Garden Trees

Hardy garden trees are those that cope well with typical UK winter conditions - wet and cold down to a temperature of -5C or lower. Good choices include rowan, crab apple, silver birch and many evergreen trees such as holly. These trees are reliable, easy to grow and need very little protection once established. Hardier ornamental trees like flowering cherry also suit most soils, as long as they're planted in the right spot.

Compact ornamental trees are the best choice for small gardens or patio pots and containers. Japanese Acers, dwarf flowering cherry, patio olives and small crab apples provide colour, without overwhelming small spaces. Look for slow-growing or naturally tidy trees with a modest spread, as these give structure while still leaving room for other garden features. Many small garden trees also grow well in large pots with the right compost and regular watering.

A mix of evergreen trees and ornamental varieties gives colour in every season, and trees with berries or colourful bark adds interest outside the growing seasons. Evergreens provide structure through winter, while flowering trees such as cherry, crab apple or magnolia blossom in spring. Many ornamental trees also offer striking summer foliage and an autumn change in leaf colour, with acers, amelanchier and rowan being especially good.

Measure your space and always check a tree’s mature height and spread before buying. For small gardens, pick compact or slow-growing trees that stay under 3–4 metres. For larger gardens, you can look at medium to large trees that offer shade or screening. Think about how close the tree will be to walls, paths or neighbours, and allow space for the roots and canopy to grow naturally. Planting the right size tree makes long-term care much easier.

Bare root trees are lifted from the ground while dormant and sent to you without soil or a pot. They are lightweight, more affordable, and easy to plant - though they must be planted in late autumn or winter. Pot-grown trees come with an established root ball and can be planted at almost any time of year - when garden conditions are not frozen or waterlogged. Both potted and bare root plants establish well, but pot-grown trees offer more flexibility if you're choosing trees outside the bare root season (typically November to March).

Young trees need consistent watering in their first year as they settle and establish, especially during dry spells. Water deeply once or twice a week to help the roots grow downwards, and add a thick mulch to help keep moisture in and suppress weeds. If needed, stake the tree to keep it stable and avoid it from blowing over in the wind, and check the tie regularly so it doesn't rub the bark. It's helpful to do some light pruning and remove damaged branches, but wait until the tree is more established to do any shaping.

The best trees to grow in pots are compact, slow-growing varieties with shallow root systems. Japanese acers, patio olives, and small ornamental cherries all grow well in containers. It's important to choose a large, sturdy pot with drainage holes and use a good-quality compost. Container-grown trees need more frequent watering and an occasional feed, but they're an easy way to enjoy garden trees on patios, balconies or smaller spaces.