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We have a patch of common land opposite our house and over the other side of a river that belongs to the LA, beyond the land is a main road.
It's already got a collection of mature trees on it but also lots of Himalayan Balsam and Japanese knotweed. There is a gap in the trees/folliage that lets traffic noise through.
I'm wanting to fill in the gap with some planted trees/bushes but what can I plant thats cheap and will quickly grow but not be smothered by the Himalayan/knotweed when it comes back next spring.
Tia
I'm assuming getting someone to dispose of he knotweed and balsam isn't an option?
Things like alder, willow and poplar are fast growing (relativo short lived though)
If you want willow find a tree,cut some sticks and whap them in the ground (provided it's fairly moist).
There's not a lot that will out compete knotweed. Leylandii would give you a chance but you be looking at a tenner a go for big enough saplings and you'd need to keep cutting the knotweed back
No chance of getting the balsam or knotweed dealt with, it's everywhere in Rossendale.
Happy to spend £50-£100 with local garden centre
Plant marestail to out compete the knotweed then nuke from a high orbit.
You will probably not outcompete knotweed with any plant which will grow in the UK. As mentioned by jamiemcf, dont waste money on trees that will never grow properly. Just cut some willow branches, then put them in the ground the right way up (IMPORTANT!) and they will most likely take root. Some rooting powders are made with extract of willow, they are that free-rooting. Sounds like a good idea to me.
I'd assume if there's balsam and knotweed then the ground will be properly wet so Willow is an excellent choice. It grows phenomenally fast on these conditions too.
Have a look around this winter, there are a bunch of different varieties with lovely bark colouration. As previously mentioned, just shove some sticks in the ground.
👍
Thanks everyone, on the lookout for willow now!
Would Willow do much blocking though? Rhododendron would probably do the job but there is more than enough of that invading and blighting the countryside. Hawthorn or Hazel might do it if you don't need too much height.
Nothing as it's not your land to plant stuff on? Especially not willow that'll become a self seeding / propagating nightmare like the balsalm and knotweed.
As above willow and poplar for wet ground. I’d also suggest Holly (I’ll provide the variety later when have better phone signal to search for it) grows quick, blocks light/noise, good for wildlife..with it blocking light to the ground it may slow growth of those invasive species.
Down side to holly is that it’s a pita as likes to grow new shoots from its roots
Right, you need common/english Holly Ilex aquifolium