FAQ
Are poplars evergreen?
NO! Believe it or not, this is the most common question asked. Because we are not too fond of fir trees, cherry laurel is offered as an evergreen alternative.
Will poplar roots invade my drains and damage my foundations?
No again. The hybrid balsam poplars we supply are much less vigourous than the native poplars, and do not have invasive roots.
But they are big trees.
Any tree will become relatively large if left to its own devices. A beech can attain a height of 200 feet, but could be grown as part of a hedge, clipped back to 4 feet high.
The roots produced by poplars are in balance with the tree size, but are not very far spreading even if the tree is tall. For this reason they are often used to shelter crops, while not competing for nutrients and moisture to any great extent.
When is the best time to plant?
During the dormant period (October-March), but avoiding January when the soil is cold and wet.
How long after delivery can I leave planting?
Trees and laurel bushes are usually delivered the same day as lifted in the Herefordshire area and are supplied bare rooted and bagged. As long as the roots are kept moist and not allowed to dry out, they will be ok in their bags for several days.
If you need to wait any longer before planting, "heel" them in a shallow trench until needed.
How deep should they be planted?
The usual rule is that any plant should ideally be replanted at the same depth. Follow this rule with laurels.
Poplars are quite happy if planted slightly deeper- this will prevent them from rocking before they become established.
Don't they need stakes then?
Not really. If allowed to whip around, the movement will strengthen the stems. If root movement is possible, a short stake (2ft.) can be used to stabilise.
Do animals need to be kept away?
Horses and sheep like the taste of poplar wood and leaves for some strange reason as it is pretty disgusting.
If you keep horses, they will need fencing off for the first three years or so. Rabbits will also chew the bark on frosty nights. Use a plastic spiral or netting guard or a protective paint such as "AA Protect".
Nothing much will eat laurels, probably because the leaves are slightly poisonous. Ruminants are very susceptible and should be kept away. Rabbits show very little interest.
Are pests and diseases a problem?
Laurels are not troubled by insect pests to any degree. Poplars may be attacked by poplar hawk moth caterpillars some years. If the leaves start to disappear from a young tree overnight, they will usually be the culprits. If possible, remove them to willow (which they also like). This is not a problem when the trees are larger and a balance becomes established.
Poplar beetles, (which also attack willows) can be a problem. The adults (about 2-3mm across and shiny) bite holes in the mature leaves, and can virtually strip them in a bad attack. They may also eat the young leaves as they emerge, stopping extension growth. They are not so easy to remove as caterpillars. A mild attack can be tolerated, but if they attack the young growth, insecticide is the only answer.
What about fungi?
Young laurels may suffer from mildew on the new growth during mid-late summer. The leaves become covered with white mycelium as well as becoming mis-shapen. Spray with a fungicide when seen.
Poplar will sometimes get leaf rust in Autumn if conditions are favourable. This causes reddish spots on the leaves and premature fall. It will probably not occur the following season.
No treatment needed