Allotments 4 All

Hi, I am once again calling on my friends on a4a for advice. As you all may know my husband died in February 2013. He chose a woodland burial himself, and in the blurb I got about the council one nearby spelled out that with part of the fee they would purchase a tree in memory of my husband, which is what he wanted.

I chose an Ash tree, and they said they would plant it in the vicinity of his plot a few months after his burial. I couldn't bring myself to visit his plot until the anniversary of his death on the second of February this year, but I was disappointed to see that no tree had been planted, also his plaque had been disturbed by another burial and not put straight (that has been fixed now).  I have been on to them, and they denied at first that I was paying for a tree and also that I could have a choice, but as both points were confirmed  in some correspondence I had with them, they then said they would plant the tree in the vicinity of his plot.

Someone then got back to me to say that they couldn't plant an Ash as there was a disease and DEFFRA where not allowing the planting  of them. They then gave me a choice of horsechestnut but after research on the internet I found out that they are poisonous to horses, and as there was horses in the next field I rang them to point this out as a consideration, and after another call from them they said that they had traced a local nursery who would supply Ash after all. I then got a call from the Cemetery  Department from a rather curt woman to say that that had fallen through and they were seeking advice from the City Arborist, and she didn't know when a tree would be planted. I asked when this would happen and she was again rather curt and said they were pushed at the moment. It is now well over a year, and I am feeling rather aggrieved about it. 

I have been trying to do some research myself and seeing what other councils might have in their woodland burial areas, but I wondered if I could ask advice from my friends here, and see if they could suggest a suitable tree. I am determined not to give up on it. Thanks if you could give me some advice. busy_lizzie x

Sorry to hear about the problems you are having with the council. 

I definitely wouldn't plant horse chestnut or ash as both have disease problems and it would be sad if they had to be cut down at a later date.  An oak tree would be much better as oaks provide a lot of food for birds.

I hope you get something sorted soon. 

 

You would think they would at least be courteous, considering the subject matter! I find it rather heartless the way you have been treated...

I am no expert with trees, but would some kind of flowering tree be acceptable? I personally love wild cherry type trees, they change so much throughout the seasons and are very beautiful. You are quite far north, but there are also some eucalyptus trees that tolerate very cold conditions, like this type :
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=754
They are becoming quite common in N France. Why I mention this is that they are very fast growing....

Sorry about your husband, a tree was

oops sorry got cut off
... a tree was a lovely idea.

I have to say I like the sound of a tree.   However a chestnut is a very large tree, presume there will be a lot of burials per tree.   I think I would like to be useful and have an apple tree.

A choice of two, If there is clay soil at the cemetery go for a Hornbeam, but if you are a bit chalky go for the Whitebeam. Both lovely trees and good for moth larva to feed on. Don't push them too hard at the moment to get it planted, the ground is far too wet and the tree will suffer with rotting roots as the hole they dig will still be full of water even after being filled with soil that will turn to sloppy mud.

Sorry that you are having this hassal.
What about a Mountain Ash?

I really like whitebeam there are huge ones, but the smaller types are lovely.   I also have a tree which I a cross between a whitebeam and a hawthorn.  I call it Snow in May because it is covered with white flowers  and later has small red fruits.

Once again, you have all been very helpful. I have looked up all your suggestions, and have decided to take up ACE's suggestion and go for a Hornbeam.  Hopefully they will get it planted before the window of opportunity goes. They have had over a year to do it, so I am very disappointed they haven't been a bit more proactive. Thanks once again to all of you. You have been great as usual. love, busy_lizzie xx

A nice gift back to nature.  Feel proud.