Growing hollingdean tree guardians

Tree Guardian volunteers seen on Davey Drive and Horton Road corner

20th May 2024

Tree Guardians seen on Davey Drive and Horton Road corner, 5th May 2024, Growing Hollingdean volunteers — *Mirabelle Tree 032*

First Sunday in May 2024 volunteers improved protection for some of Hollindean’s trees

Seven Tree Guardians got together on 5 May 2024 on Davey Drive and the corner of Horton Road to stake and fence the fruit and nut trees.

This small green triangle has ten trees: Cherry, Hazel, Cherry Plum, Rowen, Mirabelle, Hawthorn and French Cherry.

See our tree map for more information. Two trees are being staked here. Wire fencing is added to protect the tree from mowing or strimming. Below you can see the kind of damage that can result from mowing or strimming a tree’s bark, which can let in disease and even result in the tree being killed.

We found ladybirds (Latin name: Coccinellidae) on these trees feasting on the aphids that can harm the fruit, resulting in a poor crop. That is why we love our insects-they have a useful job to do!

Did you know… ‘There are more than 40 species of these familiar beetles in Britain. Many are predatory on aphids and other insects, a few eat fungi or plants.’ says RHS

We look forward to seeing you at the next Tree Guardians, 2 June 2024

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Growing Hollingdean Tree Guardians have been busy in December, 2023

6th Jan 2024

Mulching and pruning our local fruit and nut trees

Jo-seph gathered volunteers on most weekends in December to mulch, prune and garden around our local fruit and nut trees. Wood chip was spread to mulch the trees by Stevens Road flats. Grey days are the perfect reason to get out into the fresh air for a bit of exercise and meet up with lovely locals. We all feel good in just a couple of hours of volunteer gardening. Come and join in!

The Tree Guardian next meet up is Sunday 7th January 2024, we look forward to seeing you.

Why do we prune fruit trees?

We prune fruit and nut trees “To cut out disease, damage and deadwood: pruning to remove these three Ds is considered a way to promote a healthy, productive tree.” Says Wade Muggleton at Permaculture Magazine see the website for the full and interesting article.

If you would like to know more about our events or help out as a volunteer please email through our contact page here. We look forward to meeting you!

For all the latest news on Growing Hollingdean free events and volunteering please sign up here or in the box below. Thank you to all the Growing Hollingdean volunteers who made this possible.

Growing Hollingdean

Growing Hollingdean is a volunteer group of local residents that help develop community growing and wildlife spaces in the Hollingdean area

Tag: Growing hollingdean tree guardians