I should say that this is a regular Eucalypt trait - they are not
only not deciduous, they shed leaves constantly and the gums shed
bark too, especially the stringybarks, although that is more
seasonal. That's not mess, it is valuable and attractive leaf litter.
Consequently, it is a ridiculous idea to try and grow a lawn under
them - the correct ground layer is a shallow, dry leaf litter or, in
a garden setting, a nice light mulch or woodchip layer (not pine
chips - too acid). With a few grass tussocks.
Living with Eucalypts requires a shift in paradigm - early European
Australians found them difficult to love.
And the wrong place to plant a big gum? Any closer to a house than
about 20 metres. Otherwise they'll shade it in the winter and suck
enough moisture out of the ground to shift the foundations in the
summer.
Andrew Fildes
afildes@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
On 23/05/2008, at 6:45 PM, Moose wrote:
> I don't know which of the many species these are, but they are
> incredibly messy trees. I recall the day, sitting in my old house,
> looking out mid level at some large ones when I realized that there
> was
> never a moment, 24/7/365 when something wasn't on it's way to the
> ground.
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