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Trees for exposed coastal garden

AliMcGAliMcG Posts: 24
in Plants

Trees for exposed Scottish Coastal Garden

I have a property on the west coast of Scotland and would like to add some trees to the garden not only for garden interest but also to attract birds. I am considering the Olympic Flame Rowan for a particularly exposed spot and a Weeping Birch for a slightly less exposed spot. 

I am also considering investing in mature trees (average 3m delivered), but as they are VERY expensive I am wary incase it turns out to be a costly mistake. 

Would welcome any advice on suitable trees, and whether I should just stick with smaller 12 ltr potted stock. 

I have also heard people say they have grown Maples which I love, but I thought they would be too fragile for an exposed garden - again would welcome any thoughts.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited November 2021
    Depends on the maple. The bog standard field maples etc are fine, but the ones we think of as Japanese Acers aren't. They need shelter from winds. I certainly wouldn't spend money on mature, expensive specimens either. It would be a colossal waste of money. 
    You'll have to accept that you might need 'sacrificial' shrubs and trees. Ideally, you'd create a shelter belt first, and plant inside that. Anything from native hedging and hardy planting [ hawthorn, blackthorn, gorse etc ]  to pine, conifer and laurel would work in that context. You may need a windbreak fabric in place too, to offer protection initially and until planting establishes.  :)  
    It also depends whereabouts your plot is. The south west coast is very different from further north. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • AliMcGAliMcG Posts: 24
    Thanks - We are on the Isle of Bute, West coast. I do have a beautiful Alba rose hedge surrounding the property so the shorter young tree may have a better chance. I had a look at the Field Maple, lovely tree but looks like it could eventually be a tad too big for my place. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Ah - I thought you were on the mainland coast.  :)
    There are several smaller maples - take a look at some stockists of all sorts of trees to see if anything suits.
    This is a well known supplier and might give you some ideas of various options too
    https://www.pippintrees.co.uk/trees/maple-acer-trees

    Most maples take a while to get to a decent height, but even in smaller gardens they can be fine. I've had them in small plots without any problem, and the neighbour across from me has one. The front garden is only around 30 to 40 feet long. They can also be pollarded.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • AliMcGAliMcG Posts: 24
    Yip -Just reading up on them now. Look nice and hardy too.

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - all perfectly hardy for our climate here  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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