Mount Pleasant Trees - Rockhampton, Berkeley, Gloucestershire, GL13 9DU.
Telephone: 01454 260 348 - Email: info@mountpleasanttrees.com






Download the 2009/2010 Mount Pleasant Trees Catalogue
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About Us

This season Mount Pleasant Trees Ltd reaches three decades of trading. Although under second generation management we remain a small family-run business with many years of theoretical and practical experience of tree planting and woodland management.

Small enough to know the seed origins of all our stock but big enough to be able to offer very competitive pricing, we provide fresh, carefully grown and handled trees with strong roots and great growth potential.

The crux of our business is supplying young bare rooted trees for hedging, shelterbelts, screening and woodland planting for estates, farms and gardens. Our specialities are native hedge and woodland species alongside classic ornamental varieties such as beech, hornbeam, yew and box. We pay particular attention, especially with our native species, to supply plants of known origin and, wherever possible, UK seed origin. Utilising our extensive stock plants we also supply unrooted willow and poplar cuttings for biomass, timber, amenity and garden planting. This is an economical method of establishing these fast-growing, functional trees and shrubs.

We stock unusual pot grown and bare rooted trees comprising of a broad range of the best arboretum and garden trees including a number of less well know species and varieties.
To complete the planting experience we offer a range of high quality competitively priced tree shelters, stakes and other planting essentials.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Tom and Elizabeth


COLLECTING YOUR PLANTS IN FIVE SIMPLE STEPS


1 Browse the catalogue or look on our website www.mountpleasanttrees.com to make your plant and sundries selections

2 Call us on 01454 260348, email info@mountpleasanttrees.com or fill out an order form in the catalogue and pop it in the post to us

3 When your order is ready, we will contact you to arrange a collection date.

4 Payment is due by card or cash on collection of your trees which will be ready for you (frost permitting) at:
Mount Pleasant Trees Ltd, Rockhampton, Berkeley, GLOS. GL13 9DU
(Click here for Google Map)

5 Bare-rooted planting should ideally be completed by late February


Phone lines are open Monday-Saturday from 8.00am-8.30pm. Please leave a message and we will get back to you if there is no one available to answer.

Collection appointments are available every day except Thursday and Sunday. Last collection is at 4.30pm during the week and 12.30pm on Saturdays.

Trees are available for collection from late October until early March. Bare-rooted plants are lifted from mid to late November.

Payment by debit card or cash is welcomed (ALL PRICES QUOTED ARE EXCLUSIVE OF VAT). If you would like to pay by credit card, a 2% fee will be added to your invoice.

Unfortunately we do not provide a delivery service but we are happy to advise as to whether your vehicle is suitable to transport your order.


We tweet! If you would like access to MPT exclusive offers then follow us on www.twitter.com/MPTrees




PLANTING ESSENTIALS

PLANTING AND AFTERCARE OF YOUNG TREES

We know that our customers have some (and most a great deal) of experience of gardening and horticulture. For those who need a basic guide, a good point of reference is "The Tree and Shrub Expert" by Dr. D.G.Hessayon. Many horticulturalists however would not agree with his general advice to prune hard all hedge species when planting.
All trees leave the nursery in good health and experience has shown that in a normal season over 95% of the trees thrive. It should be noted that all living things including trees can die for various reasons and this is a risk which all experienced tree planters recognise and of which all new planters should be aware. Customers must accept that risk.

The essentials of successful planting can be summarised as follows:

Never leave roots exposed to the air. Do not allow roots to dry out, even on a moist or rainy day conditions can suddenly change. If roots become dry, immerse in water, but only for a few moments.
Do not allow roots to be waterlogged. Young trees cannot tolerate this except for short periods. By heeling down heavy soils onto roots, it is possible to kill a tree. Apart from the risk of physical damage to the roots, air is likely to be completely excluded from the root zone
Do not allow trees to be rocked by the wind. Deciduous trees smaller than about 3ft. do not normally need staking but conifers even 12" high may need a small cane to hold them steady in the first season in a windy situation. Newly transplanted conifers can be desiccated by cold, dry winds. Provide protection especially for bare-rooted conifers of sensitive species such as: Taxus, Sequoia, Sequoiadendron, Thuja, Pinus nigra, Tsuga for the first season.
Prepare a 3ft. diameter weed free area before planting trees or hedges by digging, herbicide spraying, or by covering the planting areas some weeks in advance with black polythene sheet. “Double digging" with removal or burying of weeds and grass is a good alternative for garden hedges or where small numbers of trees allow the hard work involved.
Do not allow weeds to retard growth of trees. Grass growing within two feet of a newly planted tree or hedge plant can slow rate of growth by a factor of 3 or more. If grass growth is not prevented during the first seasons after planting, the soil is likely to become dry and it is quite probable that the tree or hedge plants will die. Prevent weed growth, especially grasses, by mulching, herbicides or shallow hoeing.

Do not plant too late in the season. Most trees and hedging should ideally be planted by mid February. This applies especially to Quickthorn, Blackthorn and several other natural countryside hedge species.

HEDGING BASICS

Rural
The normal method of planting is as a double staggered row 4 plants to the metre. To make a hedge stock- proof a good rule of thumb is to include at least 50% thorn; Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) or Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn). Commonly used species to make up the hedge are: Field maple, Common dogwood, Hazel, Spindle, Holly, Native wild privet, Crab apple, Common buckthorn, Dog rose, Pussy willow, Viburnum lantana and Viburnum opulus. You could consider Beech, Hornbeam, Oak, Lime and Ash. Beech hedging keeps its attractive withered leaves through winter but is slow to establish in the first year or two and suffers from water damage. Hornbeam offers similar attributes as beech but is faster growing and easier
to establish especially on heavy or wet soils. New hedges require animal protection for around 5 years. We shall be pleased to advise on a suitable natural mix of species for your area and how to protect these appropriately.

Conifer/Ornamental
Spacing depends on intended ultimate height i.e. 6ft high = 24” single row spacing. 10ft. high = 4ft. single row spacing. Leyland cypress (Leylandii) make an excellent uniform hedge if regularly maintained; Thuja plicata ‘Atrovirens’ (Western Red Cedar) quickly forms a good dense evergreen hedge. Yew should only be planted where the drainage is good and the plants cannot become waterlogged. Special care should be taken not to over water new yew hedges, especially on heavy soils.

Impact of Weeds and Grass
To ensure good growth, a strip of ground at least 18" wide on either side should be kept grass and weed-free. This is most important in the first year but should be maintained for the first three years. Grass/weeds will reduce the growth rate of the hedge or may cause the plants to die.
Hedges are often planted much later in the season than is desirable, this is usually detrimental to the successful establishment and growth. Most of the common native hedge species should be planted by mid or late February, by which time the roots are beginning to grow. Arguably even planting in non-ideal conditions is better than to plant too late in the season.

Filling Gaps in Existing Hedges
It is difficult to use young trees in existing hedgerows to thicken or fill gaps because the adjacent bushes usually compete for moisture and can shade the newly planted trees. Further issues arise from weeds, which are difficult to eliminate in most hedges. To achieve best results the following procedure is recommended:
1. Cut back very hard the existing hedging
2. Dig out weeds and competing roots from adjacent hedging using a spade or a J.C.B. for large jobs
3. Plant the most robust plants possible and mulch and keep well watered for the first year or two.
Where new "fillers" are shaded, use shade tolerant species such as Yew, Holly, Box, Laurel, Wild privet, Hazel, Beech, Hornbeam, Hawthorn, and Field Maple. Other shade tolerant conifers are Thuja plicata and Tsuga heterophylla.
Robust plants - can be achieved by growing on young plants at about 18" spacing in a corner of the vegetable garden for 2 or 3 years. These should then be carefully dug between late November or early February with a sharp spade to transplant the tree with as large a lump of soil as can be lifted.

GROWING WILLOW AND POPLAR FROM CUTTINGS AND SETS

Most willows and some poplars can easily be grown from unrooted hardwood cuttings. Often trees raised in this way in their final planting positions grow better and faster than when already rooted young trees are planted. Our cuttings are taken from our own specially nurtured mother plants to produce good cutting material.

Cuttings and sets can be planted at any time between leaf-fall and the time when new leaves emerge, normally between November and late March, although the optimum time is probably from December to early March. Cuttings are normally 9"-12" long and 0.2"-0.7" diameter and sets are around 30"-60" long.

The cuttings or sets of all but the slow-growing varieties are best planted in their final growing positions, since in average conditions a minimum of 3' to 4' of growth can be expected by the autumn following planting. When planting, insert vertically into the soil 6"-8" of the cutting or 15" or more of the sets. If the soil is too compact or dry, it can be dug over then firmed down or a pilot hole can be made using bamboo cane. The pilot hole must be smaller than the cutting so that it makes firm contact with the soil.

Take care to insert the cuttings the right way up. No hormone rooting powders are necessary. Ensure there is at least a 2ft. weeds and grass-free circle around each cutting or set for the first growing season to ensure the plants thrive. An excellent way of achieving this is to plant the cuttings or sets through 4ft. pieces of black polythene. Planted in this way, assuming adequate moisture for growth, some poplar and willow cuttings will grow 6-8ft. shoots in the first season.

TREE SPACING
For forestry and woodland planting the normal spacing is about 2.1 metres or approx. 7ft. The aim in such situations is to encourage vertical growth and small side branches to produce straight timber with small knots. Planting at this density also enables selective thinning after a number of years to leave the best potential timber trees to grow on. A similar spacing is usually adopted for amenity planting because it allows for some losses. It also creates a favourable microclimate in which the trees can grow and results in suppression of competing weeds. An added advantage of this fairly close spacing is that it looks appropriate to the sizes of the trees in the early years.

In ornamental planting schemes, as the trees grow they should be thinned to allow the favoured specimens to develop broader more natural crowns. In establishing new arboreta, similar close spacing strategies are often adopted, and prove most successful. The "special" trees are planted within a matrix of common trees, which are gradually removed as the special trees grow and require more space.

TREE SPACING Approximate number of trees required for square spacing
Spacing metric Trees per hectare Spacing Imperial Trees per acre
1.0m 10,000 3ft. 5,000
1.2m 7,000 4ft. 2,700
1.5m 4,500 5ft. 1,700
1.7m 3,500 6ft. 1,200
2.0m 2,500 7ft. 900
2.1m 2,250 8ft. 700
3.0m 1,100 10ft. 450

PROTECTION FROM DEER

Individually protecting trees from deer has obvious financial drawbacks. Five feet high plastic mesh guards can be used but represents both an expensive and fiddly option, whilst protection via tall translucent plastic tubes causes accelerated and floppy growth.

In most cases it’s arguably better and usually cheaper to enclose the whole planting area with a deer proof fence. Although 6 or 7 ft high mesh deer fencing is the traditional technique applied, a much cheaper alternative is to use standard C/8/80/15 cattle fencing topped with 3 or 4 plain galvanised wires to give an overall height of about 6ft 6". Instead of the cattle fencing rabbit netting can be used to create a fence that is both rabbit and deer proof. We have found such fences an effective device against fallow deer here at Mount Pleasant.

To guard individual trees we use circles of C/8/80/15 about 1-1.5 metres in diameter, these circles are fairly rigid and can be free-standing or held in position with a light stake. A better size of fencing for these individual guards is the taller 10/120/15 but this is much more expensive and difficult to obtain.

Most deer damage is caused by fraying (rubbing with their antlers). Often their method of destruction of coniferous species. Broadleaves at specific risk include; Malus, Sorbus, Walnut, Poplar and Willow although they will cause some damage to every other species too. Deer damage to trees by fraying is at its worst from September to April, with less during the summer months.

PROTECTING HOLLY
A species particularly vulnerable to damage by voles, mice and rabbits. Rabbits will eat the stems and leaves of young holly in preference to almost any other plant. Voles will eat the bark from near ground level and often kill young holly trees. The young trees are vulnerable to serious damage until the base diameter is about one inch. Guarding to prevent such damage is easily achieved by planting inside 60cm plastic mesh tree guards or shrub shelters, which we offer in our catalogue. These guards also protect young holly from desiccation by the wind, which they can be very vulnerable to during the first season of planting. After one or two seasons when the plants have grown to 3ft. or so it is best to take off the tubes and replace them with spiral guards.

PLANTING IN DROUGHTS AND FLOODS

Almost every year since the late 1980’s we have experienced periods of unusual or extreme weather. Much of this now acknowledged to be due to carbon dioxide emissions resulting from human actions. The unpredictable and very varied weather presents challenges to tree planters. Selection of species well suited to the site and soil conditions is vital and special planting and ground preparation techniques may be necessary to cope with both droughts and waterlogging.

Some of the trees that have tolerated the extreme conditions and grown very well are oaks, ash, pear, walnut, bird cherry, native black poplar, Sorbus torminalis, aspen, field maple, Italian alder, hornbeam, and ‘Wellingtonia’.

Adequate mulching and weed control is vital and special planting techniques should be considered on ground that is prone to drought. One of the best methods to allow simple and effective watering is to introduce a layer of pea-sized (or smaller) gravel or sand about 12" below the soil surface. The gravel/sand layer should be about 2" deep and 2ft in diameter for a 6-7ft high tree. One or two pipes ideally about 2" diameter should be placed vertically in the soil, with the tops sticking out of the soil by about 2" and with the bottoms in the gravel/sand zone. Watering weekly during dry periods with 10-20 gallons through these pipes will enable reliable establishment.

When planting in areas that are likely to become waterlogged, ensuring effective drainage by pipes or ditches should be the first consideration, possibly together with incorporation of large quantities of gravel or gritty sand into the soil. If that is not practical, then creation of ridges or mounds on which to plant the trees or hedging may need to be undertaken. Avoid planting trees like yew, sweet chestnut and beech, which are very susceptible to water-logging damage in situations prone to this

FURTHER READING


SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON TREES AND TREE PLANTING

The Internet has a huge amount of accurate information on trees but there are plenty of errors too. Entering the Latin name of the tree (without cultivar) into Google produces good results whilst Wikipedia also provides useful info as well as links to related sites.

A good selection of books is on sale at Westonbirt Arboretum visitor centre.

The following books are particularly recommended:

"The Hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs" - a complete descriptive botanical work - no pictures but masses of text - unbeatable for value.

"Practical Forestry for the agent and surveyor" by Cyril Hart deals with most aspects of tree growing and planting with particular emphasis on forestry.

Summerfield Books. High St. Brough, Kirkby Stephen.Cumbria.CAI7 4BX.www.summerfieldbooks.com Tel. 017683 41577. Sell both current and out of print books on botanical subjects, gardening trees and forestry. Excellent mail order and great customer service.

USEFUL TREE ORGANISATIONS

Several of the following organisations can give information on grants for tree and hedge planting and woodland management. Grants are very complicated and change regularly and up to date advice can be sought from the following sources:

The Forestry Commission - National Office for England, Great Eastern House, Tenison Road, Cambridge, CB1 2DU. 01223 314546. This organisation can provide an enormous amount of help and advice to larger scale planters. The regional office staff are knowledgeable about the local conditions for planting. Their list of publications and other information is on www.forestry.gov.uk.

County and District Councils - Virtually all councils have a section which is able to give advice on tree and hedge planting, woodland restoration and conservation matters. They can give good advice and suggest contacts with other organisations. Some councils are able to give grants for smaller, non-commercial tree and hedge planting schemes and woodland and hedge renovation.

Small Woods Association. www.smallwoods.org.uk Many benefits available to members. The Old Bakery, Pontesbury, Shropshire. SY5 0RR Tel. 01743 792644

Woodland Heritage P.O. Box 168, Haslemere, GU27 1XQ www.woodlandheritage.org.uk. Members receive the informative Journal periodically.

Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) - There are regional offices around the country staffed by knowledgeable people who can advise on tree and hedge planting and maintenance, other conservation projects and the grants applicable. Head office is at National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, Warks. CV8 2RX. www.fwag.org.uk

County or Local Wildlife Trusts - Tel. 0870 036 7711. Or www.wildlifetrusts.org
English Nature -www.english-nature.org.uk Northminster House, Peterborough, PEI 1UA. Tel 01733 340345. or Countryside Council for Wales, 43-45 The Parade, Roath, Cardiff CF2 3UH.

Royal Forestry Society 102 High Street, Tring, Herts, HP23 4AF. www.rfs.org.uk Membership entitles you to educational and social visits to woodlands and 4 issues of the journal each year. Many members are in work associated with woodlands but there are a members from all walks of life who just have an interest in trees. Members are able to join half or full day guided woodland walks Wonderful locations and descriptions and comments on the woodlands. Their website HYPERLINK "http://www.rfs.org.uk" www.rfs.org.uk contains good information on the various grants available for tree planting.

Arboricultural Association. www.trees.org.uk Ampfield House, Ampfield, Romsey, Hants. SO5 9PA Tel. 01794 368978- maintains a register of approved tree surgeons and tree consultants. Membership is for those professionally or very seriously interested in trees.

The Tree Register - The Tree Register, 77a Hall End, Wooton, Bedford. MK43 9HP. HYPERLINK "http://www.treeregister.org" www.treeregister.org. A charity co-founded by the late Alan Mitchell which records tree statistics and can provide information on the "biggest and the best".

The Ancient Tree Hunt is recording Ancient trees see HYPERLINK "http://www.ancienttreehunt.org.uk" www.ancienttreehunt.org.uk

Tree Aid. Brunswick Court, Brunswick Square, Bristol. BS2 8PE. HYPERLINK "http://www.treeaid.org.uk" www.treeaid.org.uk Tree aid is a registered charity which was set up in the mid 1980's by U.K. foresters in response to the famines in Africa. U.K. foresters realise how fortunate we are and how trees can play a part in preventing the succession of famines in Africa. One of the major causes of drought is the breakdown of the delicately balanced ecosystem due to deforestation. Tree Aid supports village communities working to reverse the environmental damage, by planting and tending new trees, protecting existing trees, establishing tree nurseries, building irrigation channels and digging wells. Tree Aid is a small charity with much of the work done by volunteers - no money is wasted on expensive advertising. The work of the charity and its needs for funds are passed on by word of mouth - particularly by those who are interested in trees and wood. Much of the funding is by donations from companies involved with trees and from other local and national companies as well as individuals.

Bristol Naturalists Society - www.bristolnats.org.uk This long established Society has members with a wide range of interests and experience. There are wide ranging visits each year covering all aspects of natural history. Members receive newsletters and a year book and access to a Society library. Contact: Mrs. A. Wookey, Hon. Membership Secretary, 97, Walton Rd. Clevedon, Bristol. BS21 6AW.

The Dendrologist -www.treematters.freeserve.co.uk
This is a quarterly publication which is not too technical and contains news, features and details of forthcoming events of interest to tree enthusiasts. It is produced by volunteers and the standard is high. Contact: Hon. Treasurer. P.O. Box 341, Chesham, Bucks. HP5 2RD.

Tree News www.treecouncil.org.uk. – A high quality glossy magazine available on subscription produced twice a year it is packed with topical articles and features of interest to amateurs and professionals.

ALSO WORTH A VISIT

WESTONBIRT NATIONAL ARBORETUM
You may wish to combine your trip with a visit to Westonbirt Arboretum. Westonbirt Arboretum is owned by the Forestry Commission and has 500 acres of wonderful trees.
Telephone: 01666 880220. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

TORTWORTH ARBORETUM
About a hundred years ago this arboretum was almost as fine Westonbirt. The Estate has been split up but two important parts with many interesting and historic trees still remain. The part around the historic Tortworth Court (now the Four Pillars Hotel) and the valley part of the arboretum owned by the Prison Service that can be walked around by visitors.
The arboretum is 4 miles from Mount Pleasant Trees off the B4509 in the direction of Charfield and Wotton under Edge.
The famous Tortworth Sweet chestnut is worth the 1 mile detour to its location near the churchyard.

NURSERIES AND GARDEN CENTRES

LODGE FARM TREES - Rockhampton (1 mile from here)
Small specialist fruit tree nursery growing trees and bushes with an emphasis on traditional local varieties. Ideal for orchard restoration and new orchards. Also grow Christmas trees. Tel: 01454 260310 for catalogue. Appointment essential. www.lodgefarmtrees.co.uk

OAK LEAF NURSERIES - near Thornbury (2miles from here)
Small nursery grows popular range of herbaceous plants and shrubs. Open Sunday, Monday and Wednesday, appointment necessary. Tel. 07977 048849.

HIGHFIELD GARDEN CENTRE - Whitminster, Glos.
Large Garden Centre with comprehensive range of stock. Tel: 01452 741444, www.highfieldgardenworld.co.uk
WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM PLANT CENTRE,- near Tetbury, Glos.
At the Arboretum, a small centre offering an interesting range of trees and shrubs. Tel.01666 880544.

Also nearby (see map on back) is the large Wyevale Garden Centre stocking a good range of plants and sundries. Tel. 01454 412247, www.wyevale.co.uk

SPECIAL OFFERS


Special offers will be updated here in PDF format.


MOUNT PLEASANT FARM AND FORESTRY




Download the 2009/2010 Mount Pleasant Farm and Forestry stock list here
HERE - PDF 64 KB