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When watering our gardens and allotments it can be easy to forget that trees also need extra support in drier periods, but they really do! Putting in the extra effort to water and care for your tree during hot summers and droughts can have a huge impact on the ongoing health and growth of the tree, so it is well worth dedicating a little more time to them and even planning ahead for future years.
One of our shortest lived native tree species, the Wild Cherry (Prunus avium, also known as the Sweet Cherry or Bird Cherry) is also one of our showiest! Profusions of snow white blossoms herald the spring and early summer, followed later in the year by bunches of petite, brilliant red cherries. A huge favourite with our native bird life (hence the secondary name, “Bird Cherry”) these trees are the ancient ancestor of the cultivated Cherry and are perfectly at home in the wild and in the garden.
An ancient and well known inhabitant of the British landscape, the Beech tree (Fagus sylvatica) is one of our biggest trees, capable of reaching up to 40 metres in height and developing a huge, spreading crown. Traditionally considered as the queen of British trees, in contrast to the Oak tree as king, their sturdy, shapely limbs and rich green foliage contribute to their elegant beauty. No walk in the woods would be complete without encountering one (or several!) of these majestic trees, some of which are capable of living for hundreds and hundreds of years!
A common sight across the UK, the Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is at its most conspicuous during the month of May, when it bursts into profuse blossom; this phenomenon is so regular and emphatic that the Hawthorn is also commonly known as the May tree and has become particularly associated with May Day festivities.
With its delicate pink and white blossoms and delicious scent, the Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris) is one of our loveliest heralds of spring and an Ancient ancestor to the cultivated apple we are all familiar with. Widespread across Britain and Europe, Crab Apples are hardy, attractive little trees capable of living for up to 100 years, although today many of the wild apple trees you come across are more likely to be the offspring of a cultivated apple rather than the true wild Crab.
The Hazel tree (Corylus avellana) is a common sight across the UK, usually growing in managed coppices; in fact, coppicing Hazels is so normal you might be surprised to learn that it really is a tree and not a large shrub! Hazel trees have been a feature of our landscapes and our mythology for aeons, and their nuts are enjoyed by people and animals alike.
The Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra) is considered to be the only true indigenous Elm tree in the UK, and now sadly it is one of our most endangered. These stately, majestic trees were once a common site across the British Isles, but have in recent years been decimated by the Dutch Elm Disease epidemic. Like many of our ancient native trees, Elms have a long relationship with humans and feature in our mythology and history as well as in our industry.
Birch trees (specifically the Silver Birch, Betula pendula) are one of our most identifiable trees, with their elegant shape and distinctive bark catching the eye and looking at home both in the garden and in the wild. Like all of our native trees, Birches have many uses - both historic and modern - as well as a rich and fascinating mythology.
An interesting conundrum recently presented itself to consultant Graham: a listed wall, built in Exeter's local Heavitree Stone, had started to bow under pressure from the roots of a protected veteran Holm Oak, believed to have been planted at the same time the wall was constructed. Through careful assessment and conversation a way was found to preserve both wall and tree, protecting two local pieces of heritage in one go.
October to April is the perfect time of year to plant new trees in your garden! The cooler, wetter weather makes caring for the new trees much easier, and not being in flower or leaf means that the trees have more energy to spare for the process of being moved and planted. Our Quick Guide to Tree Planting gives you a brief overview of the tree planting process, so if you have some planting plans in mind read on to learn more!
