Pleached Trees: Living Walls Of Green

Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive article on pleached trees, designed to be informative and engaging, with the list items converted to headings:

Pleached Trees: Living Walls of Elegance and Privacy

Pleached trees, with their meticulously trained branches forming elevated screens, have experienced a resurgence in popularity. These living walls offer a unique blend of formal elegance and practical functionality, making them a sought-after feature in contemporary and traditional gardens alike.

What Are Pleached Trees?

Pleaching is an ancient horticultural technique that involves training tree branches to grow along a framework, creating a flat plane of foliage. This results in a “hedge on stilts” effect, where a clear trunk supports a dense, green screen. Historically, this method was used to create shaded walkways and enhance privacy in grand estates. Today, pleached trees serve various purposes, from defining garden spaces to providing a natural alternative to fencing.

Historical Roots of Pleaching

Pleaching has a rich history, dating back to medieval times. It was widely used in European gardens, particularly in France and Italy, during the 17th and 18th centuries. The technique was favored for its ability to create formal garden structures and provide shade. The intricate patterns and symmetrical designs achieved through pleaching reflected the era’s appreciation for order and artistry in landscape design.

Benefits of Pleached Trees

Pleached trees offer a multitude of benefits, making them a valuable addition to any garden:

Enhanced Privacy:

They create effective privacy screens, blocking unwanted views and providing a sense of seclusion.

Vertical Greenery:

Pleached trees add vertical interest to gardens, maximizing space and creating a layered landscape.

Architectural Element:

They serve as striking architectural features, defining garden boundaries and creating distinct “rooms” within the outdoor space.

Aesthetic Appeal:

The formal, structured appearance of pleached trees adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any setting.

Space Efficiency:

They allow for greenery at a higher level, freeing up ground space for other plantings.

Screening Unsightly Areas:

They are very effective at screening unwanted views.

Popular Tree Species for Pleaching

Certain tree species are particularly well-suited for pleaching due to their growth habits and tolerance to pruning:

Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus):

Known for its dense foliage and tolerance to heavy pruning, hornbeam is a popular choice for pleaching.

Lime (Tilia cordata):

Lime trees offer fragrant flowers and a uniform appearance when pleached.

Beech (Fagus sylvatica):

Beech trees offer a beautiful look, and can hold onto their brown leaves during the winter, providing year round screening.

Holm Oak (Quercus ilex):

An evergreen option, ideal for year-round screening, especially in milder climates.

Field Maple (Acer campestre):

This versatile tree offers seasonal interest with its vibrant fall color.

Planting and Maintenance

Planting pleached trees requires careful planning and execution:

Site Selection:

Choose a location with adequate sunlight and well-drained soil.

Framework Installation:

Install a sturdy framework to support the branches as they grow.

Planting:

Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and ensure the tree is planted at the correct depth.

Training and Pruning:

Regular pruning is essential to maintain the desired shape and density of the foliage.

Support:

Especially in windy locations, strong support structures are needed.

Watering:

Consistent watering is vital, especially during the first few years after planting.

Uses in Modern Gardens

Pleached trees are highly versatile and can be used in various ways in modern gardens:

Privacy Screens:

Creating living walls to shield gardens from neighboring properties.

Garden Dividers:

Defining distinct areas within a garden, such as a dining area or relaxation zone.

Architectural Accents:

Adding formal structure and visual interest to garden designs.

Urban Gardens:

Maximizing limited space in urban environments by providing vertical greenery.

Concealing Unwanted Views:

Hiding unsightly buildings or other unwanted views.

Considerations and Tips

Consider the mature size of the chosen tree species when planning the layout.

Regular maintenance is crucial for maintaining the shape and health of pleached trees.

Consult with a professional landscaper or arborist for guidance on planting and training pleached trees.

When purchasing mature pleached trees, be aware that they can be very heavy, and require specialized equipment for moving.

Pleached trees represent a harmonious blend of horticultural artistry and practical garden design. By understanding their history, benefits, and maintenance requirements, you can create stunning living walls that enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space.