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Tree that can flourish in dry shade in the middle of a hedge

Trini4Trini4 Posts: 4
in Problem solving

Hi.

We've been allowed to remove a huge tree that had outgrown its space but have been told to replant another tree in the same position. image

Would be grateful for any suggestions for a small tree that will thrive in the middle of a privet hedge with a row of big trees just a few feet behind it. It will also be under the canopy of a willow tree which we expect to recover now the huge neighbouring tree has been removed. 

I've attached a photo of the gap in the hedge where the tree has to go. Looks sunny but is actually east facing. 2.5 metre standard to be planted by the end of March.

Unfortunately we inherited a garden with the trees planted too close together and in inappropriate places, and rows and rows of dense tall leylandii. 

Any suggestions gratefully received.

Posts

  • treehugger80treehugger80 Posts: 1,923

    you would have to remove the stump first before you can plant in the same place, once that's been done most trees will grow in that situation, you just need to decide how big you want it to end up, I would also cut the privet back for a few years to allow the tree to settle in

  • Hortum-cretaeHortum-cretae Posts: 979

    That's not the worst site I've seen. A good planting pit, some compost added to enhance the soil and boost the nutrient level and almost anything will do there. Hawthorn, specifically crataegus laevigata 'Crimson Cloud', brilliant deep pink and single flowers, so you get berry. For early flower consider pyrus calleryana 'Chanticleer', upright habit to 30 ft plus and, for foliage interest, look at prunus cerasifera 'Nigra', a form of our native cherry plum, which has deep red/purple leaves. All three deciduous, but easy to grow.  .

    H-C

  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053

    You couldn't just plant more privet? It could be argued that privet is a tree? I don#t think hawthorn would ever plug that gap width wise. Were you planning on putting in more privet as well?

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • Trini4Trini4 Posts: 4

    Thank you for the advice! I feel encouraged to hear that most trees would be able to grow in the gap.

    Unfortunately the Council won't allow us to fill the gap with privet alone. 

    The stump of the old tree has already been ground out and the privet is going to be cut back a bit.

    I will make sure to prepare the planting hole well.

    I've chosen a crataegus persimilis prunifolia and am looking forward to seeing how it fares!

    Thanks again.

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