Plant/tree to put in paddock that is safe

[zoon]

I'm saying goodbye to one of my horses soon and although I don't want his ashes back, I will take his shoes and some tail hair and bury them in my field. I'd quite like to plant something there, but my 2 youngsters will still be grazing the field so it needs to be safe. Can anyone suggest a safe plant or tree to put there that won't get eaten? I can fence it off until it is large enough to not be eaten if need be.

 

[Ladybird]

We have a holly bush planted for a 'Holly'.
Haven't heard it to be harmful but don't imagine anything would want to eat it anyway!

 

[FairyLights]

If you can fence off then I suggest an ash tree. they grow quickly and the horses enjoy eating the fallen leaves in the autumn. or a hazel or hawthorn.

 

[Wheels]

I don't think there is anything safe that the horses won't eat lol

I would plant a lime or beech just because I love them - the horses also love them and a young tree wouldn't last long, you could fence it off though until it's big enough to withstand a bit of chewing!! when lime trees are big they make great umbrellas for horses too

 

[zoon]

Where on earth do you go about buying a tree from though? Something fast growing sounds good

 

[Spring Feather]

How about a willow? Willows are medicinal to horses once they're mature and give good shade and protection against the elements. I planted willows in all of my grazing fields. You will have to fence off any tree that you plant otherwise the horses will eat them although willows are very resilient and will always come back even if they have been mauled by horses teeth!

 

[appylass]

I was going to suggest willow too. You can buy a tree from a local nursery or even on line these days

 

[indie999]

I was going to suggest Hawthorn but I had no idea willow was ok! I just planted a Sweet Chesnut at the edge of my field but I think I will be long gone by the time it is in its prime!!! Mine love nibbling at Hawthorn.

Apple tree(but they will eat obviously)

 

[jinglejoys]

Just steer clear of yew,or even worse...laburnham

 

[Tickles]

Horse shoes will stay in the soil for a while (i.e. centuries... which may/may not be something you want) so you could consider doing something like polishing one up to hang on wall/use as tea pot stand or similar. I got one silver-shiny with those metal pot scourers and salt. Or you can cheat and spray-paint.

I think the tree idea is lovely.