Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Indian Bean Trees - to be or not to be

NearlyanoviceNearlyanovice Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hello experts :)   I recently bought a house with four Indian bean trees.  In summer they are stunning but I am arranging to have them removed.  They are planted exactly 2 meters from the house.  The house is old in an area where subsidence is common.  I believe the trees will cause problems as they grow.  Before committing the sin of removing these beautiful trees, I'd really appreciate another opinion. Thank you for any words of wisdom. 

Posts

  • Papi JoPapi Jo Posts: 4,254
    aka Catalpa bignonioides
  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,154
    edited March 2020
    suedougal2
    "I recently bought a house with four Indian bean trees"
    That's very thoughtful of you ; are you planning on sharing with the trees?? ;)
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    They respond well to pollarding, producing enormous leaves rather than flowers.  In Belgium they are often used for pleaching - hedges on stilts.

    Both systems control growth and thus root spread so if you want some structure and/or privacy keep them but prune them.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • NearlyanoviceNearlyanovice Posts: 4
    Thanks to everybody who responded with very useful information.  I had them removed.  
  • HazyDayHazyDay Posts: 13
    I have just bought and planted an Indian bean tree, I can't seem to get an answer on yes fertilize or don't fertilize and if so what, I usually use chicken manure pellets for other trees around the garden.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I find Fish, Blood & Bone best fit trees and shrubs as it’s organic, slow release and pretty well-balanced. 

    I find chicken manure pellets better for most vegetables as they’re pretty high in nitrogen. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I use BFB on mine around now to encourage large leaves. I pollarded it in February for the first time in 10 years so am waiting to see what happens!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    We purchased ours many decades ago at reduced price (£2!!!!!) because the GC didn't know what it was. We do pollard it ever now and again and yes we do lose the flowers but the leaves are brilliant and when the sun gets through them they are magical.
Sign In or Register to comment.