock before the buds break or container grown at any time. Good luck.

Many thanks for your's and ForestPaul's help. Much appreciated.

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by Gooch

I'm looking to plant a new tree on the Brecon Beacons as a memorial to someone. I previously planted a Holly bush (in January 2007) as I thought this might be able to survive the harsh weather up there. Although it hasn't died it hasn't really grown either so I am looking at planting something else that will hopefully flourish. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

It's years since I was up on the tops - but are there not still sheep run on the lower slopes in summer ? The holly may survive nibbling from the sheep but I doubt anything else will - and you can hardly errect sheep proofing. The native trees above 600m would have been largely limited to dwarfing willows, - on balance I'd say find a lowland spot for your tree and leave the mountains to the sheep.

CM