20/02/2025
We often get asked what kind of urban trees we plant, so here are some of the top tree species we strategically select, and why they’re fit for purpose.
🍐 Ornamental Pear (Pyrus calleryana Chanticleer): This resilient little tree grows about 12 meters tall and is a conical shape, making it perfect for narrow streets.
🍁 Field Maple (Acer campestre): The UK’s only true native maple, though the ones often planted in streets are bred specifically to better survive urban environments. They suit almost any soil type and can deal with times of drought - a real asset in hot weather.
🐦 Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba): In urban areas, ginkgos rarely grow above 30 metres, and can endure extreme weather temperatures and disease. Although they aren’t providing our native critters with much sustenance, their strong branches make great homes for birds and squirrels. (Image below shows Ginkgos we planted in 2002)
🐞 Small Leafed Lime (Tilia cordata): This is a fantastic option for pollinators. It is loved by aphids, who in turn are loved by predators such as ladybirds and some bird species. For us humans, the flowers can be used for tea and the young leaves are also edible!
🌳 Disease-resistant Elms: Ulmus procera were once a common sight in our towns and cities, but Dutch elm disease had wiped the majority of them out. Fortunately, disease-resistant cultivars have been around for many years and elms are becoming a more common sighting.
