Shrub, bush, or tree?
Shrubs, bushes, and trees are the basis for your garden. No two trees are the same. What do you need to think about when choosing plants for your garden? Ask yourself a few simple questions to make the decision easier.
Patience is a virtue
Hardy shrubs, bushes, and trees are the basis for your garden. A shrub or bush needs time to reach its full potential.Fruit trees often bear fruit after only two to four years. As such, you need to have the patience to let them mature. There are some fast-growing trees and shrubs, such as the butterfly bush and maple tree. These can give you a faster green effect. Don’t plant fast growing trees or shrubs too close to property boundaries.
Things to consider when choosing a tree or shrub
Some things you need to consider when purchasing and planting trees and shrubs:
- How fast does it grow?
- How high can it get?
- How much shade does it create?
- Will its growth extend beyond the boundaries?
- Will it produce fruit?
- Will the colour and flowering time match my garden?
- How much and how often will I have to prune?
- How many leaves, petals, and how much fruit will fall off?
Low maintenance
If you opt for a suitable tree or shrub, it will require relatively little maintenance. Once the roots are well established in the garden, there’s fairly little to do. Sometimes they might benefit from a little extra feed or lime in the ground, but frequently they will survive just fine, especially if you have chosen plants that are native and suitable for the soil type.
Pruning
Many trees and shrubs need to be pruned regularly, especially if you don’t want them taking over your garden. Fruit trees are usually pruned immediately after harvest. For other trees, autumn is the best time. Shrubs are best pruned in the spring. Every tree and shrub needs to be pruned in a different way and at a different time, so make sure you know what’s best for your plant.
Take maintenance into account when making your final decision, and keep a garden planner up to date so that you know when to prune.
