I have a garden that is very water efficient, so it looks great in the warmer months, but it can become a little overgrown and wild in the colder months. I might not spend as much time out there in winter, but I still like it to look good. I have been working on the garden design to help it look good all year round, and I have found that with the right plant selection and preparation, the garden can look great throughout the year. This blog has tips for other homeowners who are looking to improve the appearance of their garden when the weather gets wet.
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If you live in a rural area with plenty of outdoor space and you are looking for a species of ornamental tree that will bring year-round interest to your property, you might like to consider planting and growing a tupelo tree (Nyssa sylvatica). There are several different species of tupelo tree suitable for slightly different climates that you will find at your local plant wholesalers.
So, what's so good about tupelo trees and how do you go about growing them? Read on for more information.
Tupelo trees
Tupelo trees grow to around 10 metres in height with a good spread of canopy.
The trees produce pretty white flowers during the spring, which are an important source of nectar for bees and other insects; in fact, tupelo honey is something of a delicacy. The trees produce a crop of fruit in summer, which is a magnet for wildlife, including small mammals and birds.
Autumn is the season when the tupelo comes into its own as an ornamental tree. The trees have a beautiful tracery of dark branches and twigs that contrast with a glorious display of red, orange, yellow, and crimson leaves.
Growing tupelo trees – suitable sites
Tupelo trees prefer a cool climate, making them perfect if you live in a mountain region. They are not tolerant of air pollution, so clear mountain air and traffic and industry-free locations are best.
As the trees grow quite large, they are useful for providing shade. The tupelo tree enjoys either full sunshine or partial shade and likes wet or very moist, acidic soil, making them very useful for naturalising areas of boggy land that are prone to flooding. That said, tupelos are pretty hardy and will tolerate brief periods of very dry weather.
Planting and care
When the trees are young, it's a good idea to plant them with tree stakes to prevent wind damage. You should also dig in a good helping of organic compost to the planting hole before placing the tree inside, ensuring that the root ball has room to spread. Water the tree thoroughly after planting and water daily for the first few weeks until it has become established. For the first couple of years, soak the tree thoroughly during periods of very dry weather.
Tupelo trees should not be pruned unless storm damage is sustained. As the trees mature, ask a good tree services company to check the condition regularly for signs of disease and to remove damaged branches.
In conclusion
The tupelo tree makes a great ornamental addition to a rural, pollution-free homestead. Ask your local plant wholesaler or click here for more information and details of the varieties of tupelo that they stock.
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