Choose the right family tree 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 6 m

Alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus)

Alder Buckthorn is a lovely stand-alone shrub or a fantastic addition to a hedgerow, which can be trimmed or left to grow. It is particularly great for pollinators: the food plant of the Brimstone butterfly and attractive to a wide range of insects. In the autumn, it produces berries that begin red then turn black, and which provide important food for birds.

Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana)

A shrub or small tree with large green leaves that is mainly found on chalky soils, and therefore right at home in the Chilterns. Its name comes from the fact that it often grows near countryside paths. It sports umbels of beautiful white flowers in May, followed by red/black berries (which are not good to eat).

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 cms per year to a height of 12 m. 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.

Osier Willow (Salix viminalis)

Osier Willow is notable for its very narrow leaves and rapid growth – up to 1.5 metres in a single year. It is a good source of food and shelter for wildlife, and prefers to grow on wet ground. It is also called basket willow because its long bendy stems can be weaved
together with ease.

Up to 12 m

Hazel (Corylus avellana)

Hazel is one of the most useful trees for its bendy stems and as a conservation saviour. And its nuts are loved by people, squirrels and hazel dormice. It can grow as a single tree or multi-stem “coppice”. Hazel sports male catkins from December to April, enlivening an otherwise drab time of year.

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 grow to 15m in height and can live for 200 years. They are 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.

Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Is an evergreen tree, ideal for larger hedging and growing up to an eventual 15m. The 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. It is very hardy and particularly suited to urban environments as it copes well with air pollutants.

Up to 17 m

Yew (Taxus baccata)

Noted for its slow growth and toxic red berries, this native evergreen tree favours chalky soils that abound in the Chilterns. Think carefully where you plant it because it can live for 1,000 years! It has been planted for centuries in churchyards, parks, formal gardens and hedges.

Silver Birch (Betula pendula)

Is a striking medium-sized deciduous tree with whitish bark. It is fast-growing, hardy and can reach a mature height of 25m. It has slender drooping branches and catkins. It improves soil quality and provides food and habitat for over 300 insect species and birds. There are many examples growing successfully in Marlow and it is especially tolerant to car pollution, so ideal for front gardens.

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.

Bird Cherry (Prunus padus)

Bird cherry is a beautiful blossom tree known for its profusion of sweet-smelling white flowers in spring. It bears bitter black berries that are eaten only by birds, hence its name – though they can also be used to make liqueur.

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

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.