Tree planting & Hedge planting in Glasgow & beyond...

Tom provides a tree planting and hedge planting service in the Glasgow area throughout the year. The best time to plant trees and hedges is during the dormant season over the winter, but both trees and hedges are supplied as bare-root and root-ball plants.

What type of hedge to choose? 

There are a number of different considerations when choosing a hedge, whether you are based in Glasgow or elsewhere. Costlier hedges are the slower-growing species - Yew, Box and Holly. However these hedges are nicely dense and evergreen. Other evergreen hedges include faster-growing Laurel and Cypress. The last two evergreen hedges only need cut once per year, an advantage when it comes to maintaining the hedges, but be aware that Cypress hedges must be kept in check as you cannot trim into brown growth as the hedge increases in size - the brown growth never re-greens and so can end up looking ugly.

Alternatives to evergreen hedges are marcescent hedges like Beech and Hornbeam hedges. Both of these species survive perfectly well in Glasgow, only need trimming once per year, and hold onto their brown leaves over the winter, providing a year-round screen.

Privet hedges are common-place, are semi-evergreen, and are affordable. They are robust and easy to grow, require three trims a year to keep them tidy, and provide nice dense cover.

A more rustic hedge is a ‘mixed’ or ‘farmer’s’ hedge. These are generally a mix of a few species such as Hawthorn, Beech and Holly. They only need cutting once per year and are intended to have a slightly looser appearance. Great for wildlife, these hedges are perfect for larger gardens or ones focused on wildlife. They are my favourite hedges.

What type of tree for my garden?

There is a huge choice in species of tree available. I like Crab Apples and ornamental Pears (such as Chanticleer) for their three seasons of interest - flowers, leaves, and autumn colour. Hawthorn are great for wildlife and not too big, and Birch are a popular choice who are happy in variety of environments. However, if you have space, I would encourage you to plant a tree that will grow big, as not enough big trees get planted these days. Think Oak or Horse Chestnut, for example, but do research how much space you will require.

Tom Angel works as a garden designer, garden consultant and landscape gardener in the Glasgow area. Amongst other services Tom supplies and plants a wide range of trees and plants, and his consultancy services include advice on Japanese Knotweed removal. Tom is based Glasgow.