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The Best Trees to Plant in a Small Staffordshire Garden

We spend a lot of our time taking out trees that were planted in the wrong place. A sweet little sapling from the garden centre turns into a 15 metre conifer or a sycamore that blocks out the whole garden. So when people ask us what they should plant, we are always happy to help them get it right first time.

March is a good month to plant, especially bare root trees, before the weather warms up and they start to grow.

Trees we recommend for smaller gardens

These all stay a manageable size, look good for more than one season and are happy in most Staffordshire soils:

  • Rowan (mountain ash). Lovely white flowers in spring, red or orange berries in autumn that the birds love, and it stays fairly slim. A native tree that does well round here.
  • Amelanchier (snowy mespilus). One of our favourites for small spaces. White blossom in spring, bronze young leaves, and brilliant autumn colour.
  • Crab apple. Varieties like Malus ‘Evereste’ or ‘Red Sentinel’ have blossom in spring and small fruit that hangs on into winter. Good for pollinators too.
  • Hawthorn. Tough, native and great for wildlife. A single-stemmed hawthorn makes a neat little tree.
  • Japanese maple. Slow growing and ideal for a sheltered spot or even a large pot. Keep it out of strong wind and harsh afternoon sun.
  • Tibetan cherry (Prunus serrula). Grown for its shiny, mahogany-coloured bark, which looks great in winter.

Trees to think twice about

There is nothing wrong with these trees, but they are often planted in gardens that are far too small for them:

  • Leylandii. It grows extremely fast and gets very big unless it is cut regularly. Once it has been let go, it will not regrow from old brown wood.
  • Willow and poplar. Thirsty trees with wide-spreading roots. Not a good idea close to houses or drains, especially on clay soil.
  • Sycamore, oak, beech and ash. Beautiful trees, but they get large. If you have a big garden, plant them well away from the house. If not, choose something smaller.

Where to plant it

Look at how big the tree will be when it is fully grown, not how big it is now. As a rough guide, keep a tree at least as far from the house as its eventual height, and further for thirsty trees on clay. Think about shade, overhanging a neighbour’s garden, and what is underground, such as drains and service pipes.

Questions we get asked

When is the best time to plant?

Between November and March, while the tree is dormant. Bare root trees are cheaper and establish well if they go in during this window. Pot grown trees can be planted at other times but will need plenty of watering through summer.

How often should I water a new tree?

In its first summer, a good soak once or twice a week in dry weather is better than a little every day. Keep the area around the base clear of grass and weeds.

Can you take out an old tree and help us choose a replacement?

Yes. We regularly remove trees, grind out the stump and leave the ground ready for something more suitable.

Ask for advice

As well as tree and hedge work, M Bissell Trees and Hedges gives practical advice on trees, hedges and other outdoor problems. If you are planning a new garden or a replacement tree, call Matt on 07968 421 434 or 01785 82 44 10, or drop us a message.