Acer palm bloodgood (mature) positioning

DRedSky

hi,

I’m hoping to buy a mature acer bloodgood tree as i love the copper colour etc BUT i’m very worried about their reputation for not tolerating wind.

Basically we have a long driveway and i wanted a few trees to line it with which wouldn’t be massive but ideally i like copper coloured trees.

We are close to wexford town so could be considered relatively windy here. It would be pretty exposed to the wind and it’s pretty expensive to buy a mature one so I’m getting cold feet here.

Anyone care to suggest an alternative tree that’s copper in colour OR would the bloodgood be ok and I’m overthinking this maybe?

wildwillow

They are prone to leaf damage from wind so it will be a factor. A mature specimen must be very expensive and a lot to lose if the site isn't suitable. A smaller plant will settle in more readily and won't cost as much.

As for alternatives, you could use copper beech or maple, Sambucus nigra (black elderberry). Cotinus is a beautiful plant but also prone to wind damage.

Could you provide a windbreak or plant for shelter and wait for a while?

DRedSky

thanks wildwillow!
I couldn’t really provide any kind of windbreak for it unfortunately no.

I’ll check out those alternatives now though, thank you very much :)

macraignil

The Acer variety Bloodgood has red coloured leaves from what I have seen so not sure about the copper colour mentioned. I had one for a number of years and it died last year after not doing very well where I planted it with too much competition from vigorous shrubs either side of it and some climbers competing nearby as well. It started as a small tree so was not very expensive and I would be very reluctant to spend the price of more mature specimens I have seen for sale. Another tree with reddish colour to its leaves that should be more tolerant of exposed conditions is the black cherry plum but not sure if that might grow too big for what you are looking for. As mentioned already there are dark leaved varieties of elderflower like the one Black Lace that could be an option of you want something that might not get as big.

Happy gardening!

looksee

I agree about the acer, they really do not like an exposed spot, they are happier with some shelter around them. I had one in a lawn in a small garden that was fully enclosed but still every year it had withered tips on its branches and never really came to much. I have several now all tucked away in sheltered corners and they are all doing well.

standardg60

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122879554#Comment_122879554

Agreed on purple elder, it is a fabulous plant, the pink flowers against the foliage is a sight to behold.

Btw 'nigra' is confusingly the common name for the green one, so if ordering ensure purpurea or purple is in the name, or as above 'black lace' which is the divided leaf variety.