Trees direct offer a fantastic range of highly diverse ornamental trees which can form an essential addition to any big or small garden. They bring great character and structure to your garden while offering striking foliage, vibrant flowers, and a strong aesthetic appeal for birds, insects, and mammals. Unlike fruit or shade...
Trees direct offer a fantastic range of highly diverse ornamental trees which can form an essential addition to any big or small garden. They bring great character and structure to your garden while offering striking foliage, vibrant flowers, and a strong aesthetic appeal for birds, insects, and mammals. Unlike fruit or shade trees, their primary appeal lies in their beauty and with delicate spring blossoms, autumnal colour changes, and unique bark textures, they are a great addition to any garden. Many varieties of ornamental trees in the UK are well-suited to British gardens and can easily thrive in a range of conditions to provide visual impact all year round.
Ornamental trees are valued for their beauty and ability to transform a garden’s appearance throughout the seasons, and they are unlike fruit or functional trees, meaning their main purpose is to provide colour, texture, and structure, to your garden. Most Ornamental trees will provide you with delicate spring blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage which create striking winter silhouettes to provide your garden with a year round interest.
People choose ornamental trees as primary focal point for aesthetic qualities rather than for fruit or timber production. The beauty of these trees is their ability to offer a range of visual features including colourful flowers and lush foliage to interesting bark patterns and sculptural forms. In addition, many varieties change throughout the year to ensure your garden remains visually appealing even in the colder winter months. Some, such as the Japanese Maple, can provide fiery autumn colour, while others, like flowering cherries, create a stunning display in spring.
When it comes to ornamental trees, we can provide many varieties in all shapes and sizes, each offering something unique to your garden. Flowering ornamental trees, such as Amelanchier Ballerina and Cornus Kousa, are popular for their stunning springtime blossoms and changing foliage which makes them ideal for use in mixed borders and will create a dynamic focal point as the seasons shift.
For those who love dramatic foliage, Japanese & Acer trees bring intense autumn colour. The Acer Brilliantissimum and Coral Bark Japanese Maple are excellent choices for smaller gardens and will provide deep reds, oranges, and golds when the weather turns cooler.
Wildlife-friendly and fruiting ornamental trees not only enhance a garden visually but also support biodiversity. Varieties like the Crab Apple Gorgeous and Cotoneaster Trees attract pollinators in spring and provide a vital food source for birds in autumn and winter.
If year-round structure is your priority, evergreen and architectural ornamental trees such as the Bay Tree or Cedar of Lebanon will provide you with a strong, lasting presence due to their dense foliage and this makes them ideal for screening or creating a defined shape within a garden.
The beauty of ornamental trees extends beyond their visual appeal. Not only do they help shape garden designs by adding height and creating natural focal points, but they even soften any striking architectural features you may have. Many varieties offer seasonal interest, with spring blossoms giving way to lush summer greenery, closely followed by vibrant autumn colour and striking silhouettes in winter.
In addition to aesthetics, ornamental trees actively support local wildlife. Pollinators such as bees are drawn to spring-flowering varieties, while fruiting trees provide food for birds as the colder months approach.
You may be wondering which trees are suitable or UK gardens? Good news it, many ornamental trees are already well-adapted to the UK climate meaning most will happily tolerate frost and wind better than others. Flowering cherries, crab apples, and acer trees thrive in British gardens, while species like the Calleryana Ornamental Pear and Cornus varieties handle wetter conditions well. A bonus for the UK! Choosing the right tree for your space, whether a decorative tree for a courtyard or a specimen tree for a larger landscape, you can rest assured with the right care, they will actively add a unique aesthetic to your garden without you having to worry about the upkeep.
By selecting trees that suit your garden’s specific conditions and needs, you’ll enjoy a dynamic and visually striking outdoor space that evolves beautifully overtime and provides great colour and contrast throughout the year.
Ornamental trees are generally low-maintenance, but the right care ensures they remain healthy, vibrant, and visually striking throughout the year. Whether you’re planting a specimen tree as a focal point or adding ornamental miniature trees to a smaller space, following a few simple steps will help them thrive in UK gardens.
Selecting the best ornamental tree depends on your garden’s size, soil type, and overall design goals. If space is limited, compact varieties like Acer Brilliantissimum or Crab Apple Gorgeous are excellent choices. Larger landscapes may benefit from statement trees such as Cedar, Magnolia or the delicate yet striking Cornus Kousa.
Some trees, like Japanese Maples, prefer partial shade and sheltered positions, while flowering cherries and ornamental pears thrive in full sun. Understanding the light and soil conditions in your garden will ensure your chosen tree establishes well and grows to its full potential.
The best time to plant ornamental trees in the UK is in autumn or early spring when temperatures are mild and when the rainfall will help young trees establish strong roots. Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter to improve drainage. Most decorative trees prefer well-drained soil, though some, like crab apples can tolerate heavier conditions.
Position your tree with enough space to grow without becoming overcrowded. Plant at the same depth as it was in the pot, firm the soil around the base, and water thoroughly after planting. For taller varieties, staking may be necessary to provide support against strong winds.
Newly planted trees need a little extra care and watering, especially during their first year. Aim to give them a good soaking once or twice a week depending on the weather and ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Established trees generally require less attention and will simply get by on natural rainfall.
Feeding is beneficial for ornamental trees that flower or produce fruit. A balanced, slow-release fertiliser applied in early spring can enhance flowering and foliage colour. Mulching around the base with compost or bark helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Most ornamental trees require minimal pruning, but occasional maintenance will keep them in shape, so remove dead or damaged branches in late winter before new growth appears. Flowering trees, such as Cornus Florida and Amelanchier Ballerina, should be pruned after blooming to avoid removing next year’s buds.
For trees grown as focal points, such as a specimen tree, light shaping can improve their form. Acer trees, for example, benefit from gentle pruning in summer to prevent excessive sap bleeding.
Caring for ornamental trees throughout the seasons ensures their long-term health and beauty. In winter, applying a layer of mulch around the base protects roots from frost, especially for young trees. Some delicate varieties may need additional insulation or protection from harsh winds. During spring and summer, regular watering, especially in dry spells, supports new growth. Trees like flowering cherries may require additional feeding at this stage to encourage healthy blossoms. In autumn, fallen leaves can be composted, and this is also a great time to check trees for any signs of disease or pest activity.
By following these care steps, your ornamental trees will continue to enhance your garden for years to come, providing seasonal colour, structure, and a haven for wildlife.
Compact varieties such as Acer Brilliantissimum and Crab Apple Gorgeous are perfect for small gardens. These trees provide seasonal interest without taking up too much space, making them ideal for patios or smaller outdoor areas.
Yes, many ornamental miniature trees, such as Japanese Maples and Bay Trees, thrive in pots. Using a well-draining compost and placing the tree in a sunny, sheltered spot helps keep it healthy year-round.
Flowering times vary depending on the species. Flowering cherries and Amelanchier Ballerina bloom in early spring, while trees like Cornus Kousa produce blossoms later in the season.
Most decorative trees are low-maintenance, requiring occasional pruning to remove dead branches and maintain shape. Regular watering and feeding in the growing season help keep them healthy.
A specimen tree is a standout feature in a garden, chosen for its striking appearance or unique shape. Trees like the Cedar of Lebanon or Coral Bark Japanese Maple make excellent focal points in larger spaces.
Autumn and early spring are the best times to buy ornamental trees and plant them. This allows the roots to establish before extreme weather conditions set in, ensuring strong growth in the following season.
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