Preferred Arboreal Selection by Specialists
In the world of horticulture, choosing the right tree for your garden can be a daunting task. However, with a variety of trees available, each offering unique features and benefits, finding the perfect fit for your garden becomes an exciting adventure.
Trees play a crucial role in providing sources of food and shelter for wildlife, making them an essential part of any garden ecosystem. One tree expert, Tony Kirkham, recommends the Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) as a versatile and beautiful tree for gardens.
Willows, valued for their elegance and adaptability to silty and moist soils, are another popular choice. They come in many forms, from weeping to contorted, and dwarf cultivars. Willows produce attractive flowering catkins in spring and thrive in USDA hardiness zones 2-9.
For those living in warmer zones, the Bougainvillea, although technically a vine, can be shaped into tree-like forms. Known for its vibrant, bract-covered blooms, it attracts many pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
Small ornamental trees for front yards are also highly recommended. Serviceberry, Crabapple, Chinese dogwood, Japanese maple, Weeping cherry, Redbud, Saucer magnolia, Citrus trees, Smoke tree, Riverbirch, and Saucer magnolia are top recommendations, offering flowers, fruits, and colorful fall foliage.
Certain trees are favored by gardeners for their reliability and aesthetic qualities. Autumn Blaze® Red Maple, Honeycrisp™ Apple Tree, Bloodgood Japanese Maple, and White Dogwood are among the bestsellers from nurseries.
The Queen's Green Canopy is a campaign encouraging people to plant trees in their gardens. In addition, trees like the Silver Birch, Scots Pine, and Beech tree are recommended for their ability to combat global warming and provide mental health benefits to people.
Unfortunately, over the last 10 years, 1000 irreplaceable ancient woods in Britain have been threatened by development, and deadly tree diseases and pests, such as ash dieback, have impacted the number of trees in the country.
Despite these challenges, the tree-planting season is currently ongoing, and it's never too late to make a difference. Keith Wiley, a plantsman and founder of Wildside in Devon, considers the Silver Birch to be his favorite tree, while Aaron Bertelsen, a gardener-cook, recommends the Scots Pine as a tree that works well in a garden, provided it has enough space to grow.
References:
[1] RHS (2021). Willow. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/28143/Willow/Details
[2] RHS (2021). Bougainvillea. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/25282/Bougainvillea/Details
[3] RHS (2021). Small Ornamental Trees for Front Yards. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=483
[4] RHS (2021). Bestselling Trees from Nurseries. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=484
[5] RHS (2021). The Queen's Green Canopy. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/queens-green-canopy
[5] RHS (2021). Silver Birch. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/26958/Silver-Birch/Details
[6] RHS (2021). Scots Pine. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/26839/Scots-Pine/Details
[7] RHS (2021). Beech Tree. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/26933/Beech-Tree/Details
[8] Woodland Trust (2021). Ancient Woods Under Threat. [online] Available at: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/ancient-woods/ancient-woods-under-threat/
[9] Woodland Trust (2021). Deadly Tree Diseases and Pests. [online] Available at: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood-health/deadly-tree-diseases-and-pests/
[10] Mental Health Foundation (2021). Mental Health and Nature. [online] Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/mental-health-and-nature
- Botanical gardens often house a wide array of plants, including trees, making them ideal for learning about various tree species and their roles in lifestyle and home-and-garden settings.
- When it comes to gardening, understanding the environmental benefits of trees, such as providing habitats for wildlife and assisting in combating global warming, is just as important as choosing the right trees for one's garden.
- Additionally, cultivating trees in our homes and gardens can contribute to a healthier lifestyle, as suggested by the Mental Health Foundation, offering mental health benefits to those who dedicate time to gardening and enjoying the beauty of these green companions.
