When trees are grown close together they develop a tubular trunk as they rely on each other for support. The trees on the outside of the group are always the strongest as they are subjected to more wind but the trees in the middle grow weakly and are quick to fall if the dynamic of the group changes. This is also true in nursery production where growers are keen to maximize their return by planting trees at close densities.

The gleaming white stemmed Birch, Betula utilis Jacquemontii , is an extremely popular and versatile tree that offers great contrast throughout the year either as a multi stemmed tree of single stemmed standard. However there is an alternative! The much lesser known Betula albosinensis Fascination is also a gleaming white by the time it reaches 16-18cm girth but it also has hints of pink and orange as you view the tree further up and its catkin display is second to none. Its ascending habit also gives the tree a pleasing formality making it a perfect garden tree.

Now Autumn is truly upon us I have noticed an alarming incidence of people getting stuck into their winter jobs in the garden. This generally involves getting out the hedge trimmer and marmalizing hedges and screening plants to shape!

Even though Fraxinus angustifolia Raywood has an autumn display to relish, it is not the answer for a long term bet. Unfortunately the branch angles and wood strength of this tree are so bad that it tears itself apart when it reaches maturity leaving all sorts of chaos in its wake. I have seen and heard of major limbs of Raywood damaging cars and fencelines when they fall from the tree even in still conditions when the weight of the limb becomes too much for the branch union to support.

It has been a tough season to establish trees. Many areas of the UK had very little rain from March through to June and some had a very sharp late frost in May that burnt off emerging leaves and shoots. Please don't forget your newly planted trees from last autumn and continue to water them until the end of October as this will greatly enhance their performance next spring.

Application forms have to be submitted soon for The Big Tree Plant so if you belong to a community group wanting to better the environment now's your chance! Please e mail us on info@barchamtrees.co.uk to request an information folder including application forms and criteria qualifying schemes.

The Government aren't giving away much at the moment but their Big Tree Plant campaign bucks this trend.....

All the best

Mike

For many areas in the South & East of the UK it hasn't rained for over two months and high light levels and temperatures have severely reduced the moisture content in our soils.

This time of year trees are actively growing roots and shoots and any stock planted within the last couple of seasons will need a helping hand. Garden sprinklers are an excellent way to apply water as the falling droplets mimic rainfall and slowing saturate the ground, but if this is not pratical, apply with a watering can with rose attachment.

Barcham Trees are about to launch a full young trees consultancy service. Please contact me for more details

When working with trees it is always better to work with their internal physiological clocks than against them but the trick is to know what the tree needs and when!

The Trees in the Built Environment Conference is now less than six weeks away. The conference brings together speakers from across the world to present the latest research on trees in the urban environment. Both the natural and social sciences will be discussed with practitioners from many professions attending as delegates.

The conference is organised by the Institute of Chartered Foresters along with many partner organisations. Details can be found on the ICF website