FEATURE
Selecting STREET TREES
30
FutureArch November 2017
Street trees.indd 30
Ailanthus altissima (Tree of heaven) Distinctive features This is a tall, tough tree that is able to withstand inhospitable urban environments, making it a contender for a street tree, where space allows. It has pale grey bark, light brown twigs and large pinnately compound leaves. Average height/ crown size 20m plus; very large, broadly columnar tree. Maintenance/ planting tips 20-50 years to maturity; thrives in all soils.
Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair tree) Distinctive features The leaves are fan shaped, appearing bright green in spring and then bright yellow in the autumn. Tough enough to cope with air pollution re ected heat and light, Ginkgo biloba is a great contender as a street tree. Average height/ crown size 20m plus; forms a large specimen with a conical shape at maturity. Maintenance/ planting tips 20-50 years to maturity; will tolerate most soil types.
Nyssa sylvatica (Sour gum) Distinctive features The tupelo or sour gum is a wonderful tree for autumn foliage, with its green summer leaves turning yellow, orange and even red into late autumn. Average height/ crown size 12-17m; pyramidal in habit when young, it can develop into a large broad tree at maturity. Maintenance/ planting tips 20-50 years to maturity; requires free draining acid soil.
Platanus Ă— acerifolia (Plane tree) Distinctive features The London plane is a classic street tree due to its high pollution tolerance. It features multi coloured a ing bark, with patches of white, green, grey and brown. Its large, shiny, dark green leaves turn copper in autumn, before falling. Average height/ crown size 20-30m; forms a broadly pyramidal crown at maturity. Maintenance/ planting tips 20-50 years to maturity; tolerant of all soils.
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01/11/2017 10:25