100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee

Refer A Friend And Get 20% Off*

Our Customers Rate Our Excellent Service

Track your order through my orders

Most Popular

Date Added

Price (Low-High)

Price (High-Low)

Review Rating

Loading...

How to choose your garden trees

Scale is the most useful starting point when choosing trees: match the eventual size to your space at the outset and you will spend less time managing it and more time enjoying it.Browse by size in trees for small gardens if space is the primary constraint, or filter by soil type if your conditions are limiting. The FAQs below cover whether to choose ornamental or fruit, how long trees take to establish and what to plant for year-round interest.

What are the best trees for small UK gardens?

The best trees for small UK gardens are compact or slow-growing varieties suited to restricted spaces. Prunus incisa 'Kojo-No-Mai' reaches around 1.5–2m with delicate spring blossom and good autumn colour. For productive small gardens, patio fruit trees on dwarfing rootstocks stay under 2m and grow well in large containers.

What is the difference between ornamental and fruit trees?

The difference between ornamental and fruit trees is primarily purpose: ornamental trees are grown for blossom, bark texture or autumn colour, while fruit trees are chosen for their crop. Some overlap well; crab apples produce ornamental spring blossom and persistent autumn fruits that are useful for jelly and to support wildlife.

How long does a garden tree take to establish?

Most pot-grown garden trees establish within one to two growing seasons when planted into well-prepared soil and given adequate watering in the first summer. Bare root trees, planted during dormancy between November and March, often establish more quickly because root disturbance is minimal.

Which trees provide year-round interest in a garden?

Trees providing year-round interest combine two or more seasonal features. Betula utilis 'Jacquemontii' offers striking white bark through winter. Cercidiphyllum japonicum delivers autumn fragrance and colour. Crab apples such as Malus 'Red Sentinel' hold berries into winter, supporting wildlife through the colder months.

Can I grow a tree in a pot?

Yes, many trees grow well in pots provided the container is large enough and watering is consistent. Patio fruit trees on dwarfing rootstocks are specifically bred for container cultivation and remain compact at under 2m. Use a loam-based compost, choose a pot of at least 45cm diameter and feed annually in spring.

Sign Up For Exclusive Special Offers

Get exclusive discounts, new product notifications and hints, tips and more!

JOIN NOW
RedEye
X

Thompson & Morgan Gardening App

Our full range of products are now available right at your fingertips. Browse everything from flowers and house plants through to fruit and vegetables at ease on your mobile device.

To download our app simply scan the QR code below:

QR code to download the thompson & Morgan App

Sign up for exclusive offers!