Trees and where to plant them

All too often we are faced with a so called problem tree that is in the process of pushing over a wall or undermining a paved area or in extreme cases the foundations of a structure.

Always consider the size of your garden, taking into account the position of walls, pool and buildings before deciding on a tree. Ask a knowledgeable nurseryman about the tree you want and the type of root system it has. Some trees have extremely aggressive root systems while others are perfectly safe to plant fairly close to any built structure.

Avoid planting any tree closer than about 900 to 1000mm from any wall to allow for root expansion and ultimately the girth of the bole.

An example was a call out for a ‘problem’ Palm tree that had been planted too close to a wall. Palm trees are fine to plant close to structures as their root system is non invasive but in this instance the girth of the Palm was starting to physically crack the wall as it expanded with age. (not only people expand with age it seems) The client chose to discuss the matter with the neighbour so as to modify the wall and save having to remove the tree.

Also bear in mind the continual loss of leaves on all trees and the proximity of your pool as well as your neighbour’s, along with the gutters, as the leaves will most certainly impact on all these areas.

Then of course you have your sewerage, water and storm water piping to consider along with electrical cabling as the roots will adversely affect all these services.

All in all it is advisable to call in an Arborist or Landscaper to visit your site so as to advise you on your tree needs. (A consultation should not cost you a fortune)  Remember your local nurseryman does not have the advantage of knowing your site and depends on your description to advise you, which leaves him at a decided disadvantage and the resultant poor choice of tree.

So call in those that have the knowledge or do in depth research before planting a Yellowwood forest in your townhouse complex that will not attract the Knysna Loerie or compliments from your neighbours.

Our beloved Aggies

Our Agapanthus is a compound of the Greek words ‘agape’ (love) and ‘anthos’ (flower) which is terribly confusing seeing as the Aggie is as South African as sunny skies and Cheverolet, oh wait, make that koeksusters, Malva poering  and a braai.

Agapanthus are perennial, evergreen rootstock plants and are often used in mass planting which really gives a magnificent show, more so when the flowering seasons arrives. Take a drive along de Waal drive.

Our local flower growers come up with variants time and again such as the Agapanthus praecos subs orientalis ‘Amethyst’ or orientalis ‘Blue velvit’. There are a number of species in the Agapanthus genus, each with its own special characteristics, especially in regard shape and colour of the flowers.

Some growing tips:

Aganpanthus plants will grow in full sun and semi shade and flower profusely.

Good drainage is essential so work a lot of compost into the soil.

Use a handful of superphosphate for every planting hole along with loads of compost. A mulch of compost will help reduce evaporation of the water and at the same time act as a fertiliser.

The Aggie is extremely hardy and drought resistant but will look healthier and bear more blooms if watered regularly. Remember to cut dead blooms off during the flowering season. Come end of the flowering season at the end of summer, these rootstock plants can be divided and replanted, effectively creating your own nursery.

As the Agapanthus is evergreen you can use them for mass planting to create a ground cover.