Feile na gCrann. National tree week

National Tree Week 2019 runs from March 31st  – 7th April.

Plant a tree this weekend. 

National Tree Week is a time to celebrate all positive aspects of trees in our lives and environment.   In Ireland , We have beautiful trees in our landscape, planted by our ancestors. We too need to plant trees for the future generations to love and appreciate.  Our wonderful country and Wildlife needs every generation committed to Growing Trees

This weekend, lets come together as a family or community and plant a tree.   What a beautiful way to celebrate our wonderful world and Mothers, By taking time as a family to  planting a tree. 

With sum a large Range of trees, Choosing the right one can be difficult. 

Here are a few to consider :

Acaia Dealbata : MimosaA small to medium growing evergreen tree, Acacia dealbata is relatively fast growing and has grey-green fern-like foliage and fluffy fragrant yellow flowers in Winter and Spring. The Silver Wattle will grow well in neutral to acid, well drained soil in a sheltered spot. This acacia makes a great splash of colour in late Winter. Bees will appreciate the nectar-rich flowers. Mimosa does not succeed everywhere , it likes shelter from the cold north and north easterly winds , a sunny position is a must . The ideal position is a sunny southern position away from cold winds

Laburnum 

Laburnum is often referred to as the Golden Rain tree, or sometimes people call it a weeping willow (which of course it's not, but its racemes of golden flowers give that illusion).
Whatever its name, it is a most wonderful tree that can grow in the most exposed garden. The Golden Flowers of this tree brightens up every garden and the bees love it. So easy to Grow and for a real wow underplant with Alliums.

Cherry Blossoms 

If you have a sheltered site or Patio, Plant a Cherry Blossom.  There are many varities of Cherry blossoms to suit ever size garden or Patio. I love the White flowering Shirotae . A tree laden with White Blossoms. Also the Very popular Cherry for town Gardens or Patios is the Cherry Okame . A cherry blossom for the smaller garden! Prunus Okame has fragrant hot pink flowers and stunning autumn colouring

Bee and Wildlife friendly tree: : The Cotoneaster Corubia . An evergreen that is laden  with flowers in June for the bees  and in Winter berries for the Birds.  Hungry birds will love this in winter. This pretty small tree can also be found in many gardens growing as a shrub, however we grow this as a proper tree.  The leaves are small and light green, with a slightly silvery underside. In the autumn time it becomes festooned with a large abundance of bright red berries.

Ornamental Crab apple trees

Malus gorgeous  :
A beautiful small tree with slightly arching branches. Masses of pink buds open to scented soft pink blossom which whitens with age in April and May, followed by a profusion of large, glossy, bright red fruit. Ideal for use for a tangy, pink crab apple jelly or left for blackbirds or other wildlife to enjoy.

There is a tree to suit every Garden , with expert advice you will find that tree to suit your.

How to plant your tree

Over the years I have seen so many trees die because people plant them too deep. Why, oh why do people do this?

How to get it right:

Dig a huge hole about 4ft deep and 4ft wide. Back fill this hole with soil, John Innes multi-purpose compost, slow-release fertilizer and Seagrow, making sure everything is well soaked - your soil should be nice and muddy now.
Now for the important part: plant your tree only to the depth it was in its pot, not any deeper.   

So what was the big hole for I hear you say?  
Well, you do want your tree to flourish and now it will! It has a lovely soft bed under it so now the roots will be able to work their way through the soft ground, and you will find the growth of the tree will be very vigorous and healthy! It's common sense when it's explained, isn't it? Position your stake to the windward side so that your the wind hits the stake first not the tree - this will prevent any damage being caused by the tree being pushed against the stake. Use a soft tree tie to hold tree and stake together. Slip on a rabbit guard if you think rabbits may come invited for 'dinner', and finally, mulch with a mulch of your choice or use a tree mat. Happy planting ! Also head out to our beautiful woods and enjoy the beauty of Nature.