Alder (Alnus glutinosa) is a fast-growing, native Irish tree that thrives in damp or waterlogged soils, making it ideal for wetlands, riverbanks, and areas prone to flooding. With its distinctive rounded, glossy leaves and small cone-like fruits, Alder is both a practical and attractive choice for hedging, particularly in wetter environments. Known for its nitrogen-fixing ability, Alder improves soil fertility and supports a wide range of wildlife, making it an excellent addition to environmentally focused planting schemes.
Features
Soil Enrichment: Alder is a nitrogen-fixing tree, meaning it improves soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants. This makes it a great companion plant for mixed hedgerows and woodlands, contributing to overall soil health.
Wildlife Habitat: The tree’s small, woody cones and catkins attract birds like goldfinches, while its dense foliage provides shelter for birds and small mammals. Alder is also beneficial for aquatic ecosystems, providing shade and habitat along rivers and streams.
Water-Loving: Alder thrives in wet or poorly drained soils, making it ideal for planting in areas prone to flooding or near water sources. It stabilizes soil and helps prevent erosion along riverbanks and wetlands.
Native Species: As a native Irish species, Alder supports local biodiversity, making it a valuable component of natural hedgerows and sustainable farming practices.
Maintenance
Alder is a robust, low-maintenance tree but benefits from a few key practices to ensure healthy growth.
Planting: Alder grows best in moist, waterlogged, or poorly drained soils and can tolerate full sun or partial shade. It is often planted near rivers, ponds, or damp fields, but it can also tolerate drier conditions once established. Space plants about 1.5-2 meters apart when planting as part of a hedge or woodland scheme.
Pruning: While Alder requires little pruning, young trees can be shaped to encourage strong, straight growth. Any damaged or weak branches can be removed in late winter or early spring to improve the tree’s structure. If used as a hedge, occasional trimming helps maintain its shape and density.
Watering: Alder naturally thrives in wet areas, so additional watering is generally only necessary for young trees during their first growing season, or in particularly dry periods. Once established, they are very drought-tolerant.
Pest & Disease Resistance: Alder is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, though it can occasionally be affected by phytophthora root rot in particularly waterlogged soils. Ensuring proper planting conditions will reduce this risk.
Ideal for ACRES Scheme Projects
Alder is a key species for ACRES Scheme projects, especially in areas where soil improvement, water management, or flood prevention are essential. Its ability to fix nitrogen, improve soil quality, and stabilize wetland areas makes it a valuable choice for farmers aiming to enhance the environmental value of their land while contributing to local biodiversity and soil health.
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
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Olearia traversii can be an excellent choice for a hedge, particularly in coastal areas or locations with well-drained soils. Its dense growth habit, attractive silvery-gray foliage, and adaptability to coastal conditions make it a desirable option for landscaping purposes.
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A compact variety of Cherry Laurel with distinctive rounded, glossy dark green leaves that create a dense, formal appearance. This cultivar offers a neater, more manageable alternative to the vigorous common Cherry Laurel, making it excellent for hedging and screening where space is limited.
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
Euonymus 'Aureomarginatus' is a species of evergreen shrub that is known for its variegated foliage. It is also commonly known as golden margin Euonymus or golden edge Euonymus. The shrub typically grows to a height and width of around 6-8 feet and has a dense and bushy growth habit.
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
