6.0 TREES AND SHRUBS

From a practical point of view, the benefits of growing trees in our towns are far-reaching and varied, and trees are often described as the lungs of a town.

During daylight, the leaves impart oxygen to the air, while they simultaneously consume carbon dioxide. Trees also act as a barrier protecting us from excessive noise; they weaken strong winds to give shelter; they consolidate the soil to prevent erosion.

Trees are of particular importance in a townscape as they also provide visual relief from the harsh urban materials.

As is evident from the aerial photographs, trees are clustered along the banks of the rivers Rye and Liffey, and also at a higher level, act as a backdrop to the north side of the main street.However, there is a scarcity of trees in the town centre itself. This presents an opportunity to improve the visual amenity of the town by planting trees at strategic places.

The following trees and shrubs are suggested:

Magnolia Soulangeana
An easy grower, which goes well in most soils; tulip-shaped white flowers in May.

Mountain Ash/ Sorbus aucuparia
An upright form with ascending branches, with very good fruit.

Japanese Maple/ Acer palmatum "atropurpureum"
The serrated foliage is bronze-crimson throughout the summer, with brilliant red shoots in spring and autumn. Dislikes wind or full exposure to sunshine - thrives in shade.

Coral-Barked Maple/ Acer palmatum "senkaki"
An invaluable shrub for winter effect with all the branches a very attractive coral-red colour. Leaves green throughout summer, turning canary-yellow in autumn.

Malus "Profusion", Flowering Crab
Flowers profusely in May - the flowers are wine-red.

Malus "John Downie"
Fruiting crab; pink-budded white flowers in late May are followed by bright orange and red fruits.

Malus "Golden Hornet"
White flowers in April followed by golden-yellow fruits.

Juneberry/ Amelanchier
White flowers in May and rich red autumn leaves make this a decorative tree for much of the year.

Daphne Mezereum
A small deciduous late wintering flowering shrub (Feb-Mar) with purple red flowers borne along the branches.

Deutizia rosea
These summer shrubs are very easily grown, succeed well on all soils. For profusion of flowers in June and July, and for easiness of growth, it is difficult to rival them.

Mahonia aquifolium
A small shrub with pinnate leaves, dark green turning chocolate colour in autumn. Rich yellow flowers opening in early spring, followed by blue berries. A low grower.

Potentilla "Klondyke"
Golden yellow flowers that begin in June and continue on, in some cases, right on to November. This plant will thrive in any soil, in sun or in partial shade.

Potentilla "Tangerine"
Has a dwarf spreading habit. The flowers are pale coppery yellow, and develop best on plants growing in partial shade.

Cotoneaster
There are varieties of this shrub to suit all requirements from ground cover to walls to small trees.

Erica/ Heather
These plants are suitable for all-year round flowering in almost any conditions. Also ideal for planting on rough bands where nothing else might succeed. Good varieties include E. "Springwood White", E. "Ruby Glow", E. "Startler", E. "Hammondii"

Santolina incana
Silver-grey foliage with bright yellow flowers.

Vinca major elegantissima
A spreading grower with cream variegated leaves and lilac flowers. Excellent for banks and in a semi-shade.

Lavandula spica
A neat bush with silver foliage and a vividly coloured flower.

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