Each tree offers something unique and there are so many trees with stunning characteristics. When choosing a tree, remember that the bark can be a striking focal point. Whether peeling, patchy, colourful, shiny or dull, bark is an asset.
When you plant trees with an ornamental bark, think of positioning them against a backdrop of evergreens which will help to show off their bark, especially in winter. Including one or more trees with showy bark in your garden will help create a landscape with year-round interest.
Here are some indigenous trees to consider for their noteworthy bark. All are good choices for specimens or focal points in the garden. Most become more ornamental as they mature over time. Some can get quite large, so consider their full-grown size before planting.
Initially the bark of this semi-deciduous tree is smooth and plan in tawny silver hues with darker grey patches and a papery grain. As the tree matures, the bark develops a rich texture and flakes off in large scales, leaving craggy apricot coloured patches.
Hi Glenice,
Thank-you for all your valuable info so readily available. I have a med to large old established garden. We have a shared Syringa tree which is very old very tall on our boundry fence. We have alot of shade in the morning and hot afternoon sun in afternoon. I would like to plant some trees under the Syringa in a 4x4m space.I have a gap in my landscaping in a way of a path leading to my pool pump. It was a dump heap, but very focal. I now want to close the gap with a “forest of Silver birches”. Will that work?
tx
Cheryl
Hi Cheryl
Thanks for reading our article.
Rather than planting Silver Birches, why not consider planting an indigenous species. The Heteropyxis natalensis (Lavender Tree) has a stunning pale bark that will give a similar effect as a Silver Birch.
Flourish!
Glenice
Hi, I just want to ask – I have 2 Paperbark thorn trees to plant in my garden. In the 20lt bags they are taller than me. I am worried about the length of the root(s) . How big do I make the hole, and what feeding do i put in ? It’s a beautiful tree, and do not want to lose them!
Thanks
Zuzette
Hi Zuzette
These are magnificent trees and will attract a host of wildlife to your garden.
No need to worry about the length of the roots. Tree roots spread horizontally in the first 90-100m of soil as this is where they obtain oxygen to feed. Beyond this depth, there is little or no oxygen. Your planting hole need only be as deep as the height of your root ball. Digging a saucer-shaped hole about 4 times the width of your plant bag will loosen the soil around the tree and encourage horizontal root growth.
To give your trees an extra boost, you may add a handful of bone meal and a 5:1:5 or 2:3:2 slow release fertiliser to the soil that you use to fill the hole.
Remember that paperbark thorn trees can grow to a spread of 16m with a height of 12m. The roots can spread up to twice the height of the tree. You’ll need to factor in this incredible growth when choosing your planting position.
All the best
Glenice
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Grounded Landscaping is an award-winning Johannesburg-based landscaping company, headed up by Glenice Ebedes.
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