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Ask a Gardening QuestionGardening Questions & Answers: How to garden questionsReplacing trees with pyracantha

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Replacing trees with pyracantha

#1 · 27th July 2024, 10:59 am

Hi,
As the title says, I'm thinking of replacing the 10' foot high 'Golden Cypress' trees in the picture with pyracantha, not sure with the red or orange variety yet. Security is one reason, the other is it's hard to keep those trees in shape now. I'll be training them against the 3 walls that surround the garden, (with chainmail gloves :-)), and letting them grow up and over the wall. I'll be removing the gravel area (keeping the rose bush - will train the pyracantha around it) and return it back to grass. I have an arborist coming next week. Is there anything I should consider? Also do the berries attract rats/mice? Thanks.

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#2 · 5th August 2024, 10:11 am

HI @jfg

Thanks for your question. The biggest thing I'd suggest is to dig in lots of organic matter before planting the Pyracantha. Although Pyracantha is super tough and easy to grow, those conifers will considerably deplete the soil. With the new shrubs needing a kick start, I'd dig in as much peat-free compost or well-rotten manure as you can.

Water them weekly for the first month or two given how dry the soil will be too, then that should set you up for success!

As for the berries, I've never known rats to feast off them, maybe dormice and birds, but I wouldn't worry about pests.

As for the gloves, read my gardening glove guide here to get some ideas on the type of gloves you'll need!