Trees in the parish field

Although conditions for planting have been difficult, the persistent rain and high water table being a particular challenge this winter, nine trees have now been planted in the Parish Field. Once established, they should enhance the field, visually and environmentally, whilst still allowing maintenance of hedges and grass to be carried out.

Concerns were raised about one species of tree we have planted, as varieties of the species have been cited on the EIS register (European Invasive Species), so an explanation is needed to allay any fears.
Amelanchier lamarkii is an RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Tree of Merit. A small to medium deciduous tree, it has white blossom in spring, red/orange berries followed by good autumn leaf colour. It is not native (it comes from North America, commonly known as a Juneberry) but has become naturalised in Europe and does well in this area. Grown as a Tree (Amelanchier canadensis x Lamarkii), rather than as a shrubby type (Amelanchier canadensis), it is extremely unlikely to develop any invasive characteristics. The tree form (which we have planted) might throw up a few shoots close to the base of the trunk but it does not spread and is not invasive, the shoots are easily removed if they appear.

The nine trees which have been planted this month are as follows:

Three Oaks (Quercus Robur), to the Church Road side of the Field.
At the southern end of the field, either side of the path, two groups of small/medium trees, each group consisting of one each of:
Amelanchier x Lamarkii,
Malus Evereste (Crabapple)
Crataegus Lavallei.