Garden Q&A: How can I save eucalyptus dislodged by storm?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

A large eucalyptus tree. File picture

My eucalyptus tree became dislodged during the recent storm. Can I straighten it up and stake it and will it survive?

ANSWER

Yes, you can straighten it. Staking it will be essential and yes it will survive.

However, unless you have a very large garden or a farm, I wouldn’t recommend planting a eucalyptus. 

These are extremely quick-growing trees which can easily reach a height of 20m-25m. 

They are naturally shallow rooted which puts them at risk in high winds. 

This one has already been destabilised and, with the best will and the best staking in the world, the root system will never anchor well enough into the soil to prevent further damage in the future.

If it is within 25 metres of a house or a structure, I would remove it and plant another species in its place. 

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