What not to plant
THIS IS ONE TREE Peter rues planting, ironically known as the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima).
The main tree is long gone. What you're seeing are suckers, still coming up from the roots two years later. These are regularly mowed off (using a tractor) but keep sprouting, tall and strong.
It's a good demonstration of just how far a big tree's roots will spread. Suckers are coming up at least 50m from the original trunk. Peter suspects they go further than that, but the driveway nearby stops them sprouting.
Many others aren't suitable paddock trees, mostly imported exotics that can become weedy in our climate. They're often regionally specific; what's considered a weed in Northland may be a useful and beneficial tree in Southland.
Peter and I both like the Taiwanese cherry for its stunning pink flowers that draw tui in by the dozen. DOC isn't so keen as the birds spread the seeds into native forests, where they sprout like weeds.
I also like the strawberry dogwood for its pretty spring flowers, and my pigs enjoy the autumn fruit, but it also infests native bush.
Gleditsia or honey locusts are beautiful trees that fix nitrogen in the soil and drop sweet pods for stock food. But some varieties have thorns long and hard enough to pierce a gumboot. To Peter's son Robb's disgust, they've even punctured an expensive tractor tyre. If you want to grow a honey locust, choose a thornless variety.
Trees such as yew and oleander are toxic to livestock, and macrocarpa (Cupressus macrocarpa) can cause stillbirths in cattle, sheep, and horses. SHERYN’S TIP: check with your regional council for a list of banned trees or those not encouraged in your area.