Choose the right family trees for you

When planting trees you have to think of the long term, and in urban areas of your neighbours as well as yourself. We hope our notes help you decide what could be the “right tree in the right place” for you. Species are listed in from smallest to tallest eventual height. The ones nearer the bottom will require larger gardens.

Up to 8 m

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

Also known as Quickthorn or May, this small native hawthorn has many ancient associations and is mostly seen in country hedgerows. However, it also does well as a standalone tree, displaying small white, fragrant flowers in May and June, followed by abundant red fruits during the autumn, which are much loved by wild birds.

Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)

An ornamental deciduous tree which provides colour across all four seasons. A great choice for the smaller garden, growing around 20 cm a year. It can live for 100 years. They establish very quickly and are easy to care for and are great for bees and butterflies. The fruits can be turned into jelly or left as important winter food for birds.

Cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera)

The Cherry plum is a shrub or small tree noted for its early flowering, even in February. Also known as the Myrobalan Plum, it comes from central Asia and has been cultivated in Britain since the 16th century. It carries occasional spines, and its red or yellow fruit are good for birds or jam.

Goat, or Pussy Willow (Salix caprea)

One of our native willows, this makes a small, rounded tree. Its alternative name of pussy willow comes from its silver-white, furry catkins, which open to
yellow in spring, and due to which this tree has been loved by generations of children. It is often associated with Easter. It does best in damp soils and should not be planted close to buildings.

Up to 12 m

Mountain Ash or Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

It is a very attractive deciduous ornamental tree with white spring flowers and then orange/red berries. Mature trees can live for 200 years. It is great for bees and insects and the berries can be turned into jam or left for the birds. It is tolerant to atmospheric pollution and is hardy again, with many successful examples in Marlow.

Whitebeam (Sorbus aria)

Whitebeam is native to southern England and is especially found on calcareous soils, so an excellent choice for Marlow. It displays attractive white flowers in spring followed by red berries in the autumn. The leaves are green above and white below. Unless pruned, mature whitebeams can throw a dense shade when in full leaf.

Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Is an evergreen tree, slow-growing, but eventually reaching a significant size, forming a dense canopy of shiny leaves. It can grow in shade. Female trees have white flowers and lovely red berries which are very attractive, particularly at Christmas and feed birds in the Winter/early Spring seasons.

Up to 17 m

Field Maple (Acer campestre)

This is a medium, deciduous, native tree, most notable for the striking autumn colours its small leaves can display. It has yellow/green flowers, is wind pollinated, producing the two-winged seeds which aid dispersal.

Silver Birch (Betula pendula)

Is a striking medium-sized deciduous tree with whitish bark. It is fast-growing and hardy, with slender, drooping branches and catkins. It provides food and habitat for over 300 insect species and birds. There are many examples growing successfully in Marlow and it is especially tolerant of car pollution, so ideal for front gardens.

Alder (Alnus glutinosa)

Alders are wonderful hosts to a wide range of wildlife. They have a conical shape and can thrive in urban environments, though its natural habitat is boggy land and river banks. It can grow quickly in its early years, putting on more than a metre in a single season.

Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)

One of the most attractive of our native, woodland trees, this medium to large, rounded tree is one of the parents of most European cultivated cherries,
though its own fruits tend to be bitter. It displays white flowers in spring, and its foliage turns red or gold in autumn.

Up to 22 m

English Oak (Quercus robur)

The Oak is probably the most majestic of our native trees, eventually becoming a large, imposing, broadly oval tree, heavy-limbed and long-lived. It is a great host for wildlife and its acorns are hidden and distributed by forgetful Jays. Oak should be planted only where there is ample space for its branches above and extensive root system below.