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Manx Roots Limited, 78 Greenlands Ave, Ramsey, Isle of Man, IM8 2PH T: 07624 259720 | E: [email protected] | W: https://trees.im

January 2023

Tree Planting Proposal

For

Ballamaddrell Cottage, Grenaby Road, Ballabeg

Site Address: Ballamaddrell Cottage, Grenaby Road, Ballabeg Client: Mr & Mrs Garrett Document Ref: PP-170123 Produced by: Andrew Igoea BSc (Hons), MArborA Report Date: 17/01/23 Checked by: Ben Brooker L4DipArb, TechArborA Signed on behalf of Manx Roots Ltd.

Ben Brooker, Managing Director

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Manx Roots Ltd. T: 07624 259720/266133 | E: [email protected] | W: https://trees.im

Summary The following document provides a specification for planting new hedges and amenity trees as part of an approved development (ref: 22/00473/B) at Ballamaddrell Cottage, Grenaby Road, Ballabeg. Adjacent to the B40 Grenaby Road, a line of 10 beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) will be planted as nursery standards with the objective of creating a stilted hedge. On the opposite side of the site, adjacent to the Ballvarkish access lane, a native hedge will be established using 40- 60cm whips of blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). A silver birch tree (Betula pendula - nursery ‘standard’ size) will be planted approximately 3m inside the Southern boundary. On the Eastern boundary, to supplement a young beech tree that has already successfully established, two ornamental flowering cherry trees (Prunus sp.) will be planted. A method of implementation is provided in appendix 1 detailing operations required before, during and after planting to ensure successful outcomes. Proper aftercare and maintenance will also be required for a period to ensure the newly planted trees achieve independence in the landscape.

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Manx Roots Ltd. T: 07624 259720/266133 | E: [email protected] | W: https://trees.im

Contents Supporting Documents ... 3 1. Introduction ... 4 2. Site evaluation and constraints ... 4 2.1. Ground Assessment & Site Characteristics ... 5 2.2. Existing vegetation ... 5 2.3. Other relevant constraints ... 5 2.4. Desired characteristics ... 5 2.5. Objectives... 5 3. Planting Proposal ... 6 4. Species/Feature Profiles ... 9 4.1. Stilted Beech Hedge ... 9 4.2. Native Hedgerow ... 10 4.3. Silver Birch ... 11 4.4. Flowering Cherry ... 12 Appendix 1 - Method of Implementation ... 13

Supporting Documents

The following documents form part of this report but are provided as separate documents

Document name Reference number Information Tree Planting Plan PP-170123 PDF; NTS@A3

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Manx Roots Ltd. T: 07624 259720/266133 | E: [email protected] | W: https://trees.im

1. Introduction 1.1. Manx Roots Limited was instructed by Mr and Mrs Garrett to produce a tree-planting proposal to support the reinstatement and alteration of the existing dwelling and the erection of a two-storey rear extension and rear pitch-roof dormer. 1.2. The following document provides a specification for planting amenity trees and shrubs as part of the approved development (ref: 22/00473/B). The planting recommendations that are intended to suit the client’s desired outcomes for the site, as well as the site’s limitations and characteristics. 1.3. The following trees and their planting specifications are recommendations only. Best efforts were made to select appropriate trees for this site, however, Manx Roots Ltd shall assume no responsibility for the failure or replacement of any tree or the performance of any proprietary products, product manufacturers or tree suppliers.

2. Site evaluation and constraints

Figure 1. 2021 aerial photography showing the existing vegetation on the site (site outlined red)

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Manx Roots Ltd. T: 07624 259720/266133 | E: [email protected] | W: https://trees.im 2.1. Ground Assessment & Site Characteristics 2.1.1. All the planting locations are within an existing garden area. Providing the scheduled construction activity doesn’t damage the soil structure in the proposed planting locations (which is considered unlikely), the ground conditions should be favourable. The existing site conditions can be seen in plates 1 to 3 below. 2.2. Existing vegetation 2.2.1. The site is rural, bordered by agricultural land on 3 sides. The local hedgerows contain a variety of native and semi-native species. A garden to the South- West supports a variety of ornamental trees. 2.3. Other relevant constraints 2.3.1. The site is generally well drained, so seasonal/temporary water logging is unlikely to be an issue. Due to the increasing frequency and severity of spring/summer droughts due to climate change, however, there is a moderate to high risk of drought stress occurring during the establishment phase. 2.4. Desired characteristics The client provided the following guidance on the desired characteristics of the planting scheme for this site: • Some screening from occasional traffic using the Ballavarkish access lane was considered desirable. • Screening was considered even more important on the Northern Boundary, where the site abuts the B40 Grenaby Road. Newly planted trees should provide an effective screen all year round in this area • The hedge on the south side of the site should be composed of native species to deliver ecological benefits. • Trees planted on the Eastern boundary should not grow to be more than 10m tall and have some features of seasonal interest (e.g. spring blossom or good autumn colour)

2.5. Objectives The objectives of the planting scheme are: • To restore tree canopy cover which will be lost as a result of the proposed development. • To enhance the biodiversity value of the area. • To provide visual and noise screening from the adjacent road and access track. • To enhance the setting of the proposed dwelling.

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Manx Roots Ltd. T: 07624 259720/266133 | E: [email protected] | W: https://trees.im 3. Planting Proposal 3.1. The proposed planting layout is shown in the accompanying drawing, PP-170123 and detailed profiles of each tree/feature are provided in section 4 below. 3.2. Along the northern boundary of the site, adjacent to the B40 Grenaby Road, a line of 10 beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) will be planted as nursery standards with the objective of creating a stilted hedge. Formative pruning will be required to maintain a clear stem to the desired height and maintain a compact crown that can be easily maintained by regular trimming. This will provide year-round screening, as beech holds on to its desiccated leaves through the winter. The formation of a stilted hedge rather than a regular hedge, will maintain a feeling of space in the parking area.

Plate 1. Planting area (highlighted orange) for the proposed stilted beech hedge, adjacent to the existing roadside sod bank. 3.3. On the opposite side of the site, adjacent to the Ballvarkish access lane, a native hedge will be established using 40-60cm whips of blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). 100 trees will allow a single row to be planted on top of the existing sod bank at a planting density of 3 trees per metre. The species mix should be roughly 2/3 hawthorn to 1/3 blackthorn, so that every third tree in the row is a blackthorn. The use of native species will be beneficial to local wildlife and the seasonal features of these species (blossom, berries) will create attractive features which will be visible from the garden area.

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Manx Roots Ltd. T: 07624 259720/266133 | E: [email protected] | W: https://trees.im 3.4. A silver birch tree (Betula pendula - nursery ‘standard’ size) will be planted approximately 3m inside the Southern boundary. This tree will provide height and structure to this part of the garden and the light dappled shade which is typical of the species will be an attractive feature. This is also a native species so will complement the ecological benefits of the native hedge.

Plate 2. Planting area (highlighted orange) for the native hedge, on top of the existing sod bank adjacent to the access lane, and silver birch tree just inside the hedge at the far end of the garden (also highlighted orange).

3.5. On the Eastern boundary, to supplement a beech tree that has recently been planted, two ornamental flowering cherry trees will be planted. These will be either Prunus ‘Accolade’, Prunus ‘Sunset boulevard’ or Prunus ‘Tai Haku’ depending on nursery availability, which are all capable of reaching a medium height (8-12m) and have white or very light pink blossom.

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Manx Roots Ltd. T: 07624 259720/266133 | E: [email protected] | W: https://trees.im

Plate 3. Approximate planting area (highlighted orange) for the two flowering cherries adjacent to the Eastern boundary.

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Manx Roots Ltd. T: 07624 259720/266133 | E: [email protected] | W: https://trees.im 4. Species/Feature Profiles

4.1. Stilted Beech Hedge Proposed position shown in drawing number: PP-170123 Common name

Botanical name Quantity Beech Fagus sylvatica 10 Stock size Planting specifications • Height: Nursery standard, minimum 8-10cm girth, minimum 2.5m tall • Root balled or Container grown

• Evenly spaced along distance of hedge (approx. 2m spacing) • Single stake and tie support for each tree • Mulch applied along row, 1m wide, 100mm thick, • Formative pruning to create uniform height, crown spread and clear stem along the row.

Comments Will provide high level screening from passing traffic whilst allowing a sense of space and light, or decorative planting below. Year-round screening will be provided as beech holds on to its leaves through the winter when tightly clipped.

Examples

Stilted (hornbeam) hedging in a garden setting, providing high level screening from neighbouring properties.

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Manx Roots Ltd. T: 07624 259720/266133 | E: [email protected] | W: https://trees.im

4.2. Native Hedgerow Proposed position shown in drawing number: PP-170123 Common name

Botanical name Quantity Blackthorn Prunus spinosa 35 Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna 65 TOTAL 100 Stock size Planting specifications • Height: 30-60cm whips • Cell grown or bare rooted • Planted in a single row, intimate mix at a density of 3 plants per metre. • Planted using slot, angle notch or T-notch planting method depending on stock. • Row of organic mulch applied along the row, covering the top of the raised earth bank.

Comments Will offer excellent wildlife value in the form of food, habitat and nesting sites Natural aesthetic Low maintenance Examples

Blackthorn/Hawthorn hedge in an agricultural setting

Blackthorn/Hawthorn hedge in a domestic setting

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Manx Roots Ltd. T: 07624 259720/266133 | E: [email protected] | W: https://trees.im

4.3. Silver Birch Proposed position shown in drawing number: PP-170123 Common name

Botanical name Quantity Silver birch Betula pendula

2 Stock size Planting specifications • Height: Nursery standard, minimum 8-10cm girth, minimum 2.5m tall • Root balled

• Double stake and tie support. • 60cm radius area of mulch, 100mm thick, applied to the base of the tree

Species comments A native tree with white bark which develops diamond shaped cracks towards the base as it matures. Provides a light dappled shade.

An example of autumn fruit and a mature specimen with spring flowers:

Bark of early-mature silver birch

Mature silver birch next to a canal

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Manx Roots Ltd. T: 07624 259720/266133 | E: [email protected] | W: https://trees.im 4.4. Flowering Cherry Proposed positions shown in drawing number: PP-170123 Common name

Botanical name Quantity Cherry Prunus ‘Accolade’ Prunus ‘Sunset boulevard’ Prunus ‘Tai Haku’

(2 matching trees from the following selection, depending on nursery availability)

2 Stock size Planting specifications • Height: Nursery standard, minimum 8-10cm girth, minimum 2.5m tall • Root balled or container grown • Double stake and tie support. • 60cm radius area of mulch, 100mm thick, applied to the base of the tree

Species comments All of the cultivated varieties listed above are capable of being medium sized mature trees (8- 10m tall) in this location, and all have white or light pink blossoms. Tolerant of most soil types but need good drainage.

An example of autumn fruit and a mature specimen with spring flowers:

Young Prunus ‘Tai Haku’ in a garden setting, showing pure white blossom.

Light pink blossom of Prunus ‘Accolade’

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Manx Roots Ltd. T: 07624 259720/266133 | E: [email protected] | W: https://trees.im Appendix 1 - Method of Implementation

Pre-Planting Soil amelioration (BS 8545 Section 10.2)

• If required, imported hardcore and other building materials shall be removed from the planting area and the remaining soil shall be broken- up to a depth of 500mm to alleviate soil compaction and surface crusting. Planting Planting method for trees and shrubs. (BS 8545 Section 10)

• Trees shall be planted between the months of November and February by the appointed landscaping contractor following completion of construction phase. • Tree planting shall be carried out in such a way that the trees have adequate protection, support, and water. The method for successful planting is as follows: • Standard tree pits shall have a diameter at least 75 mm greater than that of the root system or container. • The sides of each planting pit shall be forked prior to inserting the tree (except for notch planting where this is not possible) to avoid smearing. • The tree support system for standard trees shall consist of one or two wooden tree stakes, driven (prior to inserting the tree) into the base of each pit. Where two tree stakes are used, the tree will be supported by two tree-ties OR a cross bar and tree-tie construction. Single tree stakes will be accompanied by a single tree tie. • The root systems of the new trees shall be wetted prior to planting. • The trees shall be planted at the correct depth taking into account the position of the root flare/nursery line and the finished level. • When back-filling the planting pit, the soil shall be gently heeled-in to prevent air pockets. Allowance must be made for the settling of the soil after planting. • Immediately after planting, each tree pit shall be thoroughly watered. • Where possible, the lower stem shall be protected with a Tubex strimmer guard, spiral guard, or tree shelter (depending on which is specified for individual planting recommendations). • Remove all surface vegetation around the newly planted standard tree, to a circle with a radius 1.15m • Unless stated otherwise in the planting specification, a layer of mulch

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Manx Roots Ltd. T: 07624 259720/266133 | E: [email protected] | W: https://trees.im around 10cm deep covering 1m2 (a circle with a radius ~1.15m) should be applied around the base of each standard tree after planting to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture until trees are established. Mulch may also be used to surround whips where the weed competition is likely to be high. • The new trees shall be checked monthly for the first two years to identify the need to adjust support systems, replenish mulch and/or replace failures. • Tree support systems shall be removed once the trees are deemed to be established. • Whips shall be planted using a standard notch planting method and each tree protected with a tree shelter supported with a single wooden stake. Post-Planting Irrigation (BS8545:201 4 section 11.3)

• The new trees shall be watered regularly in the first 3 growing seasons to ensure that they do not suffer from moisture stress. • Between 1st April and 30th September watering should take place after 5 consecutive days without any appreciable rainfall and then not again until a further 5 consecutive days without rain having passed. The maximum interval between watering shall be 14 days. • Watering shall ensure the growing media (soil) around the tree is saturated but not waterlogged. • BS 8545:2014 Section 11.3 provides further guidance with regard to frequency of watering. Formative Pruning (BS 8545 section 11.4 )

• Formative pruning shall be carried out in accordance with British Standard BS3998:2010 Tree Work - Recommendations, Section 7.4 • Formative pruning shall be carried out according to a set maintenance plan for at least the first 3-5 years after planting. This is particularly important for the establishment of the stilted hedge. • For the birch and cherry trees, formative pruning shall continue until a permanent structurally sound scaffold system of branches typical of the species and appropriate to the site circumstances is produced. • The advice of a competent arborist shall be sought, and their services engaged to carry out this function if there is any chance of this aspect of work being neglected. • Care shall be taken to prune out all broken branches, tight/weak forks, co-dominant stems and weak crossing branches where these develop in the canopy of the tree. • When pruning branches, care shall be taken to retain the branch collar.

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Manx Roots Ltd. T: 07624 259720/266133 | E: [email protected] | W: https://trees.im • Where possible, prune to an outward facing bud. • Care shall be taken not to damage buds when pruning. • Internodal pruning shall be avoided. • Pruning shall be carried out at the correct time of year as dictated by the species (avoid pruning early Spring). • Tree shelters / guards shall be removed from trees as soon as established. Maintenance and aftercare (BS 8545 section 11.5)

• A formal assessment of young tree health and development shall be carried out annually including foliar appearance, leaf size development and leaf canopy density, extension growth and incremental girth development of the stem. Special attention shall be paid to symptoms of leaf necrosis or chlorosis resulting from pest or disease or nutrient/moisture deficiency. External damage from mammals, or human induced damage, such as strimmer damage or vandalism, shall also be noted. Remedial action necessary as a result of issues recorded during this assessment shall be implemented as soon as reasonably practicable. • Tree support systems shall be checked annually to ensure that the root system remains secure and that there is no damage to tree stems or branches because of rubbing or constriction. • All stakes and ties shall be removed as soon as the developing root system is strong enough to support the tree. • Stem guards (if used) shall not be removed unless they are causing damage to the tree or have perished. • The area around the base of the trees shall be kept free from competing vegetation (grass and weed growth) for a period of 3-5 years in order that a healthy root system may develop. • All mulches shall be replenished to their original depth each year (50 - 100mm) and weeds removed from the area of crown spread. • Wherever possible any area of mulch should be enlarged to the drip line as the tree develops taking care to keep mulch away from the root flare and the base of the stems. • The soil around the newly planted trees shall be regularly inspected for soil capping or compaction. Decompaction and aeration shall be undertaken as necessary. • The trees shall be checked. • Any tree failures shall be replaced in the following dormant season (October - March).