Thanks to Tim for his observations about tree damage from June 4th.
There are contractors in Abbey Meadows again today removing branches and boughs that have fallen, or are at risk of falling, from poplar trees alongside the river. This is not the first time recently that work of this kind has been carried out in the area.
The breaks do not appear to show obvious signs of rot or disease. The explanation given by Tim is that recent periods of very wet weather followed by warmer conditions have contributed to stress in some trees, affecting branch strength. Poplar is a relatively fast-growing hardwood known for being lighter and more brittle than many native species.
Poplar timber is used for a range of purposes, including matchsticks, packaging materials, plywood, and baskets, and it can be processed into thin strips for various light construction uses.
Tim suggests this illustrates some of the pressures that more variable weather patterns can place on certain tree species.
Meanwhile, other newly planted trees are dying, possibly due to a lack of sufficient ongoing care after planting.
The best time to plant any tree or shrub is in the Autumn. There should be enough rain and wet weather over the winter to keep them going until the roots have grown. We have had a period of very hot weather and no rain so newly planted trees etc needed watering to survive.
It seems totally bizarre how good money is spent planting these trees, and then they are not cared for. Lack of joined up thinking. They need additional water for at least the first 3 years, especially in these roasting hot periods in the Summer.
I will put a can of water on some local to us during hot weeks, but I don’t see anyone else doing it sadly.