Although the Royal Horticultural Society advises that planting new trees and shrubs is best done between the months of October and April, it is worth remembering that spring can also be an optimal time for planting trees and sprucing up your tree care regime.
Trees planted during spring will have more time to establish their roots, will be able to grow more and will be better equipped to cope during warmer weather. The types of trees that benefit most from a spring planting are those that have been container-grown or balled and burlapped trees.
For best results, trees should be planted before budbreak, although planting past budbreak my still yield beneficial results for some. It is worth noting, that any tree could technically be planted at any time of year so long as the proper techniques and care are administered.
If you’re thinking about getting out in the garden and getting some planting done, here’s a list of our favourite trees, bushes and plants that tend to bode well with a spring planting.
Japanese Flowering Cherry Tree
Cherry blossoms themselves are harbingers of spring. They usually signify a break in the relentless cold of winter and nod to longer days and warm nights. By planting in spring you can ensure that the cherry tree’s delicate roots have time to strengthen ahead of those inevitable chillier days.
Crab Apple Tree Sapling
Characterized by small, bitterly pungent fruits, crab apple trees are one of Britain’s native trees, and it performs well in climates with cold winters and heavy soil. These ‘jewels of the landscape’ can be planted any time of the year. Containerised crab apples should be planted any time after the last spring frost until a few weeks before the ground freezes. Bare root crab apple trees, however, should only be planted in spring.
Evergreen Trees
Not just for Christmas, these hearty, deeply vibrant trees can be enjoyed year round and most bode well with a spring planting. Our Holly Trees are just one of many evergreens that can be delivered to your door. The Alaksa Holly’s glossy dark green leaves contrast nicely with its stark white flowers in spring and crimson berries in winter. Since it prefers moist soil, spring is an optimum time for planting. April showers don’t just bring May flowers; they also bring Christmas berries!
Wildflowers
Their vibrant mix of flowers produces a striking array of colour, enlivening any garden. Choose from two wildflower mixes—a Love in a Bag seed gift set bursting with red and pink flowers or a Sunshine in a Bag seed gift set filled with a variety of yellow flowers.
Oak trees
Robust and strong, the mighty oak tree is a staple of any stretch of English countryside. A tree with such an affinity for strength and endurance can certainly stand up to changeable spring weather. The oak is hardy and tolerant of all conditions and can be planted in spring.
The humble Orange is the jack of all trades in the citrus family! Its juice is used to boost the immune system, or as a base for many cocktails. Its flesh can be candied or used in jams, chutneys and marmalade’s. In segments, the orange can add a festive touch to green salads and it can be spritzed over chicken or baked with cinnamon. Extremely versatile and one of the most popular fruits, it can withstand being planted in spring.
Olive Trees
Popular in sparse, slightly arid Mediterranean climates, olive trees are surprisingly adaptable and perform well if planted in spring just after the last frost. A spring planting gives them ample time to acclimatise before the onslaught of cold weather.
Walnut trees
Walnut trees can be as big as oak trees and they do best areas of direct sun or minimal shading. Frost can damage walnut trees, so a spring planting well past the last expected frost would be optimal. Bare rooted walnut trees prefer a winter planting, but containerised walnut trees can thrive if planted in spring with a little attention and care.
Pear trees
Juicy yet with a semi-firm flesh and tough skin, pear trees yield fruit that is both hardy and delicate. With a range of varieties all yielding a slightly different taste, it’s hard for pear lovers to choose a favourite species. No matter the species, though, potted pear trees can be planted year round and most do particularly well in spring.
The lowly grape, giver of wine. Our Lakemont Grape Vines yield a delicately juicy white grape that is ready for eating straight from the vine in September. It is hardy and durable, dormant in the winter, but thrives in spring and summer. Planting in spring will ensure it is ready to enter dormancy later in the year.
