{"product_id":"lombardy-poplar-populus-nigra-italica","title":"Lombardy Poplar (populus nigra 'italica')","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIconic fastigiate (narrowly columnar) deciduous tree, growing rapidly (up to 1-2m per year) to 25–35m tall with a slim spread – ideal for tall screens, windbreaks, or avenues.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent for exposed, coastal, or windy sites; tolerant of wet soils, salt spray, and pollution.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStriking architectural form with bright green leaves turning yellow in autumn; crimson male catkins in early spring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRHS Award of Garden Merit winner; provides quick privacy or shelter in large landscapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLow-maintenance once established.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest time: Bare-root November–March (dormant season); container-grown autumn or spring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLocation: Full sun; moist but well-drained, fertile soil (tolerates clay, loam, wet sites but avoid chalky); large open space required – plant at least 20–40m from buildings\/undeground pipes due to vigorous, invasive roots; unsuitable for small gardens.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreparation: Dig large hole twice root width; add organic matter to poor soils; remove competing weeds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting: Set at original depth (check trunk soil mark); stake young trees firmly; firm in, water well, mulch base (keep clear of trunk) to reduce weed competition and conserve soil moisture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eAftercare: Water regularly first few years in dry spells; minimal pruning (late winter if needed). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenerally short-lived (30–50 years) with brittle branches prone to storm damage.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cumbria Tree Growers Ltd","offers":[{"title":"60-100cm","offer_id":58486339141976,"sku":null,"price":2.16,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/4879\/4968\/files\/IMG_7347.jpg?v=1789987211","url":"https:\/\/www.treegrowers.co.uk\/products\/lombardy-poplar-populus-nigra-italica","provider":"Cumbria Tree Growers Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}