Q Which trees can we plant in very wet ground to block an unattractive view?
Marie Paton, Argyll
ABOB SAYS Very wet ground all year round is much more difficult than very wet ground just in winter. Many trees will survive waterlogging for some days or weeks when dormant in winter, but die quickly if their roots are drowned when in leaf. Few trees or shrubs will stand waterlogged ground all year round – even swamp cypress will probably fail. If you can’t drain the area, then you’ll have to plant on top of substantial mounds. On raised ground you can easily grow a wide range of willows, alders and poplars, as well as hornbeams, oaks and pears. Elderberries and shrubby dogwoods should also work – they’ll give denser cover sooner but not to a great height. For quicker view-blocking results you could put up trellis and plant vigorous climbers, again on mounds, including akebia, grapevines or a rampant Hydrangea anomala petiolaris.