A Gardener’s Guide to Planting Trees in May May is one of the best times to get busy planting. With the soil nicely warmed up from the spring and the risk of frost long behind us, conditions are now ideal for giving young trees a strong, healthy start. Longer daylight hours and consistent rainfall also make it easier for roots to establish before the heat of summer kicks in. Whether you’re shaping a new garden or adding structure to an existing one, the month of May offers a reliable window for successful planting. At Trees Direct, we help gardeners across the UK choose the right trees for their space, with expert advice and a range of carefully grown varieties suited to this time of year. If you’re planning to plant, now’s the time. Why May is the Perfect Time to Plant Trees By the time May rolls around, the ground has warmed up, the weather has settled, and most parts of the UK are finally free from overnight frost. That combination makes it one of the most reliable months for planting new trees and shrubs. The soil is easier to work with, retains moisture well from spring showers, and encourages strong root development without the shock that can come from colder mornings or summer heat waves. Trees planted in May benefit from a full season of growth ahead which gives them adequate time to establish before winter returns later in the year. This early momentum can make a real difference to how quickly your new trees settle and how well they’ll thrive in future years. It’s also a good time to assess the shape and structure of your garden. Bare spots are easier to notice in late spring, and newly planted trees won’t be competing with frozen ground or excessive summer stress. If you’re unsure what to choose or how to plant, Trees Direct offers helpful planting guides and tailored advice to make sure your tree gets off to the best possible start. Recommended Trees to Plant in May Some trees just seem to do better when they’re planted at the right time, and the month of May gives you a bit of a head start. The ground’s warmed through, the weather’s more settled, and there’s still plenty of moisture about. If you’ve got space to fill, or you’re just in the mood to get something growing, there are a few trees that are worth thinking about. Crab apples are one of those trees that do a bit of everything. You get blossom in spring, fruit in autumn, and the shape’s tidy enough for smaller gardens. Bees love the flowers, birds go for the dropped fruit, and they’re generally pretty easy-going once they’re in. You’ll find a few different varieties at Trees Direct, depending on the size and look you’re after. Rowan Trees are another good one if you want something native. They’re often seen in wilder gardens, but they work just as well in a more formal space. White flowers come first, followed by bright red berries that stick around into autumn. They don’t grow too big and don’t complain much about poor soil either. Silver birch is ideal if you want to add height without turning your whole garden into shade. The bark’s got a nice pale colour that brightens things up, and the canopy stays light enough that other plants can still grow underneath. It’s quick to establish too, which is handy if you’re planting in a newer garden. Then you’ve got hawthorn. It’s usually thought of as a hedge, but it makes a decent little tree on its own. The blossom shows up around this time of year, and it’s full of bees when it does. Later on, the red haws feed all sorts of birds. It’s tough, reliable, and not bothered by wind or rougher ground. Field maple tends to be a quieter choice, but it holds its own. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable, and it puts on a good autumn show when the leaves go yellow. It grows slowly, doesn’t get too tall, and copes well with heavier soils, which can be useful if the rest of your garden’s a bit picky. All of these trees can be planted now without too much fuss. They’re available on the Trees Direct site if you’re looking for more details. More importantly, they’ll settle in well and give you something to look forward to over the next few seasons. Expert Tips for Successful May Planting Getting trees into the ground in May is usually pretty straightforward, but a bit of care at the start makes a real difference later down the line. The main thing is to plant properly and not rush it. Dig a hole that’s wide enough to spread the roots out without bending them and keep the planting depth the same as it was in the pot or rootball. If you go too deep, you might risk problems arising later on. It’s worth watering the tree before you plant it, especially if it’s been sitting out for a while. Once it’s in the ground, firm the soil back gently and give it a good soak. That first watering helps settle the soil around the roots and gets things moving. If you’re planting somewhere a bit exposed, staking the tree can help keep it stable while the roots get established. You don’t want it flapping around too much in the wind. Adding a layer of mulch around the base also helps to keep moisture in and suppress weeds — just keep it a little away from the trunk. Trees Direct offers planting kits and accessories if you need the extras, but the main thing is to get the basics right. Once it’s in and looked after for the first few months, most trees will do the rest on their own. Ready to Plant? If you’ve been waiting for the right time to add something new to your garden, May is a good month to get started. The conditions are in your favour, and there’s still plenty of growing time ahead. Whether you’re after colour, structure, or just a way to bring in more birds and pollinators to your garden, the right tree can do all of that with very little effort once it’s in. Have a look through the range at Trees Direct — all trees are carefully grown, well-packed for delivery, and backed up with straightforward advice if you need a helping hand. Pick something now and it’ll be settling in just as summer kicks off. BACK TO ARTICLES
