Tree planting in your garden or community
Attract bees, insects, and birds to your garden. Encourage biodiversity.
Tree planting is one of the six suggested pledges in Amma’s InDeed Campaign for Nature. InDeed is an initiative that provides an opportunity for us to give something back to the planet, helping to restore the ecological balance between humanity and nature. We are approaching tree planting season (November to March), so now is a good time to plan how and where to plant a tree or two in your own back yard; or why not plant in your local community?
Where should I plant?
If you have a small garden or little space, consider replacing your fence with a hedge. Hedges are wildlife refuges and act as safe corridors to other gardens for small mammals such as hedgehogs and dormice, as well as being home to many invertebrates and birds. They support a wide variety of flora and fauna and provide an abundance of food, such as berries, nuts, seeds, nectar rich flowers and leaves.
If you have already filled your garden with trees, have a look around your local area. Many ash trees are currently being felled in urban areas due to ash die-back. It is worth getting involved with your local council to see if they have plans to replace these trees. If they have no plans, you could think about asking residents if they would like to join you replacing these trees yourselves. There may be scope to add more trees in the area, such as along verges, parks, or other empty green areas, so long as you have permission.
Case study
In my local park, five Rowan trees were felled due to root-rot and at around the same time there were plans to develop the area for housing. The residents complained and we were allowed to keep the park on the exception that that grass was cut regularly. Between us, we have already replaced 9 trees (oak, elder and beech), and there are plans to plant six bee-friendly trees (wild cherry, alder, crab apple, hazel, goat willow, rowan). There are three ash trees with die-back that will need replacing too.
Choosing your trees
When planting trees, it is important to choose trees that are sourced and grown in Britain to prevent the spread of imported diseases and pests and to maintain the ecological balance. The Woodland Trust recommends planting native broadleaf trees that are local to the area. This means they have adapted to the climate and local soil and are therefore easy to grow, happy in any soil and need no fertilizers. The Woodland Trust sells and provides free tree packs suitable for gardens, communities and urban areas. They also sell hedge packs and bee-friendly trees.
Five native trees and shrubs you can plant in your garden:
Wild Cherry (Prunus Avium). This beautiful tree displays white clouds of blossom in spring, bright red cherries in summer and deep crimson leaves in the autumn. Grows up to 25m high and prefers full sun, fertile soil and a sheltered area. The spring blossom attracts a wide variety of pollen loving insects and is also an early source of nectar for bees. Birds love eating the bitter cherries.
Crab Apple (Malus Sylvestris). A smallish tree so perfect for urban gardens. Grows up to 9m high. Displays delicate, sweet scented pink blossom in spring. The fruit can be made into delicious pink-amber coloured crab apply jelly, or added to other jams due to its high pectin content. Tolerates most soils and prefers sun or semi shade. Bees love the early source of pollen and birds such as song-thrush, blackbird, fieldfare and redwing enjoy the apples. Also, may attract mice, voles and badgers to feast on the windfall.
Dog Rose (Rosa Canna). This can be planted as part of a hedge or near other shrubs. Pretty, scented flowers that can range in colour from white to deep pink that turn to orange-red hips in autumn and winter. Pick the rosehips and make into syrup for a natural immunity boost. Grows up to 5m high. Is loved by many insects for its nectar and the rosehips are enjoyed by blackbirds, redwings and waxwings.
Alder (Alnus Glutinosa). Grows up to 25m. In dry soil, it grows as a bush, so good for small gardens. Grows in most soils but prefers damp areas. Alder catkins provide an early source of nectar for bees in spring and the seeds are enjoyed by goldfinches, siskins and redpoles. Fun fact! Alder trees can tolerate waterlogged soils because they have tubes in their trunks that bring air down to the roots.
Silver Birch (Betula Pendula). An elegant tree with delicate pale green leaves and white flaky trunk. Grows up to 20m. Prefers sandy, acidic soils. Attracts many insects and small birds such as long-tailed tits, siskins and greenfinches to feed off the abundant catkins that appear from spring to autumn.
Source: The Woodland Trust
How to plant trees
Prepare site by marking out area you want to plant with canes or stones. Cut grass and pull up stubborn weeds to reduce competition for light, water, and nutrients. Plant trees about 2m apart if you can, but 1m is also ok if you are pinched for space. If you are planting a hedge, plant 30cm apart. If you want a thick hedge, plant a double row 50cm apart row in a zigzag with about 40–45cm gap between each tree. Trees need plenty of water in the beginning, so be careful to water well during dry periods. Always protect young saplings with eco tree guards, especially in urban areas where accidentally damage may occur from pedestrians or playing children, and in wild areas where they are likely to be eaten by wildlife. For more information on how to plant trees, check out the woodland trust website.
Happy Planting! 🌳 🌳 🌳
Chloe & GreenFriends UK
