Readers may recall that several months ago an enormous branch of our elderly Liquidambar tree fell on the garden, flattening all in its path. It was a terrifying experience and made me quite scared of going anywhere near the tree. We had been refused permission by the council several years ago to prune off even a twig of this tree, so we weren't too sure whether they would allow us to prune it after this event, but it seems that council policy towards Liquidambar trees has softened somewhat lately. We did finally receive permission to severely prune the tree, which had doubled in size since we moved to our place almost 30 years ago, and had developed long branches that were heavily foliaged at their ends and extremely dangerous.
This week saw the pruning take place and it was a massive job, requiring at one point 10 people to carry out the work. The tree is a mere shadow of its former self but should (hopefully) not pose a danger for a few more years. To remove it entirely seemed too drastic at this point, as it is a majestic specimen that seems so much part of my garden. Whilst they did really try to be careful, the arborists did manage to trample a considerable amount of my garden and several sawn branches also plummeted to the ground, further crushing plants. It couldn't be helped but I had to steel myself not to weep when I surveyed the damage after they had departed. Only other gardeners can understand the angst of seeing beloved plants reduced to broken sticks.
However, I tried to look on the bright side - those that could be salvaged might benefit from this trim. Some of the plants in the area previously squashed by the original branch have rejuvenated surprisingly well (apart from those totally demolished!). A lovely orange Dahlia, for example, the stems of which were totally annihilated, has regrown and started to flower again. The resilience of plants never ceases to amaze me. There is probably enough warm weather in autumn left for these plants to fill in a bit.
Unusual tangerine Abutilon that was squashed during the pruningIn some cases, however, I decided to completely remove the plants. Some of them were so badly damaged it wasn't worth keeping them. In some instances, I realised the plants were just so old and woody that they need to be replaced anyway, as the chances of them growing back well were probably not that good. Many of the plants I grow in my Sydney are warm-climate shrubs that do need replacing every few years with a younger specimen - for example, numerous Salvia, Abutilon, Pentas, cane and shrub Begonia, Justicia, Ruellia and Plectranthus. But it is all too easy to forget this, and neglect to take cuttings, putting it off for another year, and then another. At least this current situation has forced the issue and a number of these superannuated plants have been pulled out and cuttings taken where possible. I am sure this will improve my garden in the long run, as it becoming rather stultified over the past few years.
There will be a lot fewer leaves to rake up this year!Also on an optimistic note, the severe pruning has allowed a lot more light into the area below the tree, which had been gradually getting shadier as its canopy ballooned. In addition, the sheer volume of fallen leaves in autumn, which have to be raked up and mulched, will be much less this year! Also, the various gaps in the borders mean I obviously 'need' new plants so I have a good excuse to visit a few nurseries to see what I can discover. Finding new plants is always a joy, and this somewhat soothes the pain of those lost on the day of the pruning! And with the arrival of autumn with its cooler days, the time is perfect for planting, and all the rain we have just had this weekend will mean the soil is nice and moist for it ...
Thankyou Deirdre for a lovely reminder of your beautiful garden! Janice 2069. How lovely to hear from you, Janice! Hope all is well. Deirdre
I was so sorry about your Liquidambar, Deirdre, and glad to hear the arborists have done their work and both tree and surrounding plants are doing well! Re silver linings, we recently had a very large dead native tree removed from our Sunshine Coast Hinterland driveway because it had become a threat to passers by. Good firewood but best of all the arborists used a cherry picker to rescue many stag horns and pothus which we have redistributed to younger trees and tree ferns. Fingers crossed! That sounds a great result re your dead tree, Jude. Deirdre
those big old liquidambars in your area can be a pest! sorry about the damage done by workers. Results shd be worth it. In my Illawarra garden plectranthus ecklonii grows anywhere. The white one has become a pest! grown into very tall and wide clumps from one piece missed ; weather conditions over last few years and my growing age preventing me from gardening. Plants came from mum's garden in Sydney east. The pink one is not so vigorous but lovely. Yes those Plectranthus can get big. I do love them under trees. The pink one is gorgeous. They can self-seed so I keep an eye out for these as they can quickly grow into big plants. Deirdre
The result looks fine - shaped, not scalped. Well done the party of ten. Surprised that some limbs were allowed to fall. When our large leopard tree that shades our directly west aspect had to be pruned, the 'arborists' ie tree pruners lowered the larger couple of limbs with ropes. But it's not cool to be too much of an in absentia commentator. We suffered similarly when a loquat tree on our boundary was removed. With a pergola to replace its shade, we are on a new planting adventure. Onwards! Yes I was happy with the shape. I don't know why a couple of the branches fell - they may have been thinner ones. Overall they were very careful with the whole thing. I have accepted the new reality and looking forward to replanting! Deirdre
I know just how you feel, Deirdre. I had to have a 180 year old eucalypt removed after the third large bough had fallen and I was frightened to go into my own garden. It made a tremendous mess when it was removed, or rather the arborists did! Took me quite a while to repair the damage and I lost quite a few plants. But on the bright side, the Collector Plant Fair is coming up soon and you'll be able to justifiably splurge!! That sounds very traumatic, Lois. I too was scared to be in my own garden after the limb broke and fell, especially as I had been standing in the exact spot with two friends the day before. And yes, I am going to the plant fair next Saturday, for the first time in several years! Deirdre
I feel fortunate that the nearest Liquid Amber is across the road from my home on the council verge. Every Autumn I 'do the right thing' and vacuum up the fallen leaves before they can block the roadside drains. My reward is lots of colourful, chopped up mulch. They do make amazing mulch! We will still have a fair volume, I think! Deirdre
Your tree was enormous, casting so much shade, but with the thininng you do have the opportunity of planting some other varieties, which will give equal pleasure. A timely reminder, to remember certain plants need replacing every three to four years. The placing of new plants, will, I am sure, soothe the loss of other favourites. Yes it kind of forced me to face up to those old woody plants that we past it. I am already getting excited about replanting. Deirdre
This is a good excuse to head off to the Collectors Plant Fair next weekend Dierdre. Get there as soon as it opens though as it gets bone crushingly crowded. I just had the professionals in to do some pruning back in places too high to reach. A few things got trodden on but luckily nothing permanently damaged. Looking forward to an Easter weekend of gardening! Hope you are enjoying some gardening this weekend - the wind is a bit strong but good to have some sun. Deirdre
If you cant find new plants of the squashed ones,put a list on your Monday blog,I am sure all the readers would love to give you bits from their garden,be a pleasure for your devoted readers! That is such a kind thought, Phoebe! Deirdre
It looks like they have done a great job with the tree. I am in the process of getting quotes to do the same with a giant liquidambar and am fearful of losing the plants below. But as you say sometimes things need renewing. I am happy to give you cuttings of anything you miss or are looking for that I have. Please don't hesitate to ask as I am not far from you. I hope all works out for your tree, Sue. And thanks so much for your kind offer! Deirdre
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