Options for low maintenance trees and front garden

We don't mind low maintenance, unless you are asking how to put concrete down

I suppose it goes without saying that the landlord will have a say in what you do, but maybe you have an arrangement with them.

If you cut the trees down they will look like half trees and will not grow back. The far one looks a bit doubtful anyway, but the other two are healthy. Its not the right time of year to cut trees anyway because of birds nesting.

Agreed the gravel is a mess, though you must expect some weeds even in a membrane/stones situation. Soil/dirt gets in between the stones and weeds grow. Not many and they are generally easy to remove, but it does have to be done occasionally. Its difficult to see from the pic but it doesn't look like a very satisfactory job anyway; the membrane was not properly put down and there are not enough stones and not enough depth allowed for them.

You could plant a couple of Camelia's in front of the trees presuming that area gets some bit of sun. They're evergreen as well but have beautiful rose like flowers for a while.

billyhead wrote: »

Do Camellias not prefer shaded areas?

Partial shade, which they would have with the big trees.

Its a big area to just put tarmac - or any other non-permeable surface - and unless it is an absolutely top rate job, given there is nothing to distract the eye - it will look terrible fairly quickly. Pebbles are probably the best bet, with say twice a year attention it could look ok, though I would prefer to see either a bed or some pots or something to break it up. I don't think there is any point throwing down more pebbles though. The existing ones need to be moved out of the way, the membrane lifted - it may be reusable - a couple of inches of soil scraped out to give a level but dropped surface. Firm it down. Replace the membrane but this time pin it properly and make sure the edges are tidy. Replace pebbles and add more. In about 12 months add a few more, then it should be fine.

Its not a matter of whether you think there are nests in the trees, its simply a legal thing. People ignore it all the time but you need to be aware of the regs. They seem a bit random to me, are they across the front or down the side? If they are at the front then I'd be inclined to wait till next october and take them out, they look a bit as though they are past their best anyway. But do put in something more appropriate to replace them crab apple or cherry - not the double flowered one, they are nearly as dark and dense as the ones that are in when they are not in flower. One of the lighter, smaller flowered ones.