Planting the right tree can completely transform your garden, whether you’re creating a lush orchard or adding a patio tree to attract pollinators. At St. John’s, we offer a wide selection of trees perfect for UK gardens. Our expert team is here to guide you through the process and recommend the best compost, feed, and accessories to help your plants thrive.
How to Pick the Right Tree for Your Garden
Not sure where to start? At St. John’s, we make choosing the best trees for UK gardens simple. Picking the right tree means considering key factors to ensure it fits your space and needs. A small garden has different requirements than a sprawling landscape, but the right tree can enhance any space.
Start by assessing the size of your garden and comparing it to the mature size of your chosen tree. This helps you avoid overcrowding and maintain a clean, organized layout. Next, think about the tree’s purpose—do you want shade, privacy, or fresh fruit from a low-maintenance tree?
Choose a species suited to your soil type and ensure it thrives in your garden’s sunlight and conditions. Also, consider its maintenance needs, like pruning and leaf-shedding habits. Native trees are a great option for small gardens because they support wildlife, adapt easily to the British climate, and often require less care.
Recommended Trees for Your Garden
Best Trees for Small Gardens
- Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ (Columnar Cherry): Our plant manager, Paul recommends this compact tree that offers stunning pink blossoms in spring and warm orange-red foliage in autumn. It’s ideal for small gardens and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Care: Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Prune lightly in midsummer and apply mulch in spring to retain moisture.
- Amelanchier lamarckii (Juneberry): Perfect for multi-season interest, it boasts white spring flowers, edible berries, and colorful autumn leaves. This low-maintenance tree thrives in any small space.
- Care: Plant in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Requires minimal pruning.
- Cornus kousa (Flowering Dogwood): Provides year-round interest with creamy white spring flowers, red autumn foliage, and textured winter bark.
- Care: Prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Minimal pruning needed.
Wildlife-Friendly Trees
- Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan): With spring flowers and autumn berries, this tree provides nectar for pollinators and food for birds.
- Care: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Tolerates exposed areas and requires light winter pruning.
- Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn): Dense foliage and thorny branches create shelter for birds, while flowers and berries attract pollinators.
- Care: Grows in various soil types as long as they’re well-drained. Position in full sun to partial shade.
- Malus (Crab Apple): White spring blooms and colorful autumn fruits make this compact tree a favorite for pollinators and birds.
- Care: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Tolerates various conditions and requires minimal pruning.
Year-Round Interest Trees
- Betula jacquemontii (Himalayan Birch): Known for its striking white bark, this tree provides seasonal beauty with green spring foliage and winter bark.
- Care: Position in full sun or partial shade. Grows well in most soils and is drought-tolerant once established.
- Euonymus europaeus (Spindle Tree): Vibrant autumn foliage and colorful fruits make this a standout choice for seasonal interest.
- Care: Thrives in well-drained soil and can grow in full sun or partial shade. Minimal pruning required.
- Ilex (Holly): Evergreen foliage, spring flowers, and winter berries make this versatile tree perfect for year-round interest.
- Care: Tolerates different soils and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant with minimal pruning.
Low Maintenance Trees
- Betula pendula (Silver Birch): This elegant deciduous tree offers light shade and is perfect for naturalistic planting schemes.
- Care: Thrives in well-drained soil with minimal care. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant.
- Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple): A small, low-maintenance tree with cinnamon-colored bark and fiery autumn leaves.
- Care: Prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Water regularly until established.
- Hoheria (Lacebark): Semi-evergreen with fragrant summer flowers, this tree adds lush greenery year-round.
- Care: Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Protect from strong winds in colder regions.
Edible Trees for Your Garden
- Malus domestica (Apple Tree): A classic choice, this tree offers spring blossoms and a harvest of fresh apples in late summer.
- Care: Plant in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Prune in winter to encourage fruiting.
- Prunus avium (Wild Cherry): Combines spring blooms with edible cherries, ideal for larger gardens or as a specimen tree.
- Care: Thrives in well-drained soil in full sun. Water regularly until established.
- Ficus carica (Fig Tree): Perfect for Mediterranean-style gardens or container planting, offering delicious figs.
- Care: Choose a warm, sunny spot with well-drained soil. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.
With these recommendations, you can confidently select the best trees for your UK garden, whether you need options for small gardens, low maintenance trees, or trees that support wildlife. Visit St. John’s Barnstaple & Ashford to explore our full range, chat to our friendly staff, and transform your garden today!
Want us to do the hard work for you? Check out what our landscaping team have to offer!