How to grow trees

Trees are the most permanent and arguably most important plants you can add to a garden. Even a small garden benefits from a single well-chosen tree — for dappled shade, blossom, fruit, wildlife value, or simply as a focal point that anchors the whole design. In the UK, compact varieties of apple, pear, cherry, crab apple and ornamental trees like Amelanchier lamarckii are ideal for average-sized gardens. Larger spaces can accommodate oaks, field maples and native rowans that provide real ecological value. Choosing the right rootstock controls ultimate size, while understanding the tree's mature canopy spread prevents future problems with neighbouring properties and foundations. Our guides cover planting, staking, formative pruning and long-term care.