Remove?

Hi Shiney, yes its a elwoodii (the Lleylandii is another hedge I have); I thought they grew taller than 8m but RHS says 'no'...

Ta for the linky!

 

Like it, roders

Loofah, just a thought about maintenance. As they grow from the base they are prone to open up if you get heavy snow - it gets inside and the weight spreads the branches. To avoid this happening it's best to get some plastic coated wire and run it around the stems (inside of the greenery) and tie them together. You then, rarely, have to bother with shaking the snow off.

 

In general, silver birch don't like to be pruned but there are varieties that don't require much pruning (if any) and look exceptionally good.

Betula Jacquemontii, and there are a number of varieties with diferent overall height, is a brilliant tree to have. It has an open growth pattern (so doesn't give too much shade), a very white trunk and a slower growth than the normal birch.

 

They look great don't they I'm still tempted to axe the conifer as it has about 2m more to grow.

 

Good luck with it Mr G.

 

Small update - the tree is leaving the site tomorrow... I'm currently bracing myself for the huge gap that will be left and making plans for re-jigging the border area.
I'm still thinking of a Betula Jacquemontii or maybe a narrow flowering cherry. I've also always wanted a cotinus (smokebush) and have a small sambucus nigra to go in, with maybe Tradescantia Pallida for ground cover and some japanese painted ferns. Will also need something to cover the fence. I'm thinking hard about it as it distracts me from wondering if it's all a horrible mistake to axe such a fine tree!

 

Smart arse!

 

Tree is now a large stump which is being very stubborn in coming out! Can't believe the additional light into the garden area though

 

Success (lets out manly roar)! Have finally got the tap roots detached and can move the stump. Or I could if I chopped it up a bit as I'm so weak (lets out girly whimper)!