Trees by Trait | Trees by Feature

How to choose trees by trait

Compare individual trees in the full range or narrow by growing conditions in trees by soil type. The FAQs below cover the difference between flowering and fruit-bearing trees, which trees suit containers, the best choices for autumn colour and how to match a tree to garden size.

What’s the difference between flowering trees and fruit-bearing trees?

The difference between flowering trees and fruit bearing trees is that flowering trees are grown primarily for ornamental blossom, foliage or bark, whereas fruit-bearing trees are selected specifically to produce edible crops, such as apples, pears and cherries. Flowering trees may produce berries or small fruits but these are not the main reasons for growing them. Some trees, like ornamental cherry and Crab Apple, deliver both blossom and fruit.

Which trees have the best autumn colour?

The trees with the best autumn colour are Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum), Liquidambar, Cercidiphyllum and Amelanchier. Japanese Maples turn shades of orange, red and gold depending on the variety. Liquidambar can maintain vivid scarlet and purple foliage well into November if positioned in a sheltered spot.

What trees are good for pots and patios?

Trees that are good for pots and patios include Japanese Maple, Bay standard, compact Prunus varieties and columnar fruit trees such as patio apples and cherries. Use a loam-based compost in a container at least 40cm wide and water regularly during the growing season.

Which trees are best for wildlife?

The best trees for wildlife are native species and those that produce berries or blossom. Crab Apple provides flowers for pollinators in spring and fruit for birds in autumn. Rowan and Hawthorn similarly deliver food for wildlife across two seasons. Silver Birch supports hundreds of insect species and provides nesting cover for birds.

How do I choose the right tree for my garden size?

To choose the right tree for your garden size, check the eventual height and spread against the space available. For gardens under five metres wide, compact varieties and columnar forms are safer choices than spreading species. Use the trees by size section to filter by arrival size or eventual scale to match your plot.