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Step 2: choosing your trees

Choosing the right species of tree for your area is key to the success of your project. Some trees will grow better in certain areas than others - aspect, altitude and hydrology are all important factors to consider.

Some species like willow and alder prefer wet areas, whereas aspen and birch can survive on high, exposed, sites. Oak (in its many forms) is found everywhere in the UK, as is hazel and hawthorn.

A good indicator is to look at which species are growing well in the surrounding area. Remember that native trees are better adapted to our climate and are more likely to succeed.

Think about what you want to achieve. If you are planting for firewood or creating an orchard for example, then species will be driven by other factors such as the importance of preserving local varieties. Native trees also provide a beautiful array of colour - think about what type of visual impact you want to create.

Consider the space you have available. A large tree – an oak, ash or lime – can grow to a height of 20m and a span of 15m... but it takes a long time! In general, the quicker the growth rate the shorter the lifespan of a tree – so you may consider planting a mix of species with a view to taking out some of the faster growing ones in roughly 15 years time. Trees do need management and this approach will enable you to gradually expose the bigger, slower growing trees.

Trees that respond best to different conditions

Planting for a particular purpose

Orchards

Purchasing trees

Know your soil type

Know your trees

Where to buy your trees

Sourcing your trees

Where is the best place to get trees from?

Whilst your local garden centre or tree nursery will be a useful source of trees, there are lots of ways the Woodland Trust can help you too:

I only want a few trees…

If you are looking for trees to put in your garden or neighbourhood, try the Woodland Trust’s native tree shop. All our trees are cell-grown from seed from UK native species, with easy-to-plant, compact roots helping give a top-quality survival rate. Your trees will even be delivered direct to your door.

I want to plant a hedge, copse or small woodland...

If you are a school, youth group or community group then why not apply for a free tree planting pack? Choose from 30, 105 or 420 trees, available in different mixes to best suit your needs.

I want to plant a hectare of land or more…

You could allow trees to grow naturally, or sow seeds directly, but the most popular way to create woods is to plant nursery grown stock. If you are planting over a hectare of land, or want to incorporate trees into a healthy, productive agricultural landscape, our woodland creation team are here to help you. We offer advice, practical help and, in exceptional cases, funding for trees and maintenance. An experienced adviser can help with design and appropriate species.

If you do use a nursery that grows its own stock, try and specify that the trees you order are from UK seed sources and, ideally, from a regional source. Native trees grown from seeds of local provenance will have a pattern of flowering and fruiting more in tune with the lifecycles of our native birds and other wildlife and will therefore be of greater benefit.

What size of tree should I choose?

Choosing the size of your trees is important and will affect your costs. Generally speaking we plant smaller trees (40-60cm or 60-90cm) as their survival rates are much better than bigger trees. Our experience shows some of the first trees to show substantial growth are ash, cherry, willow and alder.

Step 2 - Choosing your trees

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