Tree Supply

We work with leading producers of semi-mature trees in the UK and Europe to source from the widest possible variety of trees.

This allows us to provide for the most extensive enquiries: finding the trees you want, not selling you what trees we have.

All trees supplied are purposely grown in specialist nurseries and will conform to the latest bio-security and plant health care guidelines.

We understand that with so many different species and types to choose from and all the botanical names and terminology, it can be a bit confusing when selecting trees for your project,in fact it can seem a bit daunting to start with. We are always happy to explain and work with you so it becomes a little bit clearer.

Deciduous, Coniferous, Evergreen......

Deciduous trees lose their foliage (leaves, needles etc) entirely in the autumn, they are bare overwinter and produce new leaves in the spring.

Evergreen trees do not appear to lose their foliage at all (in fact they do, but that's a whole different webpage).

Coniferous trees are typically evergreen but not exclusively, there are some conifers that do shed the foliage over winter.

All about shape, form and size

Trees come in all shapes and sizes. Their shape often dictates how their size is referred to.

Standard Tree

Has a bare trunk between the ground and the first branch, which is at least 1.8m above ground level.

They are sized by their 'Girth', that being the circumference of their trunk, or stem, measured 1.0m above ground level. For a tree to be Semi Mature it should be at least 20cm girth. There is a correlation between girth and height but it is not a set standard.

Standard trees are not paticularly natural form but are the most common. We have town planners and highways / traffic engineers to thank for their commonality. Their clear stem height means that they can fit well into public areas and roadsides - people and cars can pass underneath the canopies.

Feathered Tree

This specimen has branches down to, or almost down to, ground level. There is only one stem.

Because of the branches it is not possible to get a girth reading accurately at 1.0m hight so feathered trees are sized by their height, usually grouped in half-meter increments.

Most evergreens are sold as feathered trees but there are a wide range of deciduous species grown in this form.

Left to their own devices, without human or animal interference, most trees growing in the open (i.e. not a woodland) would be feathered specimens. They can have a big impact on a landscape and, unless the clear stem of a standard tree is required, should be a strongly considered option.

Multistem

Multistem trees have more than one stem coming from the ground, or the tree has multiple main branches spreading out from ground level (some enthuiasts will debate this for a very long time).

Multistem trees are sold by their height, like feathered trees are.

Rootball Options

Semi mature trees typically come with their roots contained in one of two methods - field grown and wire rootballed or container grown.

We do not recommend that trees above 12cm girth are supplied as 'Bare Root' specimens.

Field Grown, Wire Rootballed Specimens

Field grown specimens are grown in a nursery field until they are lifted for transplanting into the landscape. When they are lifted the soil ball that contains the roots (the rootball) is wrapped in hessian and, typically, held secure by a wire basket.

Rootballed trees are typically only lifted once the tree is dormant which, for most species, is between October and April.

There is some debate about the issue but we are adamant: The wire basket and hessian remain around the rootball when the tree is planted.

Containerised Specimens

Containerised specimens are grown in containers which are then removed when ready for planting.

Sometimes the trees are supplied to site in their container and sometimes the tree is removed from the container and rootballed in the nursery prior to despatch (this saves on waste material as the container is reused)

These trees are available for planting all year round although we advise against planting in mid summer if possible.

Nursery Visits

Unsure of which specimen to go for?

Don’t take any risks, arrange a nursery visit and get a much better idea of what is required can be obtained, dependent on personal likes and what suits the situation. A nursery visit can highlight the amazing choice and diversity available.

Arrange a nursery visit with us here