In summer, on hot, sunny days, it is good to hide in the garden under the shade of a garden umbrella or even better -trees with an umbrella crownResting under a tree will allow you to fully feel close to nature. If we have a large garden with large trees with spreading crowns, there will be no problem with arranging such a place. But what to do when there is not much free space in the garden (e.g. a small backyard garden) or we are just setting up a garden and we have to wait many years for large trees? Then, grafted trees creating umbrella-like crowns will be the perfect solution.Choose the besttree like an umbrellaand see how to care fortrees with an umbrella crown
A tree like an umbrella - the dangling shoots of the hornbeam 'Pendula' can form an attractive, umbrella-like crown up to 6 meters wide. The specimen shown in the photo can be found in the arboretum in Bolestraszyce. Photo M. Czernicki
For atree like an umbrellaplants are selected to form large, drooping crowns. An ornamental plant that forms an umbrella-like crown is grafted onto a stem as a rootstock. These types ofumbrella-crowned treesare only sold in containers. It is worth knowing that the width of the umbrella-shaped tree crown depends on the chosen ornamental species and the method of leading and cutting. However, the height of the trunk depends on the rootstock - it will be the same as the height of the vaccination site. Usually, a taller trunk will not grow any more.Therefore, asumbrella trees , you should choose grafted trees at a height of at least 1.8 to 2.2 m. We can hope for a taller plant in the case of varieties whose branches in the initial phase of growth first they rise and only then they fall. This feature is characterized, among others, by common beech (Fagus sylvatica) 'Pendula' and common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) 'Pendula'.
"A place for a rest corner in the shadeumbrella-crowned treesshould be carefully selected. It must be a place where we can rest well, secluded and sheltered, but also creating good growth conditions for the umbrella tree, especially sunny. In most cases, the formation of a regular tree crown is facilitated by an abundance of light. When the sun is missing, the shoots stretch unevenly. "
Underumbrella-crowned treeyou can sow grass (make sure you choose a mixture intended for shady places).However, because lawns that grow in the shade under trees tend to be problematic, many people may choose to plant cover plants instead of their lawns, or choose a paved surface such as paved with stone. It will be easier to place furniture such as a table and chairs or a garden bench on a stable, paved surface. We should prepare such a surface as soon as possible after planting the tree that is to act as an umbrella. Later, when trimming under the pavement, there will be a high risk of damaging the tree roots. An interesting arrangement idea may be a circular bench surrounding the trunktrees with an umbrella-like crown
If you plan to plant other, smaller plants in the corner under the tree, e.g. shrubs, remember not to plant them right away. Let us accept ourtree as an umbrellaand grow up a bit. Other elements of the plant composition in the rest corner should be planted a year or even two years later, so that with our plant umbrella they do not compete too quickly for nutrients contained in the soil.
"We can help create a wide, umbrella-like crown by supporting young branches so that they grow horizontally. You can use stakes, bamboo poles or use slats or rods to build a structure that provides a frame for a plant umbrella. Underthe umbrella-crowned treeyou can also put a pergola or trellis on which the branches can rest. Remove all supports when the branches reach the expected shape and are strong enough. Plants with a slack or bending trunk must also be tied to a stake. The stake can be removed when the trunk is sufficiently stiff and thick enough to support the wide crown. "
Which plants will be suitable fortrees umbrellas ?
The most popular choice is probablywarty birch (Betula pendula) 'Youngii'It is a tree with a picturesque appearance, and its additional decoration is a white trunk. It can reach a crown with a width of 2 - 5 m (some sources say that even 6 m).Papillary birch does not have high requirements.
No less attractive will beEuropean hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) 'Pendula' , which can form a crown 4 to 6 m wide. It also has little requirements, although it grows better in fertile soils.
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) 'Pendula'Here we can also count on a 4 to 6 m wide crown. flowers, appearing in May, and red fruits of this plant. Rowan bears fruit eagerly eaten by birds, so this species should be chosen by lovers of avian companionship.
When looking for a plant umbrella, considerElm (Ulmus) 'Camperdownia'orMountain Elm(Ulmus glabra) 'Pendula' , which can form crowns more than 5 m wide. However, it must be remembered that they require more fertile and sufficiently moist soil, and are also sensitive to excessive salinity of the soil.
A slightly smaller crown, 3 meters wide, will be created bywhite mulberry (Morus alba) 'Pendula'Its additional decoration will be large, heart-shaped leaves and edible fruit, which, however, after ripening in August quickly they fall off and can soil the environment. We must therefore consider whether it will disturb us. This plant likes warm and sunny positions as well as rich and well-drained soils.
If you want to invite useful bees to the garden from early spring, it is worth planting a plant umbrellawillow (Salix carpea) &39;Kilmarnock&39;This plant has stiff shoots that can hang down to to the ground. It looks especially attractive in early spring, when before the leaves appear, its shoots are covered with large, silvery cats, which turn yellow over time. Pollen from these flowers is one of the earliest benefits for bees. "
Other tree suggestions for umbrella-like crowns are Common beech (Fagus sylvatica) 'Pendula', catalpa (catalpa bignon) 'Nana', ginkgo biloba 'Mariken', European larch (Larix decidua) 'Stiff Weeping', cherry pink (Prunus subhirtella) ' Pendula 'or the decorative apple tree' Rogów ', the name of which comes from the arboretum in Rogów, where it was grown.
