Eucalyptus ‘neglecta’

steven.g.garner

Hi all. Anyone know much at all about the species above? We’re looking to place a tree in the garden, but it will be within the canopy (tips) of a large oak. I’ve heard these do well in shady spots but is approach to planting one a bit extreme? It will receive sunlight ‘above’ fence throughout the morning but will only have some dappled light in the afternoon evening. Any help very welcome! Best, Steve

amancalledgeorge

When people start considering eucalyptus for a domestic garden, always think there must be a better choice. You don't mention what the function of the tree will be. Just decorative or is the speed of growth important? Wonder if a flowering tree would offer more interest instead or even an acer would give the pop of colour without the unruly leaves and untidy growth habit of a eucalyptus. 

steven.g.garner

Thanks @amancalledgeorge I’ve considered lots but why help would be appreciated. We need the tree to be fairly quick growing, tolerate the shade for a while but grow out to realistically 30ft eventually for screening - see site pic below. The oaks will be due for a trim back, once that lower branch is gone we’re totally exposed (ignore wobbly looking fence, taken wide angle!)

Silver surfer

The roots of Eucalyptus reach a long way..they make the ground incredibly dry.
They are fast growing trees
This seems a very odd choice to think of planting any Eucalyptus  within the root area of another large tree... an Oak.The roots reach out just as far as the leaves.
Please re think.

Many plants struggle under the shade /dryness of an oak.

https://www.google.com/search?q=eucalyptus+tree+roots&rlz=1C1CHBF_enGB785GB785&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiRq6PbmNbpAhXKQEEAHbcpAJQQ_AUoAXoECBMQAw&biw=1920&bih=937

steven.g.garner

@Silver surfer any alternative suggestions?

Silver surfer

Your pic was not there when I posted..now I see your problem.
No easy answer.
Acers would cope and look super but would not give you the privacy.
Other trees would not grow quickly enough for you.

Your best bet is to ask that the oak is never trimmed.
In time it will block the view behind it, far better than anything you plant.

steven.g.garner

@Silver surfer hence my eucalyptus thought....

amancalledgeorge

My views on overlooking in gardens are well documented on this forum. I think whatever plant grows to cover this small gap will continue to grow uncontrollably or need a lot of maintenance on this tricky site. I'd add some shrubs and climbers and install a bench on that end of the garden...in an urban site we have to learn to cohabit. 

steven.g.garner

Nice sentiment George, but there was a huge conifer blocking when we moved in which had to be felled. It’s one thing accepting urban living, but another being stared at by individuals with nothing better to do....

amancalledgeorge said:

My views on overlooking in gardens are well documented on this forum. I think whatever plant grows to cover this small gap will continue to grow uncontrollably or need a lot of maintenance on this tricky site. I'd add some shrubs and climbers and install a bench on that end of the garden...in an urban site we have to learn to cohabit.