April 14, 2009

Little Known Facts About Poisonous Trees And Fish Ponds

If you are a pond keeper it is imperative to ensure that certain species of tree that are poisonous are kept away from your fish pond or water garden.

The biggest problem in relation to having any tree species around a fish pond is the shedding of leaves. Even if the leaves are not poisonous the increased levels of organic matter falling into or blowing into the pond is bad news.

The right selection of tree species will certainly provide a welcome respite for your Koi, goldfish, toads and other aquatic life from a hot summer day, as its shadow prevents the water from heating quickly.

When selecting trees to place around a pond avoid the following, or select them at your peril! The laburnum, bay, laurel, yew and lime tree all cause problems. Other tree species, whilst not necessarily poisonous have large root systems that will eventually interfere with your liner pond; the poplar tree varieties, willows and sycamores are examples of trees to avoid.

Trees That Are Suitable For Planting Near Ponds


  • The Mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia 'Asplenifolia) has elder type umbels of flowers in spring, followed by bright red berries in the fall that are almost eclipsed by the stunning red foliage.
  • The Japanese Mountain Ash (Sorbus matsumurana) produces larger orange-red berries.
  • The Japanese Crab apple (Malus floribunda) and the scented Malus "Pink Perfection" are good choices.
  • Paul's double scarlet (Craetagus oxycantha 'Coccinea Plena) is very popular. The Common Hawthorn (Crataegus prunifolia)is particularly popular for a touch of fall color.
  • The Swedish silver birch (Betula dalecarlica) is great if you are looking for light foliage and a bark that gradually goes whiter over time.

If you have an outdoor pergola, situated near to your pond and are looking to add some evergreen variegated climbers then make sure that you avoid deciduous climbers, such as ivy. This plant species is amongst the most poisonous of all climbing tree varieties.

If you are determined to select evergreen deciduous climbers then the Silver Queen (Euonymus fortunei) is a great option as it grows rapidly and hardly flowers at all; occasionally it does produce flowers but you can easily prune it back.

The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/garden-plant-poisonoustreeplants.html ...

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