There has been criticism recently of the effect of large scale planting of Eucalypts in the Mediterranean countries, India and Brazil. This is because their rapid growth requires large amounts of water and nutrients. In the drier areas, where they have unwisely been planted in a village water supply catchment area, this has lead to the lowering of the water table, the drying up of streams that originate in the areas planted and the impoverishment of the soils. This would suggest a more intelligent approach to planting is needed in these dry conditions.
Because of their rapid growth in the U.K. there has been criticism over their planting in small urban gardens. The author agrees with this point. Planting a tree on a small plot that will grow at 8ft a year and achieve a mature height in excess of 80ft and just leaving it can lead to many problems. In these circumstances it is essential to either coppice, pollard or hedge the Eucalyptus regularly or to plant one of the slower growing much smaller species which will suit a small garden.
If intelligently planted, ornamental Eucalypts are not a problem. Unfortunately, all too often, not enough information is given about the growth rates, mature size and after care of the plants. The endeavour here is to give our customers that important information.
The other objection is that they are not native to the U.K. and do not belong here. Not native meaning they were not growing in the U.K. immediately after the last ice age. Since about 80% of the plant species grown in British Gardens have been introduced since Roman times by plant collectors from all over the world. If we follow this argument to its conclusion we would substantially reduce the variety, beauty and diversity of our countryside and gardens. |
