D.Antartica --too big
 

At 13 feet high a Dicksonia Antartica (as a log) is a few feet too tall to
plant in its proposed site because it pokes above a tall hedge and will be
blasted by wind.
Is it OK to saw off a couple of feet from the base (not the top:-)).
Whilst on this subject how much trunk should be buried in the ground?

D.Antartica --too big
 

Rupert (W.Yorkshire) wrote:
At 13 feet high a Dicksonia Antartica (as a log) is a few feet too tall to
plant in its proposed site because it pokes above a tall hedge and will be
blasted by wind.
Is it OK to saw off a couple of feet from the base (not the top:-)).
Whilst on this subject how much trunk should be buried in the ground?

Due to the potentially large surface area of foliage, you will need to
have at least 3 feet of trunk in the ground to prevent a major topple
in high winds. You can remove any amount of trunk from the base, but
considering these things are priced by the foot (approximately £20 -
£25/ft. unless it's a B&Q special - in which case a tenner a foot)
removing even a small length seems an expensive reduction.

Whatever you do, make sure that you prepare the soil well. Mix in
plenty of well-rotted compost or manure with the soil and provide a
good mulch in autumn. For the first 2 years, spray the trunk ... no,
drench the trunk daily in summer. It will take a good while to build
up a decent 'mat' of basal roots that can support the top growth and
until then you must make sure that those on the trunk can do the job.

D.Antartica --too big
 

"DavePoole Torquay" wrote in message
ups.com...
Rupert (W.Yorkshire) wrote:
At 13 feet high a Dicksonia Antartica (as a log) is a few feet too tall to
plant in its proposed site because it pokes above a tall hedge and will be
blasted by wind.
Is it OK to saw off a couple of feet from the base (not the top:-)).
Whilst on this subject how much trunk should be buried in the ground?

Due to the potentially large surface area of foliage, you will need to
have at least 3 feet of trunk in the ground to prevent a major topple
in high winds. You can remove any amount of trunk from the base, but
considering these things are priced by the foot (approximately £20 -
£25/ft. unless it's a B&Q special - in which case a tenner a foot)
removing even a small length seems an expensive reduction.

Whatever you do, make sure that you prepare the soil well. Mix in
plenty of well-rotted compost or manure with the soil and provide a
good mulch in autumn. For the first 2 years, spray the trunk ... no,
drench the trunk daily in summer. It will take a good while to build
up a decent 'mat' of basal roots that can support the top growth and
until then you must make sure that those on the trunk can do the job.

That's what I needed to know -thanks. With the smaller tree ferns I usually
put them in large pots and pamper them for a few seasons by which time they
have made a big fibrous root mass and appear to transplant well.
I only paid for a 10 foot DA but the supplier cocked up and offered a13 foot
at the same price. I paid £10 per foot in one of those 50% off sales so I am
fairly happy.
Incidentally I tracked down that fern chap you mentioned (Steve Pope)