10 good reasons to plant a tree

It’s the perfect time of year to plant a tree, the soil is still warm and welcoming. The cool months of autumn and winter will give it time to develop it’s root system and settle in, before the more testing times of spring and summer when rain-fall is erratic.

The choice of tree emphasizes the style of a garden, tying everything together to give a consistent look. For instance I’ll choose something like a hawthorn for a natural look in a rural garden or topiary for a more formal look.

The shiny bark of this multi-stemmed Tibetan cherry (Prunus serrula Tibetica) would be perfect for an urban garden.

Here’s 10 good reasons to plant a tree:

Whilst it’s hard to imagine needing a shady place at this time of year, a tree will provide welcome shade in the summer.
From a design perspective it’ll give height, volume and add some drama to your garden.
It makes a lovely home for insects, birds and wildlife that will benefit your garden.
It’s an eco-friendly thing to do because as they grow they lock-up CO2 (one of the major greenhouse gasses).
They also produce oxygen.
Trees induce positive feelings so they’re very good for us psychologically.
They can screen unattractive views.
If you’re garden is overlooked by neighbouring buildings you can plant a tree to give you some privacy.
Choose a fruit tree and you’ll enjoy the produce in years to come, here’s an earlier post about growing apple trees.
Select a tree that has glorious autumn colour so your garden looks different through the year.