Apart from the infamous leylandii, what would you call a fast growing tree to use as a windbreak? How fast do beech grow? Am also looking for something about 10-15ft hihg to fill in between other trees.
Ian.
Ian.
Fast growing windbreak
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wolf
Settler
The traditional windbreaks are grown from Poplar, but it depends how high you need windbreak and the surrounding areas.
Conifers are quick but will remove everything from soil making it hard to grow anything next to them. The also can make areas become permanent damp and moss covered.
Conifers also cannot be controled well with regards to top height and depth cutting back or removing side branches etc will leave dead or open gaps.
Broadleaves can be control much better.
Conifers are quick but will remove everything from soil making it hard to grow anything next to them. The also can make areas become permanent damp and moss covered.
Conifers also cannot be controled well with regards to top height and depth cutting back or removing side branches etc will leave dead or open gaps.
Broadleaves can be control much better.
Wanderinstar,
I think you might have to give this a bit more time and consideration. Sure Leylandii are fast growing, but before you know it you going to have to pay for maintenance of them. I'm in a similar boat, a previous owner planted loads of conifers that are now so tall that the wind cuts through underneath all of the bulky foliage, between the trunks. I'm going to have to replace them over an extended period with something more suitable. Thinking along the lines of willows, birches, hazel hawthorn etc - something that wont grow too big but will afford some respite from the prevailing winds all the same. The fact that I live on top of a Welsh hilltop is going to be a challenge.
Remember that if your area is prone to heavy snow in winter, a windbreak will encourage drifting where the wind slows - many folk in this area do not like hedges close to roads for that reason.
That said, the Smallholding magazines often carry adverts for fast growing "screen" plants related to sugar cane and other shrubs that might be suitable for your purpose.
ATB
Ogri the trog
I think you might have to give this a bit more time and consideration. Sure Leylandii are fast growing, but before you know it you going to have to pay for maintenance of them. I'm in a similar boat, a previous owner planted loads of conifers that are now so tall that the wind cuts through underneath all of the bulky foliage, between the trunks. I'm going to have to replace them over an extended period with something more suitable. Thinking along the lines of willows, birches, hazel hawthorn etc - something that wont grow too big but will afford some respite from the prevailing winds all the same. The fact that I live on top of a Welsh hilltop is going to be a challenge.
Remember that if your area is prone to heavy snow in winter, a windbreak will encourage drifting where the wind slows - many folk in this area do not like hedges close to roads for that reason.
That said, the Smallholding magazines often carry adverts for fast growing "screen" plants related to sugar cane and other shrubs that might be suitable for your purpose.
ATB
Ogri the trog
Thanks Ogri,
No I dont want to use leylandii, just mentioned them before someone else did. Think I may go with willows and hazel. They can be coppiced as they get thicker I believe.
Ian.
No I dont want to use leylandii, just mentioned them before someone else did. Think I may go with willows and hazel. They can be coppiced as they get thicker I believe.
Ian.
Any broadleaf tree can be coppiced and most will pollard not just hazel or willow. as well as most hedge trees.
what height you looking for?
what height you looking for?
Not a tree I know but are there any UK weather tolerant bamboo's that would serve your needs? just an idea
Bamboo will grow very well and fast various different species depending on needs.
Good people to talk to are
The Bamboo Centre
Tel: 019755 63388
They helped me out a few times
By the way Bamboo is a grass NOT a tree
Good people to talk to are
The Bamboo Centre
Tel: 019755 63388
They helped me out a few times
By the way Bamboo is a grass NOT a tree
EdS
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
If it is not near building (due to the roots) I can get you some free willow wand. As these where orginally fo Short Rotation Coppice they grow loke mad and are Ok in poor soil and in close proximity to other trees. And of course they coppice well.
The one behind the house where cut 6 months ago and have grown about 8 foot. Cut them very 3 or 4 years and they will grow rapidly (1-2 years to 5m +). No specially prep needed, shovel the wands in the ground in April, mulch with compost (feeds then as well) and kep mosit for a few weeks.
They make great hearth boards as well.
The one behind the house where cut 6 months ago and have grown about 8 foot. Cut them very 3 or 4 years and they will grow rapidly (1-2 years to 5m +). No specially prep needed, shovel the wands in the ground in April, mulch with compost (feeds then as well) and kep mosit for a few weeks.
They make great hearth boards as well.
I planted a willow in my mums house and within 3 years it had outgrown the lelandes by 3-4 times, only problem is that its not dense enough to make an effect windbrake.
Willow is easier than hazel; beech takes flippin ages to grow! Beech is fantastic as a hedge, but is very slow growing, so no good for what you want.
Hazel and Willow are both great (we have hazel in our hedge) - I'd go with hazel as it seems easier than hazel, but that could just be our soil & conditions.
Try The Willow Bank (http://www.thewillowbank.com/) if you can't get any free from the other poster..
For a hedge you need particular kinds of willow (i.e. not the weeping kind for instance), and should plant it in a double, offset, row, for best densities, but it'll grow fast and will thicken out nicely if you use the right stuff.
ODG
Hazel and Willow are both great (we have hazel in our hedge) - I'd go with hazel as it seems easier than hazel, but that could just be our soil & conditions.
Try The Willow Bank (http://www.thewillowbank.com/) if you can't get any free from the other poster..
For a hedge you need particular kinds of willow (i.e. not the weeping kind for instance), and should plant it in a double, offset, row, for best densities, but it'll grow fast and will thicken out nicely if you use the right stuff.
ODG
Cheers Outdoorgirl,
-" I'd go with hazel as it seems easier than hazel,"
Presume you mean Willow. But which one? That is the question.
Ian.
-" I'd go with hazel as it seems easier than hazel,"
Presume you mean Willow. But which one? That is the question.
Ian.
Oops! Yes, I'd go with Willow...
If you ring the guys at Willow Bank, they're extremely helpful and will recommend the types to go for. You can go with either a single variety, or multiples for a variegated effect...
ODG
If you ring the guys at Willow Bank, they're extremely helpful and will recommend the types to go for. You can go with either a single variety, or multiples for a variegated effect...
ODG
In spite of your wish for a broadleaf - red or Norway pine (same thing) have always been my favorite for a windbreak. In sandy soil, with a bit of cultivation -and fertilization after the second year - they grow incredibly fast. They do keep other things from growing and pile up duff in a hurry, but I don't much care to mow lawn, and view that as an asset.
PG
PG
Can you plant willow, double, off-spaced lines with some beech behind it? Use the willow to start with while the beech takes hold?
I got my willow from Willow bank and they provided excellent service. Also out of 50 "sticks" sent only 2 failed to come to anything! I'm in the process of cutting the first years growth back Approx 1.5-2.0 metre wands 3-5 on each stick.
I got my willow from Willow bank and they provided excellent service. Also out of 50 "sticks" sent only 2 failed to come to anything! I'm in the process of cutting the first years growth back Approx 1.5-2.0 metre wands 3-5 on each stick.
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