Secateurs – For small branches (under 1.5cm) Loppers – For mid-sized branches Pruning Saw – For larger or woody trimming redbud (Cercis chinensis 'Avondale') Summer Lightly thin and shape Avoid pruning into old wood

only Established maple Late summer Focus on thinning and deadwood removal Dead, damaged, or diseased wood Tools You’ll Need Before You Start Essential pruning tools laid out on a wooden garden table, ready for protection Personal safety Top Tip: Always disinfect tools between trees and after removing diseased wood framework, while mature maples usually need very little intervention beyond: removing dead or damaged wood Check the timing Summer reduces sap bleeding 2 Inspect the tree Identifies problem growth 3 Remove dead wood

Good for the environment – Growing your own reduces food miles and supports local biodiversity. Prune during the dormant season (November to early March) to shape the tree and remove dead or diseased wood

in summer and winter Wildlife support – Mix with berry- or blossom-rich trees to provide continuous food Native borders and hedgerows Silver Birch Betula pendula Light canopy and striking bark Texture-rich or woodland canopy Shares value to native wildlife Bowhayes Trees tip: Use as a background tree in native schemes or woodland-edge Why it works with Hawthorn: Creates canopy contrast without crowding Provides food for hundreds of insect Are Hawthorn trees good for wildlife?

In our experience, successful planting comes down to correct timing, good soil preparation, and careful our experience at Bowhayes Trees, hawthorn trees flower most reliably when planted in full sun with good Good soil preparation encourages strong root development. feed birds such as thrushes and blackbirds Pollinator support – blossom attracts bees and insects The Woodland In our experience, the most successful plantings follow the same core principles: correct depth, good

Just ensure you use a sturdy container with good drainage and refresh the compost annually to keep your (Prunus avium) Blossom for bees, cherries for birds Spring blossom, glossy bark Naturalised areas, woodland early pollinators, supports wetland biodiversity Yellow catkins in spring Damp or riverside gardens Woodland Trees such as Japanese Maple, Bay Laurel, and Dwarf Apple Trees thrive in large pots with good drainage Their blossom and berries provide food and shelter throughout the seasons.

Mulching for Root Protection Mulching is one of the most beneficial winter tasks for woody plants. creamy-white berries, and semi-evergreen foliage, this cotoneaster provides valuable winter structure and food Winter Hedge Care Although heavy pruning is best left until late winter, December is a good moment to Pruning apples and pears, checking stakes, and giving tools a seasonal clean also keep your garden in good

widespread than alkaline soils, and can be found making up large areas of heathland and coniferous woodland areas characterised by chalky terrain, notable examples being the North and South Downs, Yorkshire Wolds foliage and vivid berries, hawthorn thrives in neutral soil environments, flourishing along hedgerows and woodland European Beech thrives in neutral to slightly acidic soils and adds a touch of elegance to woodlands To Alkalise Soil (for acidic soils): Apply lime or wood ash cautiously to elevate soil pH, ensuring careful

The Woodland Trust helps homeowners select the right tree for their specific space and soil conditions currants Pollinator-friendly plants to increase biodiversity Magnolia blooms provide an early-season food For more on wildlife appeal, see our blog: Are Magnolia Trees Good for Wildlife & Pollinators?

Birch trees grow best in cool, moist soil with good drainage and plenty of light. Maintain a good mulch layer to keep soil cool and reduce moisture loss. Maintaining good watering, mulching, and general tree health is the most effective defence against both early leaf drop Remove fallen leaves Root stress Yellowing, dieback Improve watering and mulch The Woodland

Maintain a good mulch layer to keep soil cool and reduce water loss. Maintaining good overall health through watering and mulching is the best prevention. soil pressure For a broader look at tree pests and diseases affecting trees across the UK, see the Woodland Trees Long Term Beech trees are long-lived and rewarding when given the right year-round care, and good

option for your project — whether you’re planning a small garden feature, a large-scale hedge, or a woodland If you’re aiming for hedging, woodland, or large-scale screening, bare-root options deliver the best For expert guidance, visit the Woodland Trust’s guide to the best trees for wildlife. They also provide valuable food and shelter for wildlife, helping birds and pollinators thrive through No matter your planting goals — privacy, colour, food, or wildlife — choosing the right tree type makes