To Tree or Not to Tree

By FGS Tree Committee

The first days of warm weather tend to bring boundless energy ‒ it’s easy to be enticed by lush nurseries, catalogs, and the scent of spring blooms. Since it’s normal to get ambitious in design and new plant selections, here are some helpful factors to consider before investing in new plants. 

Fenway Victory Gardens – a Unique Community Garden

The Victory Gardens are unique among the 175 community gardens in Boston. We are situated on seven acres of Emerald Necklace parkland, allowing for spacious individual plots. Surrounded by towering park trees, it’s tempting to think we can each grow our own private woodland. However, this is a communal space and the regulations of the Garden Society clearly guide us in staying within certain height and visibility restrictions (see Planting Restrictions below).  

Overall, there are four guiding principles to help you choose wisely:

1) Maintain clear visibility; minimize shade. The current five-foot height restrictions on existing trees and shrubs within garden plots are meant to keep gardeners safe and to provide optimal growing conditions by minimizing excessive shade for you and your neighbors. All trees and plantings must be maintained to minimize sightline obstructions and gardeners are encouraged to request help when needed to bring oversized plants into compliance. 

2) Consider growth patterns for new plants. Do some research before buying that new plant. Most plots measuring 15 x 20 feet offer minimal space to contain most trees and large shrubs. It’s important to note that when a plant is listed as”dwarf,” more than likely that definition is in the context of its species – not its appropriateness for community garden plots. Most dwarf varieties of fruit or ornamental trees and shrubs exceed our 5-foot. restriction – many can reach as high as 10 to 15 feet! Committing to prune the dwarf to maintain a 5-foot height may stunt your plant, elicit growth right at areas of sightline concern, and be detrimental to the overall life of the tree or shrub. Also, remember that when you vacate your garden, you’re passing this responsibility onto another gardener. Why not, instead, consider an ornamental plant that stays within FGS restrictions? (Refer to the link below – a comprehensive list of ornamental shrubs appropriate for New England gardens.)

3) Location, location, location!  We are a communal society in miniature. An important factor in selecting and then locating a particular plant is considering the effect that plant will have now and well into future years. Planting along a common fence shouldn’t be done until first conferring with your neighbor(s). For example, will the new planting shade the next garden during peak sun hours?  Will the plant grow to a degree that, without continued pruning, will extend over into the next garden? And does that shrub shed leaves or blooms over the fence, enough to be an annoyance (and extra work) for your neighbor? The garden should be viewed from all angles to ensure complete visibility into your garden and your neighbor’s. 

4) Conifers and holiday trees. While the thought of transplanting a potted holiday tree into your garden is tempting, please note that most conifers and evergreens – no matter how petite they may be now – will ultimately grow to considerable heights. Dwarf Douglas Firs and Alberta spruces look controllable now but will grow to 3 to 4 feet in a few years and ultimately as high as 12 to 15 feet. And unlike other plantings, their form does not allow for easy pruning to increase sight lines (unless you want a lollipop-shaped tree!) Bottom-line: please reconsider transplanting that holiday tree.

Overall, the spring season in New England represents an invigorating time to begin gardening. A time to reconnect with the earth and a supportive gardening community. One does not need to go it alone – there are plenty of seasoned gardeners willing to provide advice and hands-on support. For any tree or shrub-specific questions or comments, please send them to: trees@fenwayvictorygardens.org

Happy Gardening!

The Fenway Victory Gardens Tree Committee

Planting Restrictions  (from FGS Guidelines & Regulations)       
1. Sale of produce is not allowed. 2. Shrubs/dwarf trees: 5’ maximum. Existing trees that exceed 5’ must be pruned and shaped to minimize size. Trees that cannot be kept pruned may have to be removed. 3. Complete visibility into gardens is required. Any shrubs along fencing: 4' maximum. 4. Shading/encroaching on a neighbor’s garden is not allowed. 5. Perimeter fence installed by the Parks Department to be kept free of growth on both sides. 6. Invasive species restrictions: in compliance with the state prohibition of invasive species, FGS restricts the planting of known invasive plants (a list of these species can be obtained from the FGS website). FGS also requires the removal of invasive plants.

A comprehensive list of ornamental shrubs appropriate for New England gardens
Nine Favorite Flowering Ornamental Shrubs: provide fragrance, beautiful blooms in spring and summer, and attracts pollinators of all kinds. What’s not to like? https://www.nhhomemagazine.com/9-favorite-flowering-shrubs-for-spring-and-summer/