Autumn is a fantastic time for tree planting. The cooler temperatures and moist soil conditions provide the ideal environment for young trees to establish strong root systems before the onset of winter. If you’re considering adding trees to your garden this autumn, you’re making a choice that will benefit your garden for years to come.
We have just taken delivery of some fantastic new trees, both ornamental and fruit trees that will bring plenty of benefits to your garden, even small gardens can reap the rewards of tree planting. If your unsure which tree would be suitable for your garden, our knowledgeable time are always on hand and more than happy to assist you.
Just a Few Benefits to Planting Trees
Aesthetic Appeal
Trees add height, structure, and texture to your garden. They create focal points, frame views, and enhance the overall design of your space. In autumn, the changing foliage adds vibrant colours, making your garden look stunning.
Environmental Impact
Trees play a crucial role in improving air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also provide habitat for wildlife, supporting local ecosystems even in urban areas.
Microclimate Creation
Trees can help regulate temperatures in your garden. In summer, they provide shade, keeping your garden cooler, while in winter, they can act as windbreaks, protecting your plants from harsh conditions.
Privacy and Screening
If you live in a densely populated area, trees can offer privacy by screening your garden from neighbouring properties. They can also reduce noise pollution by acting as natural sound barriers.
Best Tree Species for Autumn Planting
Acer
Known for their stunning autumn foliage, Acer trees offer a beautiful array of colours, from bright red to deep purple.
These trees are perfect for small gardens due to their compact size and slow growth. They provide a striking focal point in the garden and are great for adding a touch of elegance.
Silver Birch
With its distinctive white bark and delicate, airy foliage, the silver birch is a classic choice for gardens.
Silver birches are relatively fast-growing and can create a light, dappled shade, making them ideal for creating privacy from onlooking houses. Their shallow root systems are less likely to interfere with other plants.
Hawthorn
This hardy tree produces beautiful white or pink flowers in spring, followed by red berries in autumn, providing year-round interest.
Hawthorns are excellent for wildlife, attracting bees, birds, and other pollinators. They are also well-suited to small gardens due to their moderate size and low maintenance needs.
Crabapple
Crabapples are small, ornamental trees known for their stunning spring blossoms and colourful fruit in autumn.
These trees are perfect for adding colour and structure to small gardens. The fruit attracts birds and can also be used for making jellies.
Cornus kousa ‘Teutonia’
Cornus kousa ‘Teutonia’ is a striking cultivar of the Kousa dogwood, known for its stunning, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in late spring, followed by attractive red fruit in the fall. This small to medium-sized deciduous tree also offers brilliant red and purple foliage in autumn, making it a year-round asset to any garden.
Rowan
The rowan tree is a versatile and hardy deciduous tree known for its delicate, fern-like leaves, clusters of creamy white flowers in spring, and vibrant orange-red berries in autumn. These berries attract a variety of birds, making the rowan a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
The tree’s elegant form and seasonal colour changes add visual interest throughout the year. Additionally, rowan trees are low-maintenance, adaptable to various soil types, and have a strong cultural association with protection and good fortune, making them a charming and beneficial addition to any garden.
Fruit Trees
Surprize apple
The Surprize apple tree is a unique and delightful fruit tree, known for its distinctive apples with peach-pink flesh beneath a golden-orange skin. It is a relatively easy variety to grow, requiring minimal care once established. Having a Surprize apple tree in the garden not only provides a delicious and unusual harvest but also adds ornamental value with its spring blossoms and attractive fruit.
Concorde pear tree
The Concorde pear tree is a reliable and productive fruit tree known for its elongated, greenish-yellow pears with a smooth texture and a sweet flavour. These pears are excellent for fresh eating, cooking, or baking, and they store well, allowing for enjoyment long after harvest.
The tree is relatively compact and easy to grow, making it suitable for smaller gardens. Having a Concorde pear tree in the garden ensures a bountiful supply of delicious fruit while enhancing the landscape with its spring blossoms and attractive foliage.
Plum ‘Opal’
The plum ‘Opal’ tree is a popular fruit-bearing tree known for its early and abundant yield of delicious, medium-sized plums. This hardy variety is prized for its sweet, juicy fruit with a slightly tart skin, making it perfect for eating fresh, as well as for making jams and desserts. ‘Opal’ plums are usually ready for harvest in mid to late summer, and the tree itself is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance and thriving in a variety of soil types. It also has attractive spring blossoms, making it a beautiful addition to any garden.
Tips for Successful Autumn Tree Planting
Choose the Right Spot
Ensure your tree has enough space to grow to its full potential without interfering with buildings, paths, or other plants.
Prepare the Soil
Loosen the soil and mix in organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient availability.
Water Wisely
While autumn typically brings more rainfall, ensure your newly planted trees are watered regularly, especially during dry spells.
Mulch
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature extremes.
Planting trees in autumn is a wise decision that brings numerous benefits to your garden, regardless of its size. By carefully selecting species that suit your space and needs, you can enjoy the beauty, environmental advantages, and increased value that trees offer. Whether you’re looking to create a vibrant autumn display, support local wildlife, or simply add some privacy to your outdoor space, the right tree can transform your garden into a thriving, beautiful haven.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re looking for advice on something we’ve not mentioned above, our friendly staff are always on hand to help.