Trees along our Norfolk Coastline face extreme and harsh growing conditions. Especially trees faced with those biting North / Easterly winds (in places like Cromer, Mundesley, Bacton, Happisburgh and Waxham). They often have a distinct shape or “form” where the tree appears to be cowering away from the onshore winds.
Coastal trees are often much slower growing and species you would expect to be large canopy trees are dwarfed by the harsh winter winds. If you don’t take this into account when pruning these trees you can easily take too much off and this can lead to sever die-back.
The Norfolk soil conditions can be challenging too, and changes in the soil makeup can vary hugely in a relatively small area. It is important to choose new species wisely that are well adapted to this environment & potential wind burn.
Coastal gardens & trees can flourish with expert help. Creating ‘shelter belts’ with choice planting, will lift & slow sea winds making an easier place for other species to thrive. East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens, just 1.5 miles from Happisburgh & the North Sea, have created a successful natural wind break using mainly the quick growing Monterey pine (Pinus radiata). They’ve achieved a micro climate within the gardens which has enabled them to grow species unheard of for this area.
It is also important to note along the coast it can be difficult to retain organic matter or natural mulch and this is why it can be so beneficial to trees, especially newly planted trees, to add good quality mulch.
Oak Leaf Tree Surgery can give you a Free, No Obligation Norfolk Tree Surgery Quote – 07920 067617
simon@oakleaftrees.co.uk
Simon Gerrard from Oak Leaf Tree Surgery has helped advise the committee for the new 
The trees were planted in 2015 and not only have sandy free draining soil but the harsh coastal environment to contend with.