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Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) is a native Irish hedging plant known for its thorny branches, early spring flowers, and autumn fruit. This robust and hardy shrub is ideal for creating dense, natural hedgerows that provide year-round shelter for wildlife. In spring, Blackthorn produces a stunning display of white blossoms before its leaves emerge, followed by small, dark purple sloes in autumn, which are valued by both wildlife and humans.
Wildlife-Friendly: Blackthorn hedging provides excellent habitat for birds and small mammals. Its dense, thorny growth offers ideal nesting sites, while the sloes are a valuable food source for birds in autumn.
Seasonal Interest: Early spring blooms bring a burst of white flowers, while the sloes add autumn interest to your landscape.
Natural Barrier: The thick, spiny branches form a highly effective barrier for livestock, making it popular for farms and rural boundaries.
Native Species: As a native species, Blackthorn supports local ecosystems and plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity in Ireland.
Blackthorn is relatively low-maintenance but benefits from regular attention to ensure it thrives as a dense, healthy hedge.
Planting: Best planted in the autumn or early spring, Blackthorn thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. Ensure proper spacing (around 30-40 cm between plants) to allow for thick, healthy growth.
Pruning: Light winter pruning helps shape the hedge and encourages denser growth. Cut back any weak or crossing branches to maintain its structure. If planting Blackthorn as a hedge, coppicing (cutting it back hard every few years) promotes strong regrowth.
Watering: Once established, Blackthorn is quite drought-resistant, but young plants should be watered regularly in their first year to help them settle and establish strong root systems.
Pest & Disease Resistance: Blackthorn is relatively pest-free but can occasionally be affected by black knot fungus. Regular inspection and removal of infected branches can help manage this.
Due to its value in promoting biodiversity and providing shelter, Blackthorn is a recommended choice for ACRES Scheme participants looking to enhance the environmental impact of their farms.
Bay hedges, or Laurus nobilis, are evergreen hedges with fragrant, dark green foliage that adds both beauty and practicality to any landscape. They can grow up to 20 feet tall, are low-maintenance, and can be easily pruned to maintain a desired height and shape. Bay hedges are popular for their culinary uses and can be used to create natural barriers for privacy, sound reduction, and wind protection, as well as for topiary designs.
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' Japanese Maple
Also known as the Bloodgood Japanese Maple, is a striking ornamental tree prized for its vibrant, deep burgundy foliage that lasts through spring, and summer, and intensifies in fall. Its delicate, hand-like leaves create a captivating texture in any garden, making it a stunning focal point in both formal and informal landscapes.
Fagus sylvatica
Also known as European beech trees, are deciduous trees that are native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They are known for their smooth, grey bark and their bright green, oval-shaped leaves. Green beech trees can grow to be quite tall, with some reaching up to 120 feet in height. They are also long-lived trees, with some specimens living for more than 300 years. Green beech trees are popular ornamental trees and are often planted in gardens and parks. They are also used in forestry and as shade trees. In the fall, the leaves of green beech trees turn golden brown before falling off the tree
Tubex Nature™ Standard Tree Shelter is one of the most popular twin-walled tree shelters to protect growing trees from wildlife damage while supporting tree growth, designed for hard-to-reach areas where collection isn’t possible.
Please note:
Tubex Standard 75cm is suitable for new ACRES scheme
Griselinia littoralis, commonly known as kapuka or New Zealand broadleaf, is a species of flowering plant in the family Griseliniaceae. It is native to New Zealand and is commonly found along the coast and in lowland forests of the North and South Islands.
Acer Emerald Queen (Norway Maple)
A majestic specimen offering excellent shade and stunning fall colors
Fagus sylvatica
Also known as European beech trees, are deciduous trees that are native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They are known for their smooth, grey bark and their bright green, oval-shaped leaves. Green beech trees can grow to be quite tall, with some reaching up to 120 feet in height. They are also long-lived trees, with some specimens living for more than 300 years. Green beech trees are popular ornamental trees and are often planted in gardens and parks. They are also used in forestry and as shade trees. In the fall, the leaves of green beech trees turn golden brown before falling off the tree
The Euonymus japonicus 'Green Spire' is a compact, upright evergreen shrub prized for its dense, columnar growth habit and rich green foliage. This versatile plant is perfect for hedges, privacy screens, or architectural accents in formal or modern gardens. Growing up to 4-6 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, 'Green Spire' offers year-round interest with minimal maintenance, making it a popular choice for small gardens, borders, or container plantings.
The Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood,' also known as the Bloodgood Japanese Maple, is a striking ornamental tree prized for its vibrant, deep burgundy foliage that lasts through spring, summer, and intensifies in fall. Its delicate, hand-like leaves create a captivating texture in any garden, making it a stunning focal point in both formal and informal landscapes
Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' is a popular choice for creating stunning hedges due to its glossy, dark green foliage and vibrant red new growth in spring. This evergreen shrub can reach a height of up to 4 meters and can be easily pruned into a desired shape or size. 'Red Robin' thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It is also resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for hedges in gardens, parks, or public spaces. Its striking appearance and versatility make it a great addition to any landscape design.
Carpinus betulus 'Frans Fontaine' (Upright Hornbeam)
A slender, columnar tree perfect for narrow spaces and formal gardens
sold in 12 litre pot
