Why Include Trees In Your Garden?

By gardening with trees, you’re not only enhancing the beauty of your outdoor space but also making a positive impact on the environment.

Incorporating trees into your garden layout can:

• Redefine how the space is used
• Create stunning focal points
• Add layers of visual interest
• Frame views
• Provide much-needed shade
• Act as a natural privacy screen
• Purify the air
• Offer habitats for wildlife
• Contribute to reducing your carbon footprint

Check out this blog post for information on how to attract wildlife to your garden with trees.

How to Choose The Right Trees for Your Garden

Selecting the right trees for your garden is crucial to achieving the transformation you envision. Whether you have a compact urban space or a large garden, there’s a tree suited for anything.

 

Best Trees for Different-Sized Gardens

• Small Gardens: For those with limited space, consider dwarf varieties or ornamental trees like the Japanese Maple or Crab Apple. These trees provide beauty without overwhelming the space. 

 

• Patios: For patios or areas where planting in the ground isn’t possible, consider trees that thrive in pots, such as olive trees or juniper conifers. These trees are ideal for bringing a touch of greenery to your patio, offering both visual appeal and the flexibility to rearrange your space as needed.

• Medium to Large Gardens: If you have more room, consider planting fruit trees like apple or pear, which not only offer the aesthetic appeal of delicate spring blossoms but also provide a bountiful harvest. 

Evergreen trees like Yew or Holly enhance your garden’s beauty with their lush, year-round greenery and elegant structure.

Best Tree Types for Year-Round Interest

• Evergreen Trees: Trees such as the Scots Pine or Bay remain green throughout the year, offering consistent visual interest and structure to your garden.

 

• Spring Blossoms and Seasonal Highlights: For a burst of colour, consider ornamental trees like the Cherry Blossom or Magnolia, which bloom in spring and become focal points in your garden during their flowering season.

Designing Around Existing Trees

If your garden already features mature trees, they can become a natural focal point around which to design your space.

Creating a garden around an existing tree involves careful planning. You can plant shade-tolerant plants like ferns or hostas at the base, which thrive in the dappled light beneath the tree canopy. Surrounding the tree with a flower bed or adding a bench can also make it a central gathering point in your garden.

When working with existing trees, it’s essential to consider their root systems. Avoid disturbing the roots and instead work around them, ensuring the tree remains healthy and continues to flourish as part of your garden design. 

Practical Considerations for Planting Trees

Planting a new tree in your garden involves more than just digging a hole and dropping it in. 

Planting a Tree in Your Garden

Before planting, check whether you need permission, especially if you’re planting a large tree near property lines or structures. Local regulations may dictate the type of trees you can plant and where they can be located.

Tree Placement Tips

• Site Selection: Choose a location where the tree will receive the appropriate amount of sunlight and has room to grow to its full size without interference from buildings or other plants.
• Small Space Solutions: If space is tight, consider planting trees in containers or using espalier techniques to train trees to grow flat against a wall, maximising your garden space without sacrificing greenery.

For insights from expert tree surgeons, read this blog post on how to plant a tree. 

Maintenance and Care for Healthy Tree Growth

Once your trees are planted, ensuring they grow and thrive is key to maintaining the beauty of your garden. Here are some tips to help your trees stay healthy for the long-term.

• Watering and Mulching: Newly planted trees need regular watering, especially in the first few years. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Pruning and Shaping: Regular pruning is essential to maintain the health and shape of your trees. Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and remove any dead or diseased branches. Contact a reputable tree surgeon, such as Forbes Tree Care for help with tree pruning.

For those new to gardening, starting with low-maintenance trees can make the experience more enjoyable. Native species, such as the Silver Birch or Hawthorn, are generally easier to grow as they are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.

Transform Your Garden with the Right Trees Today

Incorporating trees into your garden creates a dynamic, evolving landscape. They can define spaces, offer natural shade, and enhance the overall aesthetic. Whether in a small urban garden or a larger backyard, the right trees add depth, beauty, and environmental value, transforming your outdoor area into a true sanctuary.

Explore Trees Direct today and start planning your tree-filled oasis. Discover how these majestic plants can elevate your garden to new heights.

About The Author

Sean Galton founded Forbes Tree Care in 2010. Since then, he’s led a skilled team of tree surgeons to serve the North London area with sustainable tree management practices that prioritise saving and maintaining healthy trees. He’s passionate about helping trees thrive, reducing carbon emissions and finding new and interesting ways to recycle tree products.