Trees make a wonderful backdrop, permanent feature or stately addition to a garden and with some care and maintenance will live for many years. A tree may become the focal point of your garden, so when choosing a tree to add to your garden careful consideration is necessary for a number of reasons:
Purpose of Tree
Consider the purpose for your new tree: is it needed for screening to create more privacy or to disguise an unsightly object. Perhaps you’d like to introduce autumn colour or evergreen trees for winter interest. An ornamental specimen treecan make an impact. Trees can be added for protection from high winds or to create some shade or maybe dwarf trees in containers on a terrace or patio add a spectacular feature. The purpose, site and situation needs to be carefully thought out as buying trees can be an expensive business – but will instantly transform your garden.
Size
Obviously garden size will also be an important factor in your choice of trees – you don’t want to dominate a small garden and block out the light with a tree which will grow too big. Equally if you have a larger space, smaller trees may look insignificant. So do your research on the height and spread that a particular treewill eventually reach, before you take the plunge.
Another consideration when planting new trees is neighbours! Avoid planting a tree close to the neighbouring boundary as the overhanging branches can be a nuisance. Neighbours are legally allowed to remove any branches that overhang their garden, but they have to return the cut branches to the owner of the tree.
Planting
The ideal time for planting trees isbetween October and April when the tree is dormant. Whether the tree is containerised or bare rooted, soil preparation is key to giving your new tree a good start.
Pruning
Pruning needs to be carried out for a variety of reasons:
- To remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches
- To thin out and encourage new growth and air circulation
- To reduce the height
- To keep the tree to a desired shape
Most pruning should be done during the autumn and winter while the tree is dormant, but dead and diseased wood can be removed at any time.
If you already have large or mature trees in your garden, it may be worth checking whether they need any specialist pruning to improve the look, shape and general health of the tree.
Dwarf
And finally, for added interest on the terrace or patio, there are many dwarf and small varieties of trees which can be grown in containers. Be aware that they will need regular watering and occasional feeding and it may be necessary to re-pot them every couple of years or so to avoid the tree becoming pot bound.
