Trees

Wonderful and inspirational – every garden should have one.  Trees lend height to the garden, create a focal point or more interesting view, provide shade and above all life in the garden.

What are trees?

Trees are very large plants which form xylem (woody tissue) in their trunk and branches as a sort of skeleton to keep the plant upright. Wood is similar to our bone tissue. Shrubs also form xylem. The size of a tree or shrub is not what decides its classification. There are very large shrubs and very small trees.

The difference between shrubs and trees does not lie in size: it lies in the way in which they grow. With most trees there is just one stem that grows up from the roots (the trunk), which then sprouts branches. Most shrubs have several stems emerging from the soil.

Making your choice

Trees bring more than direct benefits to your garden.  They add to the surrounding area and are an investment for future generations.

So don’t rush into choosing a tree. Decide in advance what you are looking for in a tree, and get good advice; this will ensure you get the right tree for the right place.  Take into account how tall and how wide the tree may spread.  The soil type in your garden is also important, plus you can choose from having edible or ornamental fruits and whether an upward, round or drooping, more bower-like crown is what you are after. 

Some favourite trees

There are not many trees which remain under three metres: for that you would be better opting for an attractive multi-stemmed shrub. There are plenty of those to choose from. If you are happy for the tree to grow to around five metres high, there is a much wider choice.

Here are a few to think about:

• Juneberry (Amelanchier) produces beautiful flowers and berries and offers attractive spring and autumn foliage
• Hawthorn (Crataegus)
• Various varieties of ornamental cherries (Prunus)
• Ornamental apple trees (Malus)
• The pagoda tree (Cornus alternifolia ‘Argentea’)
• Japanese maples (Acer palmatum)
• Rowan trees (including Sorbus vilmorinii with pearlescent rose or pink berries)
• Plus there are increasing number of espaliers and other trained trees available