What tree to plant

[DaiTheDragon]

I have decided to plant a tree in the back garden. I know nothing about trees exept they are made of wood and look nice. I would like a colourful, fast growing and something that produces berries that the birds may feed on. Also would it be OK to plant it this month or do you have to wait until Spring. Any suggestions as to what tree please.

Dai

[Cazzie]

How about a rowan?

[aeshna5]

I would plant one as soon as the leaves have dropped as the soil will be moist + warm, which gives the roots a chance to get established. If we have a hot, dry spring as we had this year it is more difficult to establish it than from an autumn planting. Remember to keep it well watered when needed next summer.

Rowan + related Sorbus are good choices- attractive foliage, attractive flowers + berries. Amelanchier is a good plant but the berries get eaten quickly + again good flower + autumn colour too. Some of the ornamental thorns, Crataegus spp, are good value as are some of the Malus species, such as Red Sentinel, Golden Hornet,etc.

[Jez]

I noticed Cazzie has Rowan in her Garden. Quote-Woe to Those with No Rowan Tree Near! I had a sliced quince for my tea last sunday and it was lovely! The tree Is pest & disease resistant and pruning and watering to minimum!!! I am considering this as i already have Rowan which needs moving as the sheep are just stripping the small young tree

[Paul mabbott]

Needs a bit more thought: what sort of soil do you have? is it dry or saturated with water? how far is if from buildings? how big is the garden? what aspect does it have (beware of plant ing trees to the south of your garden which will cast shade and stop most other things growing)? is it urban or rural? what else do you want to grow?

Whatever you do, don't rush into it and buy something totally inappropriate that you'll need to dig up in a couple of years but, yes, you can plant at the moment as long as the ground is prepared ....

[nightshade]

There are so many nice trees around;
Rowan,Strawberry-tree,Black mulberry,Pink Hawthorn "Pauls Scarlet",Medlar,
Birch ,Alder,an edible crabapple .........
Why not plant a group of native trees or hedging if the garden is big enough and "hedge your bets" attract lots of birds butterflies moths and other photogenic wildlife (don't forget a pond )

[Paul mabbott]

Two queries. What's the connection with the quince
Mainly, who needs 'pest .... resistant' trees. Most of the things that interest naturalists are "pests" or pest-dependent? Get something that supports lots of aphids then you'll get lots of hoverflies, lacewings, beetles, bugs!
Birches and maples are particularly good for this.

Originally Posted by Jez

I noticed Cazzie has Rowan in her Garden. Quote-Woe to Those with No Rowan Tree Near! I had a sliced quince for my tea last sunday and it was lovely! The tree Is pest & disease resistant and pruning and watering to minimum!!! I am considering this as i already have Rowan which needs moving as the sheep are just stripping the small young tree

[Cazzie]

*Cazzie looks smug*

I do in fact have a Rowan (well remembered Jezzy!) and an Amelanchier, two different birches (purple and native green), a couple of hawthorns and a maple but and don't forget the budleja's - butterfly heaven!

Like Paul says Dai, tell us more about your garden and we can help you choose something suitable for it!

[JennyS]

Couple of questions - how big is your garden and what sort of maximum height tree are you thinking of?
Fast growing trees get big quick but they don't always know when to stop......

If you're buying a container-grown tree you can plant anytime soil conditions are suitable, and you can also plant 'bare-root' at this time of year.

[paulchandler6]

I'd go for Rowan and/or Birch, both attract insects and therefore birds and other predators. Also Crab Apple - Malus sp or Flowering Cherry - Prunus sp, both are good for Insects and birds.

Paul