Hello.

We want to plant a tree in a 3 foot gap between our greenhouse and a
fence. Because of the restricted location we obviously don't want
anything too big (say 20 foot max). We're also a bit concerned about the
roots undermining the greenhouse foundations. Ideally we want something
with an upright shape so that there aren't too many branches overhanging
the greenhouse.

We are planting a tree to block out the towering brick backdrop of a
neighbour's extension so would really like something evergreen but not a
conifer. Once above the greenhouse, the tree would receive full sun in
all seasons but midwinter.

I really fancy a Eucalyptus but haven't seen any that are small enough.
Are there small varieties that are evergreen? Any other suggestions
please?

Thanks.

--
Paul Flackett

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"Victor Meldrew" wrote in message
...
anything too big (say 20 foot max). We're also a bit concerned about the
roots undermining the greenhouse foundations. Ideally we want something
with an upright shape so that there aren't too many branches overhanging
the greenhouse.
It depends on which side of the greenhouse you put the tree. The sun isn't
directly overhead so shade is cast to one side. If its on the shade side of
the greehouse then if the branches are high enough, the sun will come in
under them. I'd worry more about trees that drop leaves/sap or are prone to
bugs that drop stuff which will get the glass dirty and clog the gutters.

We are planting a tree to block out the towering brick backdrop of a
neighbour's extension so would really like something evergreen but not a
conifer. Once above the greenhouse, the tree would receive full sun in
all seasons but midwinter.
If you're on good terms with your neighbour you could buy him/her a nice
climber of your choice to grow up the wall.

I really fancy a Eucalyptus but haven't seen any that are small enough.
Are there small varieties that are evergreen?
I think you can keep an eucalyptus any size you want by copicing it but
they're very flexible trees and you probably want something quite rigid so
it doesn't bang against the greenhouse in high winds.

Martin

The short answer is nothing! You cannot safely plant any tree that close to
a building without the risk of future subsidence. The advice from surveyors
is that no tree should be planted within 5 metres of a building. In the case
of some species such as willows the distance should at least 40 metres.

In message , Peter Crosland
writes
The short answer is nothing! You cannot safely plant any tree that close to
a building without the risk of future subsidence. The advice from surveyors
is that no tree should be planted within 5 metres of a building. In the case
of some species such as willows the distance should at least 40 metres.


I found a lot of tree planting information at www.bureauinsure.co.uk.
If the insurers are happy with these distances, well, I guess they must
be the ones to be guided by.

However, how long would it take the roots of an apple tree take to cause
problems? Surely the roots of fruit trees grafted onto dwarfing
rootstock won't cause anywhere near the problems of an apple on
rootstock which would allow it to grow to its full potential over the
years?

--
Susie Thompson, Isle of Arran
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In article ,
SusieThompson wrote:
In message , Peter Crosland
writes
The short answer is nothing! You cannot safely plant any tree that close to
a building without the risk of future subsidence. The advice from surveyors
is that no tree should be planted within 5 metres of a building. In the case
of some species such as willows the distance should at least 40 metres.

I found a lot of tree planting information at www.bureauinsure.co.uk.
If the insurers are happy with these distances, well, I guess they must
be the ones to be guided by.

To state flatly that no tree should be planted within 5 metres and
willows not within 40 is ridiculous. If that were true, almost all
older houses would have fallen down long ago.

The distances depend immensely on the soil (with clay being generally
the worst and sand/gravel the best) and the type of tree. I know one
18th century house with a 65 cm diameter oak within 3 metres, and no
foundation shift. I know one 1952 house on clay with a 40 cm diameter
willow within 5 metres, ditto, but that is more surprising.

Given that it is only a fence and greenhouse at stake, I wouldn't
worry, but would choose a tree with a moderate final size - and, MOST
IMPORTANTLY, not one prone to suckering!

However, how long would it take the roots of an apple tree take to cause
problems? Surely the roots of fruit trees grafted onto dwarfing
rootstock won't cause anywhere near the problems of an apple on
rootstock which would allow it to grow to its full potential over the
years?

They wouldn't. One on a full dwarfing rootstock would cause no problems
at all, however close it was planted. Even one on its own roots is
unlikely to cause much trouble, except in extreme cases.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren,
University of Cambridge Computing Service,
New Museums Site, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QH, England.
Email:
Tel.: +44 1223 334761 Fax: +44 1223 334679

The message
from (Nick Maclaren) contains these words:

In article ,
SusieThompson wrote:
In message , Peter Crosland
writes
The short answer is nothing! You cannot safely plant any tree that
close to
a building without the risk of future subsidence. The advice from
surveyors
is that no tree should be planted within 5 metres of a building. In
the case
of some species such as willows the distance should at least 40 metres.

I found a lot of tree planting information at www.bureauinsure.co.uk.
If the insurers are happy with these distances, well, I guess they must
be the ones to be guided by.

To state flatly that no tree should be planted within 5 metres and
willows not within 40 is ridiculous. If that were true, almost all
older houses would have fallen down long ago.

Some house insurers and mortgage surveys now question the distance
between the building and any trees. If one is selling, buying,
mortgaging or changing insurers it's something to bear in mind.

Janet.