We hear so much about planting trees and the horror of deforestation around the world. All of us are much more aware of the value of trees and why they are so important for the environment. Now housing developments place as much emphasis on green spaces and trees as they do on driveways and gardens. We’re all so much more aware of our responsibilities to the planet and we do all we can to fight against forests being destroyed even when they are thousands of miles away.

But if you are keen to get your hands on a tree for your own garden, whether that be for environmental or aesthetic reasons, you’re making a good decision. So, should you plant a tree?

Planting a tree brings about many benefits. It will provide shade in your garden for various wildlife and plants and may be a source of food. Moreover, a tree is a great way to improve soil quality and can help to lower the risk of flooding and erosion. A tree is good for the environment and, last but certainly not least, they look majestic and beautiful.

And, you don’t have to plant a mighty oak. Even those of us with limited space can plant a small ornamental tree and bask in the knowledge that we’re doing something worthwhile.

Are trees good for the environment?

Trees are an important source of oxygen; without them, we wouldn’t be here! That’s a pretty bold statement to make, but it’s certainly true and when you think about what you can do for the environment, planting trees is usually one of the first things that spring to mind; but why?

There cannot be too much carbon dioxide in the air as this can cause what is known as the Greenhouse Effect; something that you have likely heard of. This can result in changing weather patterns which affect us here one earth. However, since trees are able to store carbon dioxide, they are incredibly useful when it comes to helping the environment.

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Moreover, as a tree loses moisture and reflects heat towards the sky, the wind speed is reduced, cooling the air. This can then reduce the ground temperature by as much as 7ºc!

How to choose a tree for your garden

When it comes to choosing a tree for your garden, you have an array of options. But it is essential to choose trees that are going to thrive and not cause disruption within your outdoor space. The following are all things that you should consider before settling on any particular type of tree.

• The size of the tree is one of the most important things to think about. The last thing you want is a gigantic tree that spreads across the garden and quickly takes over. But it isn’t only the branches and leaves that you must consider. Under the ground, the tree roots can spread far and wide with certain species. Things like white oak and walnut can have root systems that dive as far as 11-15ft below the ground’s surface.
• You should also think about whether you want a deciduous tree or an evergreen one. The latter keep their green colour all year round which is an attractive feature. However, you aren’t given the visual treat during autumn that you would get from a deciduous species.
• Another thing to think about is the climate conditions where you live as these can affect which species grow better.

Are ornamental trees suitable for any garden?

An ornamental tree is one that is sometimes planted for aesthetic purposes but they tend to be more practical as their growth can be contained yet still provide a stunning focal point as well as bearing fruit for harvest and providing a home for wildlife. That said, many ornamental trees also provide many other benefits and so they are considered to be ideal for any type of garden.

One of the biggest reasons, as we have touched upon, is that adding an ornamental tree will boost the visual appeal of your garden. However, you will also notice that these types of trees provide a great way of screening sections of the garden as well as encouraging wildlife into the area.

Depending on the space you have available you can choose to plant a single ornamental tree on the patio or plant a mini orchard in the garden with apple, plum or peach trees.

It is estimated that there are more than 100,000 species of tree and this means that your choices are certainly not limited. You can see the huge range of ornamental trees we have in the nursery and all ready to be sent out to you for planting by clicking here.

So – should I plant a tree?

Many hobby gardeners consider planting a tree but may be put off by how much upkeep they believe a tree needs. While there are some species that do require a lot of maintenance, many can be planted and left to thrive without much attention. It all depends on what you prefer.

There are some important considerations to mull over when choosing a tree, for example, not selecting one whose roots will take over the garden. Ornamental trees such as flowering cherry trees are ideal for domestic properties and can breathe new life into what was a tired looking space.