Trees are essential for life so it should come as no surprise that we have a whole week dedicated to celebrating their importance! The UK’s largest annual tree celebration is back this week and marks the start of the winter tree planting season. First established in 1975 by the Tree Council, National Tree Week was set up as a response to the national replanting that was required following the outbreak of Dutch Elm disease.

Now a national event supported by many, National Tree Week has inspired communities to plant trees together and embrace the vital benefits their existence brings to our planet.

So if you want to support National Tree Week, you can share the word with your friends and family, enjoy an autumn stroll through your local woodland, or even plant a tree in your own garden. If the latter is something you are considering this autumn, we have some tree planting tips for you.

 

When choosing a tree for your garden, it’s important to ensure the tree is suitable for their surrounding in terms of proportion as well as for their decorative value.

 

Giving a tree life in your garden

Planting a tree in your garden and watching it grow over the years can be a fun and wholesome thing to do . Whether you plant a tree in memory, with the children, or to bring feature and colour to your garden, it can be meaningful not only to the planet but to yourself too. However, there are a few things to think about when tree planting at home.

It’s important to check labels and understand the eventual height and spread of the tree you are choosing to grow. The best time of year to plant a tree is between October and April.

Depending on your outside space, whether small or large, there are plenty of tree or plant varieties that absorb carbon. Long-living native species such as oak and maple are effective at storing carbon dioxide. But these could grow to be very large so trees such as Hazel, Blackthorn, Crab Apple and Goat Willow are suitable for smaller spaces.

Where space is limited such as on a patio or terrace, you can grow trees in containers to bring height, fruit, bark and autumn colour to these modest spaces.

 

Some trees have invasive roots, so be aware of the conditions when planting in regard to the impact to property or buildings close by.

 

What to consider when tree planting at home

When choosing a tree for your garden, it’s important to ensure the tree is suitable for their surrounding in terms of proportion as well as for their decorative value.

Height and spread

This is above all the most important element to comfortably home the right tree in your garden. Small ornamental trees may reach a significant height over time so carefully assess the style you choose. Weeping forms rarely increase much in height and if spread may be a problem in a restricted area, a columnar tree may make the perfect addition as these do not spread appreciably.

Seasonal interests

Consider your purpose for planting and when you want your tree to look its best. Think about its key features; flowering time, foliage, fruit and bark. If space is limited and you are planting one tree, you’d likely want your tree to bring a little splendour to your garden through the year so it may be valuable to consider a type that fruits or boasts autumn colour following on from flowers.

 

Consider your purpose for planting and when you want your tree to look its best. Think about its key features; flowering time, foliage, fruit and bark.

 

Garden conditions

Your tree is sure to become a key feature in your garden for many years to come so think about the essentials your tree needs to flourish and where in your garden will provide this. Carefully think about how exposed your tree is to climate and conditions and the amount of sun and shade your tree will receive.

Will the location of your tree affect other plants and shrubs? Our beloved lawns need to receive the right amount of nutrients, could this shade your lawn and affect the growth of your grass plants? Some trees have invasive roots, so be aware of the conditions when planting in regard to the impact to property or buildings close by. These are all factors to carefully evaluate to ensure your tree can happily settle in to its forever home.

Pruning requirements

Deciduous or evergreen? Neither are without maintenance but some have more pruning requirements than others.

Generally speaking, trees are often easier to look after and less needy than some of their smaller counterparts providing they have the right growing conditions. That said, this all depends on the size of your tree and their function. For example, a tree that sheds plenty of berries or nuts will require frequent clearing up if your garden is small or paved. Alternatively, the tree could be an extremely fast grower which requires regular or even professional trimming, which can be expensive.

 

Leaves on your lawn can impact your lawn’s condition so it’s important to remember that regular raking is required.

 

To maintain the health of your manicured lawn through autumn, regular raking of leaves, should they shed, is also required. How large is the area this will affect and just how much time will this take? Once you have the answers to these questions, you’ll have the knowledge you need to select a tree to suit its surroundings and add structure and a focal point to your garden.

To get to know more about National Tree Week, visit The Tree Council, and find out more about their campaign or download their free, useful planting guide.

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