Latest news with #EdwardBowring
Daily Record
10-08-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Professional gardener reveals 'toxic' tree he'd never plant outside home again
An expert has revealed the trees he would never plant in his garden again One of the most effective ways to add elegance and charm to your garden is by planting trees. However, a gardening expert has revealed there are five trees that are better to avoid. While trees are a fantastic addition to any outdoor space, it's important to be cautious about which kinds of trees you plant. Not only do they add height and add dynamism to your garden's topography, they are also excellent oxygen-producers, freshening your air and absorbing carbon dioxide. Additionally, they make a great home for all sorts of wildlife including birds and squirrels. However, some varieties of trees have aggressive root systems which can damage your home and other infrastructure. For this reason, horticultural therapist Edward Bowring, writing on behalf of Home and Gardens, has cautioned against planting these five trees, which can cause problems in your garden. Cherry laurels are popular choices for creating screens in gardens thanks to their dark leaves and thick fast-growing foliage. They also produce charming white flowers in the spring. Cherry laurels can damage other plants in your garden (Image: Getty) However, according to Edward, this is 'a hedge to avoid', due to its potential to cast shade over and displace other plants. Another downside is that it is also toxic to pets and humans. The black walnut tree can grow to an incredible 100 fet and produces black walnuts which can be harvested in late September and October. Unfortunately, there are some downsides to growing this regal tree. Expert Edward explains that the tree must be regularly pruned in order to keep it productive and maintain its shape. It also bleeds sap when cut. The tree also produces a chemical called juglone, which is toxic to many plants. It is located in the tree's foliage, fruits and roots and can hinder the growth of other plants. Native to North America, this small tree is known for its rusty autumnal colours. It also makes a great home for birds and different kinds of pollinators, which further boost your garden. However, Edward warns that this tree 'has a suckering habit', which means that it produces offshoots from its main trunk that can become quite dense. He also advised that if left unmanaged, its fast growth can outcompete other plants in your garden. Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. This gorgeous tree has distinctive hanging branches and offers sufficient shade, particularly in the height of summer. Weeping willows may look lovely, but they are very demanding (Image: Dhoxax via Getty Images) While it is also great at tolerating waterlogged soil, it unfortunately may be best to avoid having it in the garden. Edward warns 'to avoid planting [it] close to a house' due to its fast-growing and moisture-seeking root system, which can damage underground pipes. The English oak is a truly majestic tree, known to grow up to 130 feet tall, making an impressive addition to any garden. However, Edward explains that you must set aside time to clear away the acorns, leaves and branches that fall from it. He also cautions that it features an extensive root system which has 'the potential to damage sidewalks, driveways and even foundations', which makes it a risky choice to plant near your home.
Daily Record
10-08-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Professional gardener issues warning over 'toxic' tree he'd avoid planting outside home
A gardening expert has issued caution over a handful of different types of trees which can cause major issues in your garden. One of the most effective ways to add elegance and charm to your garden is by planting trees. However, a gardening expert has revealed there are five trees that are better to avoid. While trees are a fantastic addition to any outdoor space, it's important to be cautious about which kinds of trees you plant. Not only do they add height and add dynamism to your garden's topography, they are also excellent oxygen-producers, freshening your air and absorbing carbon dioxide. Additionally, they make a great home for all sorts of wildlife including birds and squirrels. However, some varieties of trees have aggressive root systems which can damage your home and other infrastructure. For this reason, horticultural therapist Edward Bowring, writing on behalf of Home and Gardens, has cautioned against planting these five trees, which can cause problems in your garden. Cherry laurel Cherry laurels are popular choices for creating screens in gardens thanks to their dark leaves and thick fast-growing foliage. They also produce charming white flowers in the spring. However, according to Edward, this is 'a hedge to avoid', due to its potential to cast shade over and displace other plants. Another downside is that it is also toxic to pets and humans. Black walnut The black walnut tree can grow to an incredible 100 fet and produces black walnuts which can be harvested in late September and October. Unfortunately, there are some downsides to growing this regal tree. Expert Edward explains that the tree must be regularly pruned in order to keep it productive and maintain its shape. It also bleeds sap when cut. The tree also produces a chemical called juglone, which is toxic to many plants. It is located in the tree's foliage, fruits and roots and can hinder the growth of other plants. Staghorn sumac Native to North America, this small tree is known for its rusty autumnal colours. It also makes a great home for birds and different kinds of pollinators, which further boost your garden. However, Edward warns that this tree 'has a suckering habit', which means that it produces offshoots from its main trunk that can become quite dense. He also advised that if left unmanaged, its fast growth can outcompete other plants in your garden. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Weeping willow This gorgeous tree has distinctive hanging branches and offers sufficient shade, particularly in the height of summer. While it is also great at tolerating waterlogged soil, it unfortunately may be best to avoid having it in the garden. Edward warns 'to avoid planting [it] close to a house' due to its fast-growing and moisture-seeking root system, which can damage underground pipes. English oak The English oak is a truly majestic tree, known to grow up to 130 feet tall, making an impressive addition to any garden. However, Edward explains that you must set aside time to clear away the acorns, leaves and branches that fall from it. He also cautions that it features an extensive root system which has 'the potential to damage sidewalks, driveways and even foundations', which makes it a risky choice to plant near your home.
Daily Mirror
09-08-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Professional gardener names 'toxic' tree he'd never plant outside his home again
While trees can make a fantastic addition to any home, a gardening expert has cautioned over planting these popular specimens as they can cause major issues in your garden One of the best ways to add elegance and charm to your garden is by planting trees – however a gardening expert has revealed five trees that are best avoided. Trees are a fantastic addition to any outdoor space. Not only do they add height and dynamism to your garden's topography, they are also excellent oxygen-producers, freshening your air and absorbing carbon dioxide. Plus, they make a welcome home for all kinds of critters, like birds, squirrels and pine martins. However, it's important to be careful about which kinds of trees you plant. Some varieties have aggressive root systems which can damage your home and other infrastructure. For this reason, horticultural therapist Edward Bowring, writing for Home and Gardens, has warned against planting these five trees, which can cause problems in your garden. READ MORE: Households warned over common garden decoration that could land you in trouble Black walnut Also native to North America, the black walnut tree can grow to an impressive 100 feet and produces black walnuts which can be harvested in late September and October. Unfortunately, there are some downsides to growing this regal tree. Edward says that the tree must be regularly pruned in order to keep it productive and maintain its shape. It also bleeds sap when cut. Plus, he adds that the tree produces a chemical called juglone, which is toxic to many plants. It is found in the tree's foliage, fruits and roots and can hinder the growth of other plants. Staghorn sumac Native to North America, this small tree is prized for its rusty autumnal colours. It also makes a great habitat for birds and different kinds of pollinators, which further boost your garden. However, Edward cautions that this tree 'has a suckering habit', which means that it produces offshoots from its main trunk that can become quite dense. He also warns that if left unmanaged, its fast growth can outcompete other plants in your garden. Cherry laurel With its dark green leaves and thick fast-growing foliage, cherry laurels are popular choices for creating screens in gardens. They also produce charming white flowers in the spring. But according to Edward, this is 'a hedge to avoid', in part due to its potential to cast shade over and displace other plants. Equally, it is also toxic to pets and humans. Weeping willow This gorgeous tree has distinctive hanging branches and offers ample shade, particularly in the height of summer, and is great at tolerating waterlogged soil. Unfortunately, it may be best avoided in the garden. Edward warns 'to avoid planting [it] close to a house' due to its fast-growing and moisture-seeking root system, which can damage underground pipes. English oak Known to grow up to 130 feet tall, the English oak is truly a majestic specimen that makes an impressive addition to a garden. But Edward says that you need to set aside time to clear away the acorns, leaves and branches that fall from it. He also cautions that it features an extensive root system which has 'the potential to damage sidewalks, driveways and even foundations', which makes it a risky choice to plant near your home.
Daily Mirror
07-08-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Gardening expert names five trees to avoid planting in your garden at all costs
There are plenty of trees to choose from to add a bit more greenery in your garden, but some are best avoided according to a professional gardener and plant pro When you're looking to bring extra dimension and greenery to your garden, trees are fantastic for doing this. There's an enormous variety of different species to select from, each offering their own distinctive charm and character depending on the aesthetic you're aiming to create. However, one horticultural expert has warned people against repeating the same errors he made when introducing trees to his garden. Edward Bowring, plant specialist from Homes and Gardens, explains that not every tree is appropriate for your back or front garden. He's identified the five varieties he would never grow again, due to the potential harm they can inflict. He explained: "Aggressive and invasive root systems, adventurous suckers, self-seeding and even toxicity are just some of the issues I have had to manage over my career as a professional gardener." 1. Staghorn sumac Appearing as either a shrub or compact tree, this specimen might transform into a stunning burnt orange shade during autumn - but the expert warns it possesses a 'suckering' tendency and can dominate other vegetation in your garden. It can proliferate through seeds, suffocating rival plants and taking over a compact garden, so it's probably wise to steer clear of planting these, reports the Express. 2. Cherry laurel These thick evergreen specimens grow remarkably quickly, making them excellent for creating privacy in your garden. However, exercise caution - they can also become oversized and deprive other plants of light if positioned too closely. However, they are also harmful to pets and humans. Edward cautioned: "With memories of arduously hand-pruning great lengths of laurel hedging so as not to leave an untidy finish at a previous garden I managed, it is certainly a tree I would never plant again." 3. Black walnut Despite its beauty and striking appearance, you might want to reconsider planting this tree in your garden. According to the expert, it demands a lot of maintenance, including regular pruning, even during winter. The black walnut tree also secretes a chemical known as juglone, which is toxic to many plants. Combine this with the mess created by the tree dropping fruit in the garden, and it's probably not worth the hassle. 4. Weeping willow This enchanting, fairytale-like tree is ideal for creating a shady spot in your garden. However, if you're dealing with limited space, you might want to think twice - according to the expert, it can grow and spread up to 50ft. Its rapid growth and extensive moisture-seeking root system, which can damage underground plumbing, makes it unsuitable for planting near a house. 5. English oak Lastly, this robust and sturdy tree is excellent for attracting wildlife and providing shade in a garden. But similar to the weeping willow, they require a lot of space and should never be planted in a small garden. They demand a lot of pruning to keep them healthy and prevent branches from falling, and you'll need to spend a lot of time in autumn clearing away fallen acorns and leaves. As well as this, its roots spread extensively and can cause damage to pavements and driveways.
