Planting native trees not only provides invaluable support for wildlife, as well as helping reduce pollution, foster resilience to climate change, and improve human wellbeing, particularly in urban areas where access to green space is limited.
You can find more information about how to grow these species by searching their names on the RHS website.
- Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna
- Blackthorn, Prunus spinosa
- Hornbeam, Carpinus betulus
- Crab Apple, Malus sylvestris
- Holly, Ilex aquifolium
- Dogwood, Cornus sanguinea
- Dog rose, Rosa canina
Climbing plants such as honeysuckle, dog rose, and ivy can be planted in established hedgerows to weave their way through the hedge.
Dog rose (Rosa canina)
- Alder, Alnus glutinosa
- Bird cherry, Prunus padus
- Hazel, Corylus avellana
- Elder, Sambucus nigra
- English Oak, Quercus robur
- Field Maple, Acer campestre
- Goat willow, Salix caprea
- Hazel, Corylus avellana
- Rowan, Sorbus aucuparia
- Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris
- Silver birch, Betula pendula
- Wild cherry, Prunus avium
- Willow, Salix spp.
- Yew, Taxus baccata
Corylus avellana © RBG Kew
Before you start planting
Before deciding which trees to plant in your local area, there are some important things to consider:
The amount of space
- Make sure there is enough space for the tree to grow, including branches and underground roots.
- You can check the tree’s label or the RHS website for the dimensions your tree could grow to.
Speaking to a local expert
- In urban environments there can many pre-existing structures and plants, so it's recommended to obtain professional advice and permission from your local tree officer before planting.
- This ensures that trees you are planting won’t negatively affect nearby buildings, plants or wildlife habitats including ponds and flowerbeds.
The soil conditions
- Most urban soils are very different to ‘natural’ soils found in rural areas, due to a build-up of materials caused by humans
- For example, urban soils could contain higher levels of salt than rural soil due to salt spreading on roads.
- Find out your local soil type, quality and aim for uncompacted soils.
- Seeing what trees and plants thrive in your local area can help to identify soil conditions, e.g. coastal regions often have faster draining soils.
- It is not recommended to apply fertiliser to newly planted trees, as this can encourage competing weeds and grasses to grow.
Long-term management
- Check whether you will need to have the tree you are planting pruned on a regular basis and what this might cost.
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