Now is the time of year to think about planting trees, if you want to give your garden a new look. This is because, over the autumn and winter months, they will need less watering and are more likely to become a beautiful focal point for your garden.

But which tree is best for your space? Compass Garden and Landscape Design, who offer a planting consultancy service in Wiltshire, Somerset and across the south-west of England, identify some of the best varieties.

Small is Beautiful

It is easy to think that your choice of tree will be restricted if you have a small garden. However, there are plenty of varieties that grow very nicely in confined spaces. The crab apple (in the picture above) is one such example because it provides beautiful spring blossom, autumn colours, and edible cooked fruit.

Even if you have a larger garden with a lot of room, you will be surprised how quickly some species grow. Therefore, make sure you do your research before choosing your tree, as well as what care it will need – for example, pruning.

The Most Drought-Tolerant

This is a major factor for everyone, not just because of climate change which is affecting the amount of rainfall, but also because these species will require less watering. Some varieties, such as the mimosa (Acacia dealbata) and the Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum), once established, can tolerate dry conditions.

However, it is important to give them time and space to develop, as well as use organic matter such as mulch. This is because artificial products such as fertiliser can induce excessive growth in a tree’s early stages.

Thriving in the Shade

Many trees find it hard to grow in areas of heavy shade. Therefore, it is important not to plant your tree too close to yours or your neighbour’s home or other trees. It is also important to not plant a tree too close to your home because the roots can undermine foundations and damage underground pipes.

However, there are several species that thrive in light to moderate shade. One such example is the Japanese maple which cannot tolerate direct sunlight and prefers dappled or afternoon shade. This tree is also quite slow-growing and has a beautiful range of colours.

The Greenest Trees

All trees are environmentally-friendly because they help sustain your garden’s ecosystem, providing food and shelter for birds and insects. They also absorb carbon dioxide from the air.

Traditional English species such as oak and maple are especially effective at storing CO2. However, if you don’t quite have the space for an oak or maple, then holly and yew are great alternatives. If your space is too small even for these choices, you can also opt for hazel or blackthorn.

A Fruitful Endeavour

A lot of people like to grow trees that guarantee themselves a regular supply of locally sourced fresh fruit. However, many trees have problems associated with pruning and pollination that make getting a good crop difficult – especially for newcomers.

For this reason, easy-to-care-for trees such as apricot and Victoria plum are good choices. This is because apricots require very little pruning – in fact, you can damage them if you cut them back too much. And Victoria plum trees have the big advantage of being self-fertile.

One thing you do have to be aware of, though, is that branches do not snap off under the weight of the fruit. If you would prefer an apple tree, then the Falstaff variety is among the easiest to grow.

Planting Consultancy Service from Compass Garden and Landscape Design

If you are not sure which tree to plant call us on 01225 949581 or click on this link to fill in our contact form.

Our expert planting consultancy has advised gardeners in Wiltshire, Somerset and neighbouring areas about the best trees to plant in their particular location. We will take into account variables such as sunlight, soil type, rainfall and your personal preferences.

We will also be able to tell you what trees will go well with your current garden in terms of colour and growth. If you would like, we can help you to create a planting plan or even redesign your whole garden.