Plant trees for privacy

Planting trees for marking boundaries

Hedges are a sustainable, natural way to mark out plots of land or border buildings.

Blackthorn and hawthorn are the most common species found in native British hedges.

These species change colours all year round, from creamy white blossoms in spring, fresh and green summer foliage, to glowing haws and sloes in the autumn.

Even as bare twigs in winter, their spiky thorns are a deterrent to intruders, making them useful as boundary markers as well as screening the house from the view of neighbours or the street.

In small gardens, they can be interspersed with small maturing trees: alder, hazel, and dogwood, creating interesting shapes and providing a rich mix for wildlife.

 

Next step: see how the Woodland Trust can help you plant trees
 

 

Trees for windbreaks?

Trees and hedges also help make useful windbreaks.

On farms and allotments, they can deflect the worst of the winter and early spring storm winds, helping protect top fruit, providing shelter for livestock and reducing wind damage to arable crops.

Even in their leafless winter state, broadleaved trees can help slow the wind without creating turbulence.

They also attract pollinating insects by providing shelter for breeding and over-wintering, particularly when integrated into hedgerows.

 

Next step: see how the Woodland Trust can help you plant trees
 

 

Trees as noise barriers

Trees are also useful for buffering and absorbing unwanted noise.

Planted strategically, native trees and hedges can create pockets of tranquillity in gardens and neighbourhoods.

Muffling noises of traffic, neighbours, playgrounds or factories will vary with wind direction and time of year, but noise becomes less noticeable when the source of it is blocked from view.

Trees are therefore perfect for hiding an ugly building or vista, or for softening the harsh lines of developments.

The summer sounds of birdsong and leaves softly rustling effectively mask intrusive noise by distracting attention from it.

 

Next step: see how the Woodland Trust can help you plant trees
 

 

How can planting trees make you feel better?

Studies have shown that trees and shrubs visible from inside buildings can also help improve your mood.

Native trees add colour, structure and shape to outdoor spaces and also attract wildlife.

Ever-changing as the seasons pass, there is always something to look at and enjoy.

 

Next step: see how the Woodland Trust can help you plant trees