Choosing the

right tree

Picking the species of tree is perhaps the most exciting part. Before you decide, think about the size of your garden. And what you’re hoping your tree will bring to your garden.

Choosing the right species

Once you’ve picked a spot in your garden, you’ll need to choose which species you’d like to plant. Trees come in all shapes and sizes, so look around until you find the one that meets your needs. You should always consider the eventual size of the tree that you’re planting. Keep in mind the size of the crown and the extent of the roots too. As a general rule of thumb the roots will extend to roughly the same size as the crown.

Additional benefits

Think about what you’d like to get out of your tree. Are you looking for delicious fruits, decorative flowers or something to bring wildlife to your garden? Or all of those! Some trees provide fabulous colours in the autumn. Others are more on show in the spring.

Whatever you’re looking for, planting a native tree is a good place to start as these are well suited to our wildlife and climate.

10 of the best native British trees for birds and wildlife

Small gardens

Approximately between 20m2 and 40m2.

Small gardens are generally suitable for one or two small trees, usually near the boundary. They provide a point of interest and dimension to a closed off space. Be careful not to plant your tree too close to your or your neighbour’s house.

In small gardens, it is crucial for you to consider the impact of light and where shade will be created by the tree. Many trees can be pruned to keep them small. For very small gardens, trees grown in pots are a good option.

Some typical species would include:

• Apple
• Crab apple
• Spindle
• Rowan
• Hawthorn
• Pear

Medium gardens

Approximately between 41m2 – 180m2

A medium garden gives you more freedom in tree choice and lessens the impact of shade from any one tree. At this scale, you have the possibility of experimenting with a combination of trees, as well as planting larger trees.

Some typical species would include:

• Hazel
• Rowan
• Holly
• Silver birch

Large gardens

A garden larger than 181m2 +

Larger gardens offer you the chance to plant some of the UK’s most distinctive native trees, from oaks to beeches. These trees will become very big in time and may live for hundreds of years, so planning ahead is crucial.

Some typical species would include:

• English oak
• Alder
• Wild cherry
• Horse chestnut
• Scots pine
• Walnut
• Beech
• Hornbeam