Please recommend a tall columnar tree?

Discussion in 'Trees' started by Oldcodger, Jun 17, 2021.

  1. Oldcodger

    Oldcodger Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2019
    Messages:
    27
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +25
    My neighbour has erected a tv aerial, the base of which is adjacent to the top of their garden gate, is 3 or 4 metres from and is in line of sight from my kitchen window. I therefore would like to plant a columnar tree to shield it from my view. I want it to be narrow so that it does affect the plants nearby and in particular a rhubarb plant. Anyone have suggestions?
     
  2. Black Dog

    Black Dog Gardener of useful things

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2021
    Messages:
    582
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    It's a secret
    Location:
    Germany (Emsland, Zone 8b)
    Ratings:
    +1,134
    We planted 3 small column-shaped trees in our garden.

    1. Apple - it's one of the easiest to acquire and you can get some that grow as a single non-branching stem.

    2. Amelanchier "Rainbow Pillar" - it's really nice for the birds and bees, looks lovely and grow pretty slim mit lots of almost parallel branches straight upwards

    3. Almond-tree - was sold as a column shaped tree in a well know there nursery, but it doesn't seem comfortable with that, so we have to prune it once per year.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • The Buddleja Garden

      The Buddleja Garden Gardener

      Joined:
      May 14, 2018
      Messages:
      67
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Grower
      Location:
      Birmingham
      Ratings:
      +206
      Definitely go for an evergreen so the aerial doesn't reappear in winter. My first thought was the Italian pencil cypress, but here is a webpage with some other suggestions for fastigiate evergreens:
      https://www.paramountplants.co.uk/blog/index.php/columnar-evergreen-trees/
       
      • Like Like x 1
      • Selleri

        Selleri Koala

        Joined:
        Mar 1, 2009
        Messages:
        2,404
        Location:
        North Tyneside
        Ratings:
        +7,559
        How tall and how wide at the top does it need to be to give the cover you want?

        Planting a tree would mean that you will need to wait a decade or so to cover the aerial, and tree roots will always interfere with the planting around. Therefore something like a sturdy structure to support an evergreen climber might be quicker solution.

        A tall obelisk, or even an ornamental bird feeder stand might cover the eyesore at least when sitting down by the kitchen table.

        I have a 2m tall bird feeder supporting an evergreen Lonicera, it looks quite pretty and doubles as a bird feeder :biggrin:. Like this, but a taller version.
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • Oldcodger

          Oldcodger Apprentice Gardener

          Joined:
          Nov 20, 2019
          Messages:
          27
          Gender:
          Male
          Ratings:
          +25
          Thanks very much for your well thought out reply, as it has given me food for thought.

          I was worried about the roots.

          I like the idea of a sturdy structure, maybe a seat with a large fan above it to support the honeysuckle.

          I like the idea of the bird feeder best, but unfortunately my neighbour has stopped feeding the birds because of rats. However, maybe I could just use it to support the honeysuckle without the feeders.
           
        Loading...

        Share This Page

        1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
          By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
          Dismiss Notice