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Clematis and fir trees
sunnysarah
Posts: 62
in Plants
Hi, I have two fir trees about 6-7ft tall not very wide though, would like to cut them down but have a thing about cutting trees down even fir trees so I was wondering if a clematis would cope with rambling up them. Looking at ones in the group 3 range so it can die back down in the winter. I know I`ll have to give them plenty of food as trees will take quite a bit. Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated.
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I didn't put them there, inherited when I moved in. They are not leylandi and can be easy kept in check by taking the tops out. Just thought it would be another way of getting a climbing plant in my garden.
I would cut them down as they will cause nothing but trouble and turn the soil acid .My neighbour allowed one to climb a leylandi and although it looked great for a time it became just as much a problem and the trees had to be cut down as they over took not only his garden but the one next door.
They are not leylandi, and absolutely not causing any problems for my neighbour. Ive been in my home 4 yrs now and have hardly grown anymore in that time, not all fir trees are thugs. In fact the one I took the top off hasn't grown higher or thicker. The only issue I see with having a climber meandering its way round is the soil condition from the trees. Thanks for your comments, think I`ll research some more before I make decision.
Hi Sarah, are they conifers as opposed to a 'Christmas tree' type fir? The ground would be poor for quite a distance round them so Clematis would always struggle to do well. If you really want to try one I'd suggest a montana type which are the vigorous, fence/wall covering kind that flower at this time of year - small flowers, pink or white varieties, but you'd still have to improve the ground a lot and plant a good distance away initially to give it a chance.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Thanks fairygirl, that was my main concern