Frequently asked questions

Q: I would like a fast growing evergreen screen, do you have any suggestions?

A: Conifers such as Leylandii are often used as fast growing evergreen screens, as are laurels (Cherry or Portugal.) If you would like something a bit different why not try one of the large varieties of Eucalyptus or assuming the conditions are suitable a bamboo screen.

Q: Why has my tree failed to come into leaf?

A: It is common for newly planted trees to come into leaf later than those that are established. If you lightly scrape a small piece of the bark off with your thumb nail and the wood underneath is green, this means the tree is still alive. It will break into leaf later in the season. If the wood is brown it is probably dead. If this is the case get in contact and we will endeavour to solve this problem.

Q: I would like to plant some hedging in my garden do you have any suggestions?

A: One option is to go for a natural mixed hedge. We have four basic mixes in the hedging section of this site. If you would like a more bespoke mix have a look at the hedge section in the planting and aftercare guide this could help you choose a specific mix to suit your needs. If you would prefer a one species hedge Beech or Hornbeam works well.

Q: My garden is a little on the small side should I avoid trees and focus on shrubs instead?

A: If you have a small garden it does limit the range of trees that are suitable but it does not rule them out entirely. If you use the search function on this site and select small it will list trees that will grow to a maximum height of 30ft/10m, Very small will limit it to 16ft/5m. A good starting point if you would like a small tree is to look at Crab Apples, Rowans are also very popular. Some shrubs can also be trained to have a clear stem by pruning off the lower growth. Examples of this are Hazel and Purple Sand Cherry.

Q: I would like an apple tree but don’t know whether I need more than one in order for pollination to take place?

A: Some apples are self fertile but most would need another apple trees in order to bare fruit. A popular self fertile eating apple is James Grieve; if you are looking for a cooker we would suggest Arthur Turner. For more information on selecting cross pollinating fruit trees see our fruit tree guide in the planting and aftercare guide on the home page.

Q: When does the bare root season start and finish?

A: The bare root season is dependent on plant dormancy. It usually runs from mid November until early April. Early frosts can cause trees to become dormant sooner and hence we can lift bare root trees earlier. The end of the season is also changeable. Early springs can bring it to an end as we can’t lift trees when they start to break into leaf.

Q: What is the best time of year to plant trees?

A: you can plant potted trees any time of year, though they will need a lot of water in the summer to stop them from dying. Bare root trees can only be planted in the dormant season (See above.) They will also need good watering through the summer to keep them healthy.

Q: I would like a Leyland hedge but am worried about the new legislation relating to them.

A: There is new legislation to stop people growing very large hedges. This law is open to interpretation by different local councils. It applies to hedges that are evergreen and block out light, access or reasonable enjoyment of a neighbours property. You can find more information on this at http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1127823.

Q: I would like to encourage wildlife into my garden are there any plants I could use to help this?

A: There are lots of plants that can be used to encourage wildlife into a garden. The best being plants that are native to the UK like a natural mixed hedge. Oak is reported to encourage more wildlife than any other tree though it is a very large tree. If you would like to encourage birds Hawthorn or Native Crabapple work well and do not grow too big.

Q: Deer and Rabbits are common in my area. How will I stop them eating my trees?

A: If deer and rabbits are common in your area you will need to protect your trees with the relevant guard. If the problem is rabbits a 0.6m spiral guard should be wrapped around the tree. When rabbit guards are used on whips a 0.9 bamboo cane is required to support the guard. If you have a problem with roe or fallow deer a 1.2m tubex tree shelter supported with a 1.2m X 32mm sq. stake for whips or a 1.65m stake for trees will be required. If red deer are a problem you will need taller guards.