Pleached Trees: A Beautiful and Practical Addition to Your Garden

Pleached trees are a type of tree that has been trained to grow along a horizontal framework, creating a flat plane of foliage. This technique has been used for centuries in formal gardens and creates a unique and elegant look. In this article, we will explore the benefits and uses of pleached trees, as well as the different types of trees that can be trained in this manner.

What are Pleached Trees?

Pleached trees are created by training young trees to grow along a horizontal framework, usually made of wooden poles or metal wires. The tree is pruned regularly to remove any growth that protrudes beyond the framework, creating a flat plane of foliage. The result is a striking and formal appearance that is ideal for creating garden rooms or creating a sense of separation between different areas of your garden.

Benefits of Pleached Trees

Pleached trees offer a number of benefits, both aesthetic and practical. They are a great way to add height and structure to a garden, while still maintaining an open and airy feel. They can also be used to create privacy screens or to block unsightly views. In addition, pleached trees can help to reduce noise and air pollution in urban areas, making them a popular choice for city gardens.

Types of Trees Suitable for Pleaching

A wide range of trees can be trained in the pleached style, but some are better suited than others. Trees with small leaves or needles and a naturally upright growth habit are ideal, as they require less pruning to maintain the flat plane of foliage. Some popular choices include:

1. Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus): A popular choice for pleaching, the hornbeam has a naturally upright growth habit and small leaves that are easy to maintain.

2. Lime (Tilia spp.): The lime tree is a classic choice for pleaching, with small leaves and a dense growth habit that creates a thick canopy.

3. Crabapple (Malus spp.): Crabapples are a great choice for adding color to your pleached hedge, with their pink or white blossoms in spring and colorful fruit in fall.

4. Pear (Pyrus spp.): The pear tree has a naturally upright growth habit and small, glossy leaves that are easy to maintain.

5. Plane (Platanus spp.): The plane tree is a popular choice for urban pleaching, as it can tolerate pollution and has a dense, lush canopy.

How to Maintain Pleached Trees

Maintaining pleached trees requires regular pruning to remove any growth that protrudes beyond the framework. This should be done annually, in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. It is important to use sharp, clean tools and to make clean cuts to avoid damaging the tree. In addition, pleached trees should be watered regularly and fertilized in the spring to promote healthy growth.

In Conclusion

Pleached trees are a beautiful and practical addition to any garden, offering height, structure, and privacy while maintaining an open and airy feel. They can be created using a wide range of tree species and are relatively easy to maintain with regular pruning. Whether you are looking to create a garden room, block unsightly views, or add a touch of elegance to your landscape, pleached trees are a great choice.

This article is provided by https://www.provendernurseries.co.uk/plants/trees1/pleached-trees1