Sorbus Glebdoick Spire width?

keysnatcher · January 2022

I’ve impulse-ordered a young Sorbus Glendoick Spire, but I’ve read varying accounts of their ‘final’ width - anywhere from 1m to 3m. Does anyone have any first-hand info so that I know how much clearance I need to leave from the fence?

Fairygirl · January 2022

As with any tree, your conditions will dictate the rate of growth, and the final height and spread.

Most rowans will grow to clear a 6 foot fence, with the canopy spreading above it, so it isn't necessarily a huge problem, unless you're worried about it hanging over into another garden, and the problems that can arise from that.
The main problem is that fences can often be a bit of a rain shadow, depending on the orientation, and rowans need lots of water, especially when establishing.

keysnatcher · January 2022

Thank you for your help @Fairygirl .
The garden slopes down towards the fence line so it tends to be quite damp there, but I will make sure to keep it well watered if we have a dry spell.

In general, is there a recommended distance from the fence for standard trees? Is 40cm too close for the trunk to develop?

Fairygirl · January 2022

For a Sorbus, I wouldn't worry about planting at that distance as long as the soil and climate etc is suitable.

The common ones will happily grow right against fences or walls, or even in walls in wet areas. I have one which is in a space between the pavement and my boundary fence. The space is around a foot at best, but planting something that's been cultivated in a pot is always slightly different from one that's self seeded into a position, so extra care and attention are needed

Sorbus Glebdoick Spire width?

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