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Deciduous Trees /in , /by

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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Evergreen Trees /in , /by

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.

 

 

Elaeagnus leaf detail evergreen instant hedge
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Instant Hedge In Focus: Elaeagnus /in , /by

Instant Hedge In Focus: Elaeagnus

Elaeagnus ebbingei Compacta, also known as Oleaster, makes a wonderful evergreen instant hedge.

Elaeagnus instant hedge is great for coastal locations

Elaeagnus leaf detail

Top 5 features of Elaeagnus

  1. Attractive silver green foliage
  2. Tolerant of maritime exposure and windy conditions
  3. Thrives in all but the coldest or waterlogged locations
  4. Fragrant flowers and attractive fruits
  5. Easy to care for, prune once a year

Why choose Elaeagnus Instant Hedge?

Oleaster has very attractive leathery leaves that are metallic grey-green above and silver underneath. This mix of colours gives a silver shimmering effect when the leaves of an Elaeagnus hedge flutter in the wind. Newly emerging leaves are almost entirely silver, adding to the sparkly appearance.

Elaeagnus Instant Hedge is a robust hedging plant that is very tolerant of site conditions, except those that become waterlogged. It prefers a well-drained soil although it can grow in very poor soils. It is also very drought resistant and will succeed in dry soils. This versatile plant is as happy in full sun as it is in deep shade.

This hedging plant is one of those species that is extremely resistant to maritime exposure and salt-laden winds. It can grow right next to the sea and in such a position would give very good wind protection. The plants are fairly hardy in temperate areas, and although they are not best suited for the coldest, harshest of winters, they can be seen at the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens in Scotland.

Another attractive feature of Elaeagnus Ebbingei  is how it flowers and produces fruit. Exquisitely scented tiny bell-shaped, silvery flowers appear in clusters during October and November. The flowers then ripen into fruits in spring, which are red with a very attractive silver marbling effect. Known as Wild Olives these are edible when fully ripe and are popular in south-eastern Europe.

Elaeagnus Ebbingei is excellent for creating a dense evergreen screen with seasonal interest anywhere but has particular value in coastal or windy areas.

Elaeagnus Practical Instant Hedge Currently is available in heights of 1.6-1.8m and 1.8m high.

Click here to  if you would like a quote for this instant hedge.

Mature hedging growing at our hedge nursery in Iver, Buckinghamshire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Species Latin Foliage Pruning Annual Growth Aspect Soil preference PH Leaves
Oleaster Elaeagnus ebbingei Compacta Evergreen Once in July or August Fast 40-60cm All – excellent for coastal areas All well drained Acidic to slightly alkaline Silvery Green

How to order Practical Instant Hedge™

If you like to find out more about our comprehensive range of evergreen and deciduous Practical Instant Hedges, you can:

  • Explore our website for more details, including current size availability
  • We offer supply only, or supply and installation
  • Call us on 01753 652022 and speak to our horticultural team
  • Email us on hedge@pracbrown.co.uk with your requirements (including size and length of hedge, your location and whether you would like a price for installation) and we will return a quote within 2 working days.
Griselinia growing at Iver
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Top 5 Hedges for Screening & Privacy /in , , /by

Top 5 Hedges for Screening & Privacy

What are the best hedges to provide screening and privacy in your garden?

When looking for hedging to provide screening in your garden, the best solution is to plant mature hedging to give you instant privacy.  Buying pre-grown hedges, such as our Practical Instant Hedge™ ensures that you have a solution to create a private, secure garden for you to enjoy.

You could plant individual plants, but you will need to wait for them to grow into a hedge. The best hedges to provide screening and privacy are those that are ready grown for that purpose, and in particular, evergreen instant hedge.

Which Instant Hedge is best for screening and privacy?

There are many garden hedges, and many are suitable for specific issues or requirements.  Deciduous hedges offer season interest, from spring blossom to autumn fruits, however due to the annual leaf drop, they may not be suitable for year-round screening.

The best hedging to provide great screening for the whole of the year are evergreen, and they will give an attractive backdrop in your garden. Evergreen hedges are the best for screening and privacy.

Why use Evergreen Instant Hedges

Evergreen Instant Hedges are attractive hedges and give an immediate privacy screen.  Our Practical Instant Hedge™ is grown in nine varieties at our hedge nursery in Iver, Buckinghamshire.  Our production method that ensures this mature hedge is easy to handle, as it is pre-grown in 1m troughs at our nursery which means it can be planted all year round with no worry about “transplant” shock.

Our Top 5 Evergreen Instant Hedges

From our range of 9 evergreen Practical Instant Hedges, these are our pick of the top five hedges that are ideal for screening:

Common Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Rotundifolia’)

Laurel Leaf detail

Common Laurel (or Cherry Laurel) makes a bright, dense evergreen hedge. It’s shiny lime green leaves are thick and leathery, making it a good choice for noise reduction, for example, from a busy road. Common Laurel Instant Hedge will thrive in most soils, including clay, but it dislikes (shallow) chalk.

Yew (Taxus baccata)

Yew leaf detail

Practical Yew Instant Hedge is a very popular choice, a timeless classic that is at home in any garden style from formal traditional to elegant contemporary. The dark-green, conifer foliage is easy to maintain and trim. Yew hedges are perfect choice for dense, mature evergreen hedging.

Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica ‘Angustifolia’)

Portuguese laurel leaf

Practical Portuguese Laurel Instant Hedge will work well in any garden setting. The dark green leaves are neat and attractive, giving this evergreen hedge an attractive compact and refined appearance.  Portuguese Laurel hedging likes most soils including clay and shallow chalk.

Broadleaf (Griselinia littoralis)

Griselinia Evergreen Instant Hedge

Practical Griselinia Instant Hedge™ (as known as Broadleaf) makes a wonderful evergreen instant hedge with its attractive light apple-green leathery leaves. Griselinia hedging is excellent for coastal locations as it is particularly tolerant of salt laden winds, ‘littoralis’ translates as ‘growing by the sea’.

Oleaster (Elaeagnus ebbingei  ‘Compacta’)

Elaeagnus Instant Hedge leaf detail

Elaeagnus ebbingei ‘Compacta’ is a robust hedging plant with tough silvery grey leaves that are frost, wind and salt resistant. Also known as Oleaster, this Instant Hedge. is excellent for creating a dense evergreen screen anywhere but has particular value in coastal areas.

Why Plant Practical Instant Hedge™?

  • Create an attractive backdrop for your garden project.
  • Provides highly effective screening for privacy and security.
  • Give your garden more shelter for your garden and filter pollution such as dirt and noise
  • Hedges are more cost effective and weather resistant than fence or brickwork
  • Help protect birds and wildlife by creating a natural habitat
  • Enhance or section off parts of your property for sale.

 

How to order Practical Instant Hedge™

If you like to find out more about our comprehensive range of evergreen and deciduous Practical Instant Hedges, you can:

  • Explore our website for more details, including current size availability
  • We offer supply only, or supply and installation
  • Call us on 01753 652022 and speak to our horticultural team
  • Email us on hedge@www.pracbrown.co.uk with your requirements (including size and length of hedge, your location and whether you would like a price for installation) and we will return a quote within 2 working days.

 

Evergreen Instant Hedges are the best for screening and privacy in your garden