La Niña is a phase of the El Nino-southern oscillation cycle, causing a shift in weather patterns in the Pacific Ocean. This includes high levels of rainfall, flooding and cyclones. La Niña caused the ACT and NSW’s coolest year since 1996 and is expected to bring above-average rainfall and below-average temperatures for the region until March 2022.
Keep an eye out for trees and plants that are waterlogged. Some species really don’t like to have their roots sitting in water – for example Euphorbias.
While it’s tempting to think this is the perfect time to plant trees that prefer moist soils it’s good to keep in mind that not every season is as glorious as this one. Regardless of the season, TreeWorks recommends waiting till April before planting trees.
Following are 3 tree species suited to consistently moist soils.
THREE GREAT BACKYARD TREES TO PLANT IN AUTUMN IF YOU HAVE NATURALLY & CONSISTENTLY MOIST SOIL ZONES IN YOUR GARDEN
- Silver birch / Betulus pendula
Silver birch is naturally a riverside plant and water lover. They do best when positioned in full sun with fertile, well-drained, moist soil. Silver birch is great for Canberra’s climate because they can cope with frosts and wind. A silver birch can reach 12m high and 6m wide.
- Alder / Alnus glutinosa
Alders are fast growing trees that thrive in wet conditions and full sun, and can even grow in waterlogged sites. This tree naturally prefers wetlands and swamp conditions, so is a good choice for moist soils caused by La Niña. This tree can get to 20m so make sure you have adequate space.
- Weeping cherry / Prunus pendula
Weeping cherry prefers full sun and well-drained soils with moisture. Weeping cherries require regular watering during their early growth period, making them low maintenance for the months ahead. Weeping cherries reach around 7m high and have a width of 3.5m.
It is important to remember these trees need moist, well-drained soil so seek advice from a nursery before you plant a them to make sure they are suited to your garden.
Below are two of our favourite nurseries we recommend for Canberra gardens because they have a great selection of healthy stock, they have knowledgeable staff who are keen to help and they offer suggestions for the best tree species for your garden. Their websites are full of information on how to care for your trees.
TreeWorks is Canberra’s leading tree services business. We are a fully licensed & insured tree removal company and a member of Arboriculture Australia. Our climbers are fully trained and some of our arborists have over 25 years experience in large scale tree surgery and removals.