Bird-friendly small tree for damp soil. (1 Viewer)

[hollis_f]

We have an open patch at the back of the pond that would really suit a small (about 4m) tree. But the area gets very damp (standing water) when we have lots of rain. I know that winter is a good time to plant, but I've no idea what would be suitable. A rowan would have been my top choice, but they don't like it wet.

Any suggestions?

 

[dantheman]

Got to be a small willow/sallow sp. - good for various invertebrates and hence warblers/other insect feeders might be interested in it. Or an Alder (as long as a species that doesn't get too big, or you can coppice/pollard it) - possibility of Siskins or Goldfinches feeding on the seeds.

I guess you shouldn't plant it too near the pond (dead leaves falling in a problem in autumn), and definitely not on the south side (north preferably), as the lack of light will cause the pond to suffer.

Native species best, and there may be other berry producing trees/bushes which would tolerate the damp conditions... ?? (And even Elder or Buddleia, but you'd have to check)

 

[NoSpringChicken]

Some Crataegus (Hawthorn) cultivars are small, attractive, berry bearing trees, which should tolerate damp soil. (I think).

As an off-the-wall suggestion, my mother had a small ornamental Crab Apple tree called Malus Toringo. It had masses of tiny red apples which it kept all over the winter. One year a party of Waxwings descended upon it and stayed for nearly a fortnight. It says the tree will tolerate moist soil.

Ron

 

[hollis_f]

That Crab Apple sounds perfect, especially if it attracts Waxwings.

Thanks Ron.

 

[NoSpringChicken]

Hi Frank. Reading your post again, I see that you mention 'standing water'. That sounds a bit worse than 'damp'. It might be a bit too much for the Malus.

I would search a few of the online tree specialists' catalogues, find a few possibilities and ask their advice. A tree is a long term project and a bad choice can waste a lot of time and money.

Ron

 

[dantheman]

That's why I started off by suggesting trees that are actaully normally adapted to bog/ wet conditions

Agree specialist advice may have to be sought if specifically berry producing species are required...

 

[joannec]

Hi Frank

I agree with Dan, an alder or willow, a dwarf cultivar if you want to keep it under 4 metres. I can't think of anything else that will put up with standing water.

 

[Apodemus]

As Dan says, a willow species is your best bet.
If you do want to try a rowan or a crab, you could plant it on a raised mound, just to keep the roots out of the worst of the wetness. Once the tree is bigger it will cope with the wetness much better than the young tree would. Even just turning a turf over and planting into that can be enough.