Plant a Tree

Plant a Tree

Everyone can plant a tree, so why not get your spade and dig that hole? Without trees, we wouldn't be able to survive on the planet, so it's crucial there are plenty of trees, and the good news is - there is a tree suitable for any size garden - even for containers. Trees are great for wildlife and the environment and can really bring something special to your garden. With such a huge variety of trees to choose from, you can add colour and texture, flowers, berries, and edible fruits to your garden.

Why It's Important to Plant a Tree

Trees not only help to clean the air we breathe and filter the water we drink, but they are also habitats for a vast amount of biodiversity. Many trees are even used in medicines. In your garden, a tree can be home to many insects and birds, plus give interest all year round - even deciduous trees. The leaf fall can be used to make leaf mulch for your garden beds and borders, and all-around, they are necessary.

How to Plant a Tree

Depending on the maturity of the tree you have bought, it may need support, so check the instructions. Most trees need to be planted in a pre-dug hole larger than the rootball and have the same depth as the pot it is in. Trees will likely need more water when they are younger and established in their new home. Fall is a great time to plant trees, allowing them time to establish over winter.

Plant a Tree for Small Spaces

There's no need to feel restricted if you have a small space. There are a lot of trees that will grow well in a small area, including in a large container on a patio and even on a balcony. Like with any planting, no matter what size space, it's essential to ensure your tree is situated where it will most thrive, so think about sun and shade plus the soil pH. Great trees for small spaces include:

  • Cornus
  • Amelanchier
  • Acer
  • Smaller Magnolias
  • Apple, cherry and plum trees (just check the variety and mature size)

Our Favourite Trees

With so many to choose from, it depends on the size of your garden and your preference for colour, evergreen or deciduous, and much more. It's a very personal choice, but there are a few which we cannot resist!

  • Beech (Fagus)
  • River Birch (Betula nigra)
  • Crab apple (Malus sylvestris)
  • Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer freemanii)
  • Ornamental Pear (Pyrus calleryana)
  • Red Point Maple (Acer rubrum)
  • Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)

Choose your next tree from our selection in store, plus the tools needed to plant your new tree. Fall is a great time to plant a tree. You can also choose some colourful flower bulbs from our spring-bulb selection at the garden centre. Underplant your new tree with snowdrops to cover the soil. Please ask our staff if you need any advice on which tree is best for your garden. They're always happy to help!

You might also be interested in:

6 spring plants to brighten up your pots

If your garden needs a dose of colour, come and see our fantastic range of spring plants. We have everything you need to brighten up pots, beds and window boxes this spring!

Read more...
How to grow tomatoes

Enjoy the delicious taste of your own home-grown tomatoes this summer, sun-warmed and picked fresh from the plant! Find out more about how to sow and grow your own tomatoes.

Read more...
Our favourite summer annuals to sow now

For fabulous summer colour that keeps on going well into autumn, it’s hard to beat summer annuals. These are our favourite summer annuals to sow now.

Read more...
How to grow and harvest potatoes at home

Baked, boiled, fried or roasted – potatoes taste great no matter how you cook them! This versatile vegetable is surprisingly easy to grow, and spring is the perfect time to plant seed potatoes. Follow our simple guide for excellent results!

Read more...