Nangle and Niesen Ltd were recently contracted to supply a magnificent specimen Quercus robur as part of the upgrade works on the grounds of the historic Lake Hotel in Killarney, which was established in 1820.
The tree, which has a girth of 60-70cm and is over 10m height, had been growing in Nangle and Niesen’s nursery in Aherla, Co Cork for almost 30 years. During that time it had been transplanted five times, resulting in a rootball containing all of those vital fibrous roots which will ensure successful establishment in its new home. The evidence of this can be seen in the pit left behind in the fields, which is clean and free of any roots. The years of careful husbandry with an emphasis on operations such as transplanting/undercutting, caning, tying, tree shelters, detailed head branch pruning and training of leaders all contributed to ensure a healthy tree with a vigorous well-balanced crown, a dominant leader, and attractive form.
To further ensure the tree’s successful establishment, Osmocote Preplant 17-9-10 + 2Mgo + TE and Symbio MycoForce Transplanter (which contain mycorrhizae, beneficial soil microbes, minerals, trace elements and humates) were incorporated into the planting pit. The landscaping works are being carried out by Tommy Laide and his team from Designer Landscapes Ltd, ably assisted by Oliver Long from Nangle and Niesen in planting the Quercus robur. There is every chance this tree will witness the next 200 years of the hotel’s history. ✽
