Semi mature trees video
Archive video about semi mature trees.
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Our Best Looking Trees
We select the best quality specimen and semi mature trees and then carefully nurture these at our Tree Nursery in Iver, Buckinghamshire. This means that you will have the best trees for your garden project.
Looking Good Now
The specific trees listed below are looking particularly fine at the moment, and are ready for planting now.
Arbutus unedo – Strawberry Tree
An attractive evergreen tree offering year-round interest with its flowers, fruit, leaves and bark.
Standard specimen, girth 10-12cm and currently 3m high Price £282
Betula utilis ‘Jacquemontii’ – West Himalayan Birch
An elegant deciduous birch tree with bright white bark that peels each year and dark green foliage that turn golden yellow in autumn. Multi-stemmed specimen is 5-5.5m height with a spread of 4m Price £278
Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’- Wedding Cake Tree
These deciduous trees grow in distinct layers with each new year of growth, and the creamy flowers hang in clusters from the tree. Standard tree 3.5-4m high Price £1395
Cupressus leylandii – Leyland Cypress pleached
These pleached Leylandii are an effective evergreen screening choice for smaller spaces, but it must be regularly maintained and clipped to ensure they are contained for shape and space
Pleached tree 2.1m clear steam and 3-3.5m high Price £838
Elaeagnus ebbingei Vivelog – Oleaster
Highly regarded for its sweet fragrance and tiny bell-shaped white flowers in late summer, this evergreen tree also has small orange berries in the winter and variegated foliage
Standard tree is 3m high with 1.8m clear stem Price £414
Eriobotyra japonica – Loquat
This evergreen tree has a beautiful scent and produces white flowers that last from winter through to spring
Standard tree 1.9m clear stem and 18-20cm girth 3m high Price £838
Half standard with 1m clear stem and 18-20cm girth 2.5-3m high Price £469
Fagus sylvatica – Beech pleached
A popular native deciduous tree that retains its leaves throughout the winter months. The leaves are fresh green in the spring, turning golden in the autumn
Pleached trees have 1.6m clear stem, girth 30-32cm and height is 3-3.5m Price £850
Ilex aquifolium ‘Nellie R Stevens’ – Holly ‘Nellie R Stevens’
An evergreen holly with smooth rather than spikey leaves and bright red autumn berries. We have these trees in both pleached and standard formats
Pleached 12-14cm girth 3.5m height Price £927
Standard 12-14 girth 3.5-4m height Price £476
Standard 14-16 girth 3.5-4m height Price £523
Ligustrum japonicum – Japanese Privet pleached
A compact, small evergreen tree with shining olive-green leaves and large panicles of white flowers in late summer.
This tree is available in various sizes:
Pleached 8-10cm girth Price £302
Pleached 10-12cm girth Price £662
Pleached 16-18cm girth Price £877
Standard 20-25 girth Price £670
Magnolia grandiflora Gallisoniensis- Magnolia Bullbay pleached
An evergreen with extravagant, fragrant white flowers. We have this stunning tree as pleached and clear stem standards.
Pleached tree 10-12cm girth Price £503
Pleached tree 14-16cm girth Price £938
Pleached tree 16-18cm girth Price £1139
Standard tree 14-16cm girth Price £772
Standard tree 20-25cm girth Price £1425
Pinus sylvestris – Scots Pine
A large native, long-lived evergreen tree with blue-green needles (when young) and attractive craggy bark.
Feathered tree 2-2.5m high and 2-2.5m spread Price £251
Prunus laurocerasus ‘Novita’ – Cherry Laurel
A popular evergreen screening tree with large shiny leaves.
Standard tree 14-16cm girth Price £497
Standard tree 16-18cm girth Price £596
Standard tree 18-20cm girth Price £729
Standard tree 20-25cm girth Price £828
Prunus lusitanica – Portuguese laurel
An attractive evergreen with slender leaves. It can produce small, white, sweet-smelling blossom.
Feathered 2.5-3m high Price £251
Taxus baccata – Yew
A native British evergreen conifer that is a fine specimen, it will need trimming to maintain its shape and desired size. We have two special specimens
Pleached 0.6m clear stem 0.7m wide 3.5m+ high Price £546
Cone Topiary Price £550
Thuja plicata ‘Excelsa’ – Western Red Cedar
A slender, fast growing evergreen tree with a conical shape. It can be left natural or pruned to create evergreen screening. We have these trees available as a column or in feathered formats
Column 3m+ Price £177
Feathered height 5-5.5m Price £451
Trachelospermum jasminoides – Star Jasmine on metal screen
An attractive self-twining evergreen climbing shrub with clusters of fragrant white star-shaped flowers in spring, early summer. Two screens of each height
1m wide by 1.5m high Price £268
1m wide by 2.2m high Price £603
Trachycarpus fortunei – Chusan palm
Hardy tropical evergreen palm with large fan-shaped leaves, Ideal for bringing an exotic flair to your garden.
Large specimen is over 6m high Price £850
Special Offer
A 20% discount will be applied to ex VAT orders of trees worth a total of £3000 or more.
The discount applies to the tree stock value of the order only, not to delivery and planting etc.
Contact us for details
Please email trees@pracbrown.co.uk or call 01753 652022 for more information.
Recommended Deciduous Trees
What are deciduous trees?
While evergreen trees keep their leaves all year round, deciduous trees lose their leaves in autumn. Deciduous trees usually have attractive features such as decorative bark, flowers, coloured foliage or autumn fruits, and their shape and form create height and structure within a garden, many of which make great trees for small gardens. One of the loveliest sights in autumn is the colour of leaves on deciduous trees as they turn red, orange and gold before being lost. The discarded leaves can be gathered up in autumn to make a nutritious leaf mould.
Trees can be immensely valuable for wildlife too, providing nesting sites as well as song posts and shelter for birds. Flowering trees attract pollinating insects, while autumn fruits, seeds and nuts provide food for a wide range of birds and mammals.
Tree sizes
We have a wide variety of semi-mature trees in a range of sizes:
- Girth measurement of 18cm to 100cm i.e. measurement around the tree stem at 1m high, for clear stemmed trees
- Heights of 2-12m for feathered trees
Our recommendation for the best deciduous trees to plant in your garden
Betula utilis ‘Jacquemontii’
Betula utilis Jacquemontii’ is a West Himalayan Birch, also known as Himalayan Birch or Kashmir Birch that is known for its bright white bark that peels each year. There are yellowy brown catkins in early spring up to 12cm in length and the delicate, dark green foliage turns golden yellow in autumn. A versatile tree which is tolerant of most soil types and can be planted effectively as a single focal specimen or in groups to exaggerate the effect of the gleaming white bark.
Ideal Conditions: Grows well in most soils, prefers a sunny location
Maximum Height: 18 metres
Betula pendula
The elegant Silver Birch Pendula produces light green foliage that shoots early and becomes orange-yellow in the autumn. In spring, it yields yellow catkins, around 5 cm in length. Its main branches are long and often grow horizontally, creating a semi weeping habit. This is a hardy tree which is frost resistant and regularly the first to grow back on bare or damaged land.
Ideal Conditions: Not suitable for conditions with compact soil, prefers to be in sun
Maximum Height: 20 metres
Prunus ‘Kanzan’
The Kanzan cherry tree is native to Japan, China and Korea. This beautiful flowering cherry produces an abundance of dark pink, densely filled blossom, which flower from deep red buds in May, making it a very popular variety. The large leaves appear red at first, and slightly darken before becoming a radiant green by summer. In autumn the foliage turns a coppery-yellow before falling. The RHS has given this tree an Award of Merit.
Ideal Conditions: Grows well in almost all well-drained soils
Maximum Height: 10 metres
Malus ‘Evereste’
Malus Evereste is a conical apple tree with delightful spring blossom. The flowers are red in bud but open white. In autumn it bears masses of red-flushed, orange-yellow fruits, which hang on through the winter. This variety is one of the most disease resistant crab apples, and will also tolerate pollution.
Ideal Conditions: Grows well in almost all well-drained soils. Full sun is preferred, although partial shade is tolerated
Maximum Height: 5-10 metres
Carpinus betulus
Carpinus betulus (Common Hornbeam) is a native tree. It’s bright green leaves turn bright yellow through to brown in the Autumn. Hornbeam often retains these brown leaves through the Winter and into the Spring. Left to its nature state in a parkland setting, Hornbeam grows to be a large tree and looks good in groups. However, it can be pruned and clipped into shape. It is a tough tree and regenerates well.
Ideal Conditions: Tolerates a wide range of conditions.
Maximum Height: 12m+
Amelanchier lamarkii
Amelanchier lamarckii is an attractive tree for all seasons. In spring, its at its most beautiful whilst in bloom, with vast amounts of white, star-shaped flowers. From July to September, it yields small, rounded fruits, which are a deep red in colour and sweet in flavour. Its leaves emerge as a russet shade, changing to green by spring and then to an orange/scarlet as autumn advances. It is a hardy plant that is frost resistant and has been given the Award of Garden Merit (AGM) by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Ideal Conditions: Moist-to-dry, well-drained, lime free soils
Maximum Height: 5-7 metres
Tips on planting deciduous trees
- Autumn, winter and early spring are the best times to plant trees, so they can settle in and make root growth without the stress of supporting leafy growth
- During the dormant season, the range of trees available is wider as they can be bought bare-rooted – dug up straight from nursery fields – with the bonus of avoiding plastic pots
- Container grown trees can be bought and planted in spring and summer but must be kept watered during their first growing season
- Always plant a tree at the same depth as it was growing previously. Put a piece of wood across the hole to get the level right
- Stake and tie the tree for the first couple of years until well rooted
If you need assistance we can also plant the trees we supply.
More Information
If you would like to know what tree might be suitable for your garden, contact our Horticultural team who will be able to advise you.
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- Betula pendula
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- Betula utilis jacquemontii
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- Malus Evereste bloom
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- Carpinus betulus
Recommended Evergreen Trees
What are evergreen trees?
Evergreen trees and shrubs keep their foliage all year round, in contrast to deciduous trees, which usually lose their leaves in autumn.
That makes evergreen trees particularly useful in gardens with the foliage and shape having a consistent look all year round. As well as ornamental appeal, this consistency makes evergreens particularly good as screening trees to create privacy in the garden. In addition, the evergreen foliage offers valuable shelter for birds and other wildlife in winter. Evergreen trees come in a range of sizes, and several are excellent trees for small gardens.
Tree sizes
We have a wide variety of semi-mature trees in a range of sizes:
- Girth measurement of 18cm to 100cm i.e. measurement around the tree stem at 1m high, for clear stemmed trees
- Heights of 2-12m for feathered evergreen trees
Top 5 best evergreen trees to plant in your garden
Magnolia grandiflora Gallisoniensis
Magnolia grandiflora Gallisoniensis or Bull Bay Magnolia produces beautiful, large, sweet citrus smelling white flowers in the summer, which can be up to 25 cm in diameter. At maturity this tree becomes broad with round headed, bushy habit which makes it brilliant for screening as well as an attractive feature.
Ideal Conditions: Grows well in most soils, must be sheltered and not north-facing.
Maximum Height: 15 metres
Ilex aquifolium Nellie R Stevens
Ilex aquifolium Nellie R Stevens (Holly Nellie R Stevens) has lustrous green glossy leaves are more smooth than spikey. Its orange / red berries, which brighten up the garden as well as providing food and nesting for birds. It is ideal for screening due to its symmetrical habit, density and lack of pruning requirements.
Ideal Conditions: Grows well in well-drained soil, is drought tolerant, needs sun-partial sun
Maximum Height: 2-3 metres
Photinia Red Robin
Photinia fraseri Red Robin is a versatile evergreen suited to the UK environment; it makes a fine tree with a rounded growth habit which responds well to pruning. The Red Robin’s stand out feature is the vibrant red new shoots in spring, which contrast with the white blossom – unusual in an evergreen. The bright new leaves change to a deep, glossy green as they mature and are complemented with small round red berries in the summer. The RHS has given this tree an Award of Merit.
We sell the Photinia fraseri as a full feathered tree, as a standard clear-stem tree, in pleached form and as an instant hedge.
Ideal Conditions: Chalk-free, moist but well-drained soil, sunny to semi-shaded location
Maximum Height: 6 metres
Prunus laurocerasus Novita
With its dense, dark leaves, Prunus laurocerasus Novita (cherry laurel) is commonly planted as a screening, but is equally attractive as feature specimen tree. It grows in an upright, broad habit. Fresh green leaves emerge and get darker and glossier with age. In spring, mature trees produce a display of white blossom, which grow on upright racemes. The Leaves and fruit can be harmful if ingested, so be cautious when planting near livestock or children.
Ideal Conditions: Grows well in most soil
Maximum Height: 5 metres
Ligustrum japonicum
This Japanese privet is a compact, small sized evergreen tree with shining olive-green foliage. Large clusters of white flower appear in late summer and are an attractive addition to this useful tree.
Ligustrum japonicum is an ideal tree for garden screening and is a tough performing species that will thrive on most soils, although it is best to avoid very water logged areas.
Ideal Conditions: Grows well in most soil
Maximum Height: 2-3 metres
Planting tips
Autumn is a great time to plant trees, giving them ample time to establish a good root system for strong branches and lush foliage in the following growing season.
To encourage roots to grow out in search of water and nutrients, prepare the soil thoroughly over a much larger area than just the planting hole – break up compaction at the base of the planting hole to allow deep rooting.
If you need assistance we can also plant the trees we supply.
More Information
If you would like to know what tree might be suitable for your garden, contact our Horticultural team who will be able to advise you.
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- Prunus laurocerasus
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- Magnolia grandiflora Gallisoniensis
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- Photinia fraseri Red Robin
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- Ilex Nellie Stevens
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- Ligustrum Japonicum
After the Storm!
If your garden is looking a little worse for wear after the recent storms, we may be able to help!
We have a range of mature specimen trees that may be a perfect replacement for any of yours that have been damaged or blown over. Also, if your fence panels have taken a battering, you could consider replacing them with our Practical Instant Hedge™.
Semi-Mature Trees
We have a range of trees available at our nursery in Iver, both evergreen and deciduous. We also source top quality trees from across Europe, so our customers have the best trees available.
Our trees are supplied in a range of sizes:
- Girth measurement of 18cm to 100cm i.e. measurement around the tree stem at 1m high, for clear stemmed trees
- Heights of 2-12m for feathered evergreen trees
Instant Hedges
We have over 20 years’ experience in developing, maintaining, and planting instant hedging, including own Practical Instant Hedge™ which is grown in 1m long pieces here at our nursery in Iver, Buckinghamshire. This hedging provides immediate impact and maturity to many private gardens and landscaping projects.
Our Instant Hedges are:
- pre grown and sold by the linear metre, rather than as individual plants
- available to plant all year round
- supplied between 0.8m to 2m high
The Complete Service
We offer a truly comprehensive service, from planning, preparation, and planting to aftercare.
Contact our horticultural team for more details hedge@pracbrown.co.uk
Specimen Trees at RHS Chelsea Flower Show
There was a strong green colour scheme at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the BBC coverage showed many of the talented garden designers’ creations. Once again, Monty Don, respected gardener and broadcaster chose his favourite Trees from this year’s show.
Including the impressive resident avenue of London Plane trees, these specimen trees that stood out:
Hornbeam
Andy Sturgeon used large Hornbeams in the woodland feature of his M & G Garden, which was inspired by nature’s power to regenerate. This Gold medal winning garden also received the Best Show Garden award.
Carpinus betulus (Common Hornbeam) is a native tree. It has bright green leaves which turn a shining yellow through to brown in the Autumn. Hornbeam often retains these brown leaves through the Winter and into the Spring.
Many large unclipped evergreens were left to their natural best in these Show Gardens:
Altas Cedar
Jo Thompson reflected 260 years of history in her Wedgwood Garden, creating an impressive architectural arched structure, and used textural and structural trees to line the boundary, including Atlas Cedar. The garden was awarded a Silver Gilt medal
The Cedrus atlantica is a fast growing tree, named after the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria, from where it originates. This imperial tree can reach 30 metres in height, with branches that growing horizontally from the base of the tree all the way up to the top.
Monkey puzzle
Jonathon Snow’s silver medal winning Trailfinders garden was inspired by the temperate rainforests of South America, where the Monkey puzzle is a native tree.
Araucaria Araucana (Monkey puzzle) is a stately slow growing evergreen and structural tree, well known for its distinctive long slender branches densely covered with overlapping spiking leaves.
Black pine
Centre stage of Chris Beardshaw’s Morgan Stanley Garden is the Black Pine. This Gold medal winning garden is inspired by the UK’s love of beautiful gardens.
The Black, or Austrian Pine is a rich, robust evergreen tree, with deep green glossy needles and a picturesque (and usually) rounded growth habit.
Pinus nigra is excellent in exposed and coastal areas, and makes the perfect selection for wind break planting and protection from the sea.
Semi-mature trees can make a real statement in your garden; why not browse our Tree Finder or ask us about our in stock availability.
Please either fill out the contact form, email trees@www.pracbrown.co.uk or call us on 01753 652022
The Best Trees for Beautiful Autumn Colours
The Best Autumn Trees are great for gardens, creating structure and seasonal interest, with the following trees offering beautiful autumnal colour. Position such trees well and they will make an ideal focal point, that they can be enjoyed now and for future generations.
We have a range of quality trees for suitable as specimens, screening or for small gardens; just ask our horticultural experts.
Here is a selection of our top trees for colourful displays in your autumn garden. When choosing a tree, consider the space you have available, planting a selection of trees, if space allows, can provide rich contrast and seasonal interest.
Trees offering great autumn colours
- Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)
- Acer rubrum (Red Maple)
- Amelanchier Ballerina (Serviceberry Ballerina)
- Betula utilis jacquemontii (West Himalayan Birch)
- Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Katsura Tree)
- Euonymus europaeus (Spindle)
- Fagus sylvatica (Common beech)
- Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair tree)
- Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum)
- Malus tschonoskii (Chonosuki crab)
- Nyssa sylvatica (Tupelo/Black Gum)
- Sorbus aucuparia Joseph Rock (Rowan Joseph Rock)
Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)
Japanese Maples are prized for their gorgeous foliage, deeply lobed leaves, which emerge a vivid green and turn to shades of red, orange and yellow in autumn. Acer palmatum is an excellent choice for smaller gardens, as it grows to around 5m.
Acer rubrum (Red Maple)
These Red Maple trees are renowned for their spectacular scarlet autumn hues which emerge a pale yellow in spring gradually darkening to dark green in summer, turning bright red in autumn. The winter twigs have a red hue, as do its tiny spring flowers, providing additional interest.
Amelanchier Ballerina (Serviceberry Ballerina)
This tough, hardy small tree has masses of spring flowers. The bright green leaves turn brilliant red in the autumn, emerging in conjunction with rounded fruits which are initially red in summer before turning black in the autumn. Also known as June Berry or Serviceberry Ballerina
Betula utilis jacquemontii (West Himalayan Birch)
The bright white bark of this elegant himalayan birch tree peels each year, revealing the next layer of perfectly accentuated by lenticels lines. Its delicate, dark green foliage turn golden yellow in autumn.
Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Katsura Tree)
This tree has pretty foliage that emerges bronze in spring before turning light green in the Summer. Autumn brings brilliant displays of orange yellow and red, accompanied by the smell of burnt sugar and candy floss which drifts gently in the breeze.
Euonymus europaeus (Spindle)
A small spreading tree, the Spindle has small yellow flowers, followed in autumn by 4-lobed red fruits which split to reveal orange seeds. The narrow leaves are dark green in summer turning yellow-green to reddish-purple in autumn.
Fagus sylvatica (Beech)
Beech tree’s small leaves are a fresh green when they emerge and become a stunning orange-copper and gold in autumn, which often hang on the tree throughout winter.
Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’)
The Maidenhair Tree has bright green fan-shaped leaves. In autumn time, these wonderfully shaped leaves turn a clear and bright yellow and work well planted in contrast with other species that will give red autumn colour.
Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum)
Liquidambar produces large, 5-7 lobed, star-shaped leaves which emerge bright green in the spring then changing to fabulous red, purple and gold colours throughout the autumn; Liquidambar is one of the very best trees for autumn colour and one of the last deciduous trees to drop its leaves.
Malus tschonoskii (Chonosuki crab)
In the spring the young leaves of this tree emerge almost white. They have many spectacular shades in Autumn, from purple and copper through orange to yellow. The winter buds are a remarkable brownish-red colour and glossy.
Nyssa sylvatica (Tupelo)
The Tupelo or black gum is a wonderful tree for autumn foliage with its green summer leaves turning fiery red/ and orange in autumn.
Sorbus aucuparia Joseph Rock (Rowan Joseph Rock)
This Mountain Ash has small, narrow dark green leaves that turn a flame red in the autumn time. The creamy white flowers hang in clusters, appearing around May-June. These are followed by interestingly creamy yellow berries, whose colour contrasts fantastically with the bright red autumn colour.
Drought Tolerant Trees
Trees are a great addition to almost any garden, creating structure and seasonal interest. Gardens provide a sanctuary and respite from the busy world and planting trees are adapted to hotter, drier climates could be useful to these changing climatic conditions.
Here we list our top 10 trees that are suitable for hot dry or heat wave summers.
We have a range of quality trees for suitable as specimens, screening or for small gardens; just ask our horticultural experts.
Top 10 Trees for hot dry summers
- Betula pendula (Silver Birch)
- Catalpa bignonioides (Indian Bean Tree)
- Cercis siliquastrum (Judas tree)
- Corylus colurna (Turkish Hazel)
- Crataegus crusgalli (Cockspur thorn)
- Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair Tree)
- Gleditsia triacanthos (Honey Locust Sunburst)
- Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree)
- Paulownia tomentosa (Foxglove Tree)
- Pyrus calleryana Chanticleer (Callery Pear)
- Betula pendula
This tree, more commonly known as a Silver Birch, has an elegant appearance. As a young tree it has a distinctive white bark with darker lines and shapes decorating the trunk. Its main branches are long and often grow horizontally, creating a semi weeping habit. The Pendula produces yellow catkins in the spring and light green foliage that shoots early and becomes orange-yellow in the autumn. This is a hardy tree which is frost resistant and regularly the first to grow back on bare or damaged land.
- Catalpa bignonioides
The Indian Bean tree originates from America. It is a magnificent medium to large tree which comes into leaf late and produces exotic orchid-like flowers in mid-summer followed by beans in the autumn. The leaves turn a pale yellow in the autumn. A good specimen tree.
- Cercis siliquastrum
Cercis siliquastrum is a bushy, deciduous small tree which produces its bloom straight from the trunk and stems. The rosy-lilac, pea-like flowers cover the wood in May, producing a stunning floral display that is quite uncharacteristic of a tree. Following the flowers, the bright green, almost heart shaped leaves are developed on the Judas tree, later accompanied by dark purple tinted seed pods in July.
- Corylus colurna
Also known as the Turkish Hazel, Corylus colurna is a stately and imposing tree at maturity. Its leaves are bright green and are broadly heart shaped. During the early spring long, yellow catkins are produced, followed by clusters of nuts that are contained in frilly looking husks in autumn. It has a rough, corky bark that becomes more distinguished as it matures.
- Crataegus crusgalli
Crataegus crusgalli (or Cockspur thorn) is a small tree with horizontal, spreading branches and a flat-topped shape at maturity. It has showy white flowers, brick-red fruits, glossy summer and vibrant, multi-coloured autumn foliage, and bold winter texture.
- Ginkgo biloba
The Ginkgo biloba or Maidenhair Tree has bright green fan-shaped leaves, with two leaf blades. In autumn time, these wonderfully shaped leaves turn a clear and bright yellow. Ginkgo biloba forms a large specimen with a conical shape at maturity. It is extremely hardy and is a great choice for parks and avenues. Mature female plants produce fruits which bear a distinctive smell.
- Gleditsia triacanthos Sunburst
The Gleditsia triacanthos or Honey Locust Sunburst is a pretty and delicate looking tree which has a rounded and spreading form. The frond-like foliage is often late to appear, emerging a brilliant lime yellow colour and ageing to light green as the summer progresses. Unlike its parent, this cultivar is thornless.
- Koelreuteria paniculata
Koelreuteria paniculata is known as Pride of India, or the Golden Rain Tree. Its profuse small yellow flowers develop in late spring and these form lantern-shaped fruits that turn red in the autumn when its green leaves turn a rich yellow. Grow as a specimen tree in well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in full sun Golden Rain Tree thrives best on free draining soils with a sunny aspect.
- Paulownia tomentosa
The Paulownia tomentosa or Foxglove tree, is a pretty and an unusual tree; it has extremely large, bright green, hairy leaves which can reach up to 30cm across and appear to come directly from the bare wood of the tree. In May this tree will produce large spikes of rich purple flowers, very similar to the foxglove. It is fast growing and sprawling, the wood is very light making it easy to prune. Paulownia tomentosa does best in sunny, reasonably sheltered sites.
- Pyrus calleryana Chanticleer
The Pyrus calleryana Chanticleer or Callery Pear is a medium tree, with side branches stretching upwards creating a narrow, conical shape. It has ovoid leaves, which emerge as early as March and are a glossy, lush green which last through to November, when they change to a reddish-purple before falling. It produces a small, pear-shaped fruit around 1 cm thick.
Pyrus calleryana Chanticleer is a very hardy tree and is resistant to frost, heat, wind and pollution.
Trees for Urban Areas
Trees can enhance all environments, even urban ones with a wide range of environmental, social and economic benefits; street trees in urban parks have been found to improve physical and mental health, improve aesthetics and environmental quality, which can lead to increased investment and the local economy.
Our list of the best trees for urban planting are as follows: (originally featured in magazine FutureArc)
- Carpinus betulus Frans Fontaine (Upright Hornbeam)
- Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair Tree)
- Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Trees)
- Liquidambar styraciflua (American Sweet Gum)
- Nyssa sylvatica (Sour Gum)
- Platanus× acerifolia (Plane Trees)
- Pyrus calleryana Chanticleer (Callery Pear)
- Sorbus torminalis (Wild Service Trees)
- Tilia cordata (Small-leaved Lime)
- Ulmus hollandica Lobel (Lobel Elm)
See Forestry Commission article for more details on street tree planting programmes.
Top 10 Street Trees
Carpinus betulus Frans Fontaine (Upright Hornbeam)
Distinctive features: Bright green foliage in the spring, turning to gold and orange in the autumn. It tolerates pollution and soil compaction, making it an excellent choice for street tree planting. Upright Hornbeam will do well in most soils, including clay and chalk. It is a good choice for poor soil conditions.
Average height/ crown size: 20m Retains its columnar shaped crown of only 3m
Maintenance/Planting tips: 20-25years to maturity; will tolerate most soil types
Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair Tree)
Distinctive features: The leaves are fan shaped, appearing bright green in spring and then bright yellow in the autumn. Tough enough to cope with air pollution, reflected heat and light, Ginkgo biloba is a great contender as a street tree.
Average height/ crown size: 20m+ forms a large specimen with a conical shape at maturity
Maintenance/Planting tips: 20-50years to maturity; will tolerate most soil types
Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Trees)
Distinctive features: Koelreuteria paniculata’s profuse small yellow flowers develop in late spring and these form lantern-shaped fruits that turn red in the autumn when its green leaves turn a rich yellow.
Average height/ crown size: 7-12m forms a rounded crown
Maintenance/Planting tips: 20-50 years to maturity; thrives best on free draining soils with a sunny aspect.
Liquidambar styraciflua (American Sweet Gum)
Distinctive features: Liquidambar styraciflua or American Sweet Gum is a large, undemanding tree, which is pollution resistant. It’s large star-shaped leaves emerge bright green in the spring then changing to fabulous red, purple and gold colours throughout the autumn; Liquidambar is one of the very best trees for autumn colour and one of the last deciduous trees to drop its leaves.
Average height/ crown size: 20m+ matures to a rounded crown
Maintenance/Planting tips: more than 50 years to maturity; Best in fertile, well-drained soil, not suitable for lime or chalky soils
Nyssa sylvatica (Sour Gum)
Distinctive features: The Tupelo or sour gum is a wonderful tree for autumn foliage with its green summer leaves turning yellow, orange and even red into late autumn
Average height/ crown size: 12-17m Pyramidal in habit when young, it can develop into a large broad tree at maturity
Maintenance/Planting tips: 20-50 years to maturity; requires free draining acid soil
Platanus × acerifolia (Plane Trees)
Distinctive features: The London Plane is the classic street tree, due to its high tolerance of pollution; It is also known as Platanus × hispanica. This large tree features multi-coloured, flaking bark, which includes patches of white, green, grey and brown. It’s large shiny, dark green leaves, transform into a copper colour in autumn before falling
Average height/ crown size: 20-30m forms a broadly pyramidal shaped crown at maturity
Maintenance/Planting tips: 20-50 years to maturity; tolerant to all soils but thrives
Pyrus calleryana Chanticleer (Callery Pear)
Distinctive features: A medium height tree, the glossy lush green leaves emerge in March and last through to November, when they change to a reddish-purple before falling. It’s a very hardy tree, resistant to frost, heat, wind and pollution
Average height/ crown size: 15m side branches stretching upwards creating a narrow, conical shape
Maintenance/Planting tips: 20-50 years to maturity; Prefers to be in full sun, adapts well to most soils
Sorbus torminalis (Wild Service Trees)
Distinctive features: This has white flowers in spring give way to sharp tasting fruits in the autumn whilst its bark resembles a chequer pattern as it matures. Its green summer leaves turn orange and yellow in the autumn
Average height/ crown size: 10-15m a columnar habit when young and graduates to a broad oval when mature.
Maintenance/Planting tips: 20-50 years to maturity; thrives in most free draining soils, not in full sun, it is tolerant of atmospheric pollution and dry conditions.
Tilia cordata (Small-leaved Lime)
Distinctive features: This native tree produces fragrant white flowers in mid-summer and is a good tree for attracting bees and the yellow leaf colour in autumn is attractive. An excellent choice for avenues and parks.
Average height/ crown size: 20–30m a broad oval crown
Maintenance/Planting tips: 20-50 years to maturity; It tolerates heat, is frost hardy and wind resistant, but is sensitive to salt. This tree is happy on most soils
Ulmus hollandica Lobel (Lobel Elm)
Distinctive features: The fairly small rough leaves are dull dark green with dense veins and a double-serrated edge. They are bronze coloured when they emerge, remaining on the tree for a long time, often until late November. It is very resistant to sea wind, making it suitable for use in coastal areas.
Average height/ crown size: 20-30m pyramidal tree with a dense crown
Maintenance/Planting tips: 20-50 years to maturity; It favours moist and light soils.
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- Ulmus hollandica Lobel autumn
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- Tilia cordata
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- Sorbus torminalis
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- Pyrus calleryana Chanticleer
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- Platanus acerifolia (London plane)
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- Nyssa sylvatica
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- Liquidambar styraciflua
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- Koelreuteria paniculata (golden rain tree)
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- Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair tree)
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- Carpinus betulus Frans Fontaine
Top Quality Containerised Trees
Available for Planting Now
Comprehensive Range
Practicality Brown’s tree nursery specialises in large trees, both evergreen and deciduous. With a combination of home grown and outsourced specimen and semi mature trees, we offer a broad range which includes many native UK species; trees that are suitable all occasions.
Containerised Trees
We have an excellent selection of beautiful trees that are available in containers and are ready to plant now, ahead of the traditional root ball season. These trees are in girth sizes 20cm to 65cm, up to 8m high.
All our acclimatised containerised stock has been carefully tended to at our nursery to ensure it is ready for delivery in perfect condition. We continually monitor conditions to ensure that trees are in the peak condition for planting, paying close attention to bio security and plant health management.
From delicate Acers (Maples), fully feathered Magnolia grandiflora to pleached Quercus palustris (Pin Oaks) and classic English Yew, there is something on the list for everyone.
Magnolia grandiflora
Yew Taxus baccata 1.5m elements
Pleached Pin Oak
The trees detailed on this list are those we currently have in stock at our nursery; the heights and girths reflect actual sizes of these individual trees. The availability can daily, so please call to confirm availability of particular stock. All prices shown are ex vat and exclude delivery, please use our enquiry form to request a detailed quotation.
We would be delighted to see you at our nursery in Iver, Buckinghamshire; please make an appointment to ensure one of our team are available to show you around. We are located near to M4, M25 and M40 junctions, about 6 miles from Heathrow Airport and 15 miles from London and just 1 mile from Iver Station, with trains from London Paddington.
We look forward to welcoming you onto our nursery soon.
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