10 Great trees for English gardens

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​When creating an authentic English garden all landscape elements must be considered carefully.

This is particularly the case with trees as they can make up the main structure of the planting design. In English gardens trees provide height and screening as well as fruits and seasonal colour. Trees can also add a functional element helping to define walkways and soften buildings.

​In this article I list 10 trees which have typically and historically been celebrated within traditional English gardens. 

1. Apples

Apple trees have always been a common sight in English villages and rural gardens for centuries. Historically Apples were grown for producing cooking apples and for the fermentation of cider. These fruit trees were highly valued and were eventually bred into many different varieties. Some of the oldest English apple varieties are the tastiest and most versatile. Although a great fruit crop apple trees are also favoured for their blossom and compact form within English gardens. 
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​2. Silver birch

Also referred to as (Betula pendula), Silver birch tre­es have been native to England since ancient times. These trees are are especially favoured for their stunning trunks which have a stunning white bark with striped pattern. This tree has a long history of self seeding across Britain as it has light airborne seeds. Although beautiful this tree is extremely hardy and tolerant of most growing conditions. During autumn its small leaves create the most magnificent golden yellow colour. 

​3. Contorted Hazel

​Hazel trees have been ingrained within English folklore and legend for millennia. These trees were originally valued for their  long shoots which were perfect for making arrows. These trees have also been highly selectively bred in England for their nuts. the cob nut was grown extensively as a reliable nut crop with their orchards being one common. This contorted variety may not be much good for arrow making but can look stunning within a modern English garden. 
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​4. Magnolia

Magnolias are famous for their large decorative leaves and stunning scented flowers. These trees are such a novelty piece and often add drama to English garden planting displays. Many English gardens love to incorporate seasonal displays to their planting schemes. This makes magnolias a great choice for decorating focal points and the front of buildings. Their flowers can also provide an exotic touch which has also long been celebrated within English garden designs. 
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​5. Cherry

Cherries are one of the most delicate and sophisticated fruits loved in desserts and for jam making. These small but productive trees have been celebrated within English orchards and gardens for centuries. Cherries were often trained against walled gardens to produce ripe and lush fruits which are still considered a delicacy. Cherries have also been loved historically for their exceptional spring blossom which can be quite ore inspiring!. Their compact size and exceptional good looks make them a must have in modern English gardens. 
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​6. Rowan

Also known as the 'Mountain Ash' Rowan trees have long been utilised within English gardens for their resilience and beauty. During early summer these trees produce clusters of small white flowers which create a decorative display. These are followed in Autumn by clusters bright red berries which look radiant and are also prized by local birds. Late in the season the leaves also provides an excellent display of seasonal colour. Rowans are also rather compact and more suitable for smaller English gardens. 
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7. ​Oak

The English Oak is one of the most celebrated and iconic trees in Britain. This tree has always been highly valued for its strong and indestructible timber. English Oak was primarily used to build the ships which sailed around the world in search of influence. These trees although slow growing have many attributes including an impressive form and decorative foliage. During autumn they produce thousands of acorns which  which are loved by local wildlife. Although large these trees are so iconic they certainly require consideration for larger English gardens. 

​8. Crab apple

Crab apple tre­es are a wonderful, smalle­r option compared to standard apple tree­s. In spring, they burst into bloom with gorgeous blossom displaying tones of pink and white. The­ir apples may not look as big as traditional apples but don't be fooled! Crab apples are very tasty and can be amazing in juice or for fermenting into cider! In Autumn birds and animals love to feast upon the ripe fruits. The fruits also have a high decorative value within their own right often clinging to stems after the leaves have fallen. 
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9. Sweet Chestnut

Sweet chestnut trees have featured in large country estates and English gardens for centuries. These trees are very much admired for their beautiful textured bark and romantic form. Originally brought to Britain for their amazing nut crop these trees are beautiful as they are productive. Sweet chestnuts have been used as a building and fencing material in England for many years. This is because the timber is very rot resistant and tolerant of outdoor conditions. This tree also makes great hedging and is perfect if you want edible nuts in your English garden. 

​10. Willow

The willow tre­e has long been a feature of the English landscape and is often seen on the edge of ponds and river banks. This tree is famous for its weeping and pendulous form and has a love of damp conditions. Although Willows do eventually become very large they can be pruned to keep them compact. This is typically done in the form of coppice and pollarding. These trees can be a great way to create screening or block bad views within English gardens. 
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Thank you for reading our article on 10 of the best trees for English gardens. Below I will link to some other articles you may also find useful. 

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