Best TREES for small gardens

Trees and other structural plants are key elements of every garden. They are also one of the trickiest elements to choose due to their forever changing nature, so here are my top tips to help you choose the right trees for your garden.

First of all you must be clear on a purpose for your trees:

Privacy and sound insulation Best trees to create privacy and sound insulation are classed as evergreen or semi-evergreen as they will provide consistent look through the year.

My go-to options for small gardens are: - Prunus Lusitanica [Portuguese laurel] - Ilex [holly tree-various species] - Ligustrum [Japanese privet]

You could also consider using pleached trees, although these do look best planted tightly in a straight line along the entire boundary line, so keep that in mind. Depending on a frame size, you'll need to plant these approx 150cm apart.

Feature trees

best feature trees will have a long season of interest [spring blooms + autumn foliage + winter berries] and add some character to your garden. All the best options suitable for small size gardens are unfortunately deciduous, and therefore will require a little more maintenance. See few of my favourites below: - Amelanchier Lamarckii - Acer Griseum [other Acer varieties will work too] - Cornus Kousa [kousa dogwood]

Speak to your local designer for recommended tree suppliers and help with choosing trees for your garden.