Planting trees for a purpose

Planting trees for firewood

Most land is suitable for tree planting. Anywhere there is room; possibly on spare rough ground, a redundant or hard-to-work small pasture or in a hedge.

Which trees are good for firewood? The best ones are ash, (ash wood burns well without drying) cherry, oak, birch and hornbeam. Many other native broadleaf trees are also suitable.

Planting trees for wildlife

When planting trees for wildlife, native species are best. Native trees have been providing homes for wildlife for millions of years, and they are capable of sustaining the most birds, animals, insects and plant life - a single oak can host up to 500 species of wildlife. Species with nuts and berries such as rowan, hazel and beech provide a valuable food source for birds and mammals throughout the year. If possible, source trees from regionally grown seeds as these will have flowering and fruiting patterns more in tune with the lifcycles of your local birds and wildlife and will therefore be of greatest benefit.  

Planting trees for colour

British trees have a huge variation in form and colour across the seasons. Maples are known for their autumn colours, the dogwoods have a beautiful array of greens, reds and yellows as do some of the willow species. The blossom on blackthorn and hawthorn is the back drop to spring and catkins on hazel are a delight early in the year when little else is about.

Putting birch and alder together will give some subtle but elegant changes in dark reds throughout winter and of course the dark green needles of Scots pine provide cover in winter. Consider what effect you are looking for throughout the seasons and also consider bark colour and tree shape.