{"title":"Evergreen Tree Saplings and Hedging Plants","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"norway-spruce-picea-abies","title":"Norway Spruce (Picea abies)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Norway Spruce (Picea abies) bare root tree saplings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe transplants on this page are 4 year old plants, two years field growing in the seedbed and then transplanted (and spaced out to access more nutrients and water) for a further two growing season giving a tall, stocky, bushy plant.  They are only sold in the bare root season - November to April each year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNorway Spruce (Picea abies) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNorway Spruce thought to originate in Scandinavia but common throughout Northern and Central Europe is quick growing, hardy and suitable for most free draining soils.  It is pyramid shaped with stiff branches covered in short dark green needles and have a light scent. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was the popular variety of Christmas tree (introduced by Prince Albert) until \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/nordmann-fir-abies-nordmanniana\"\u003eNordmann Fir\u003c\/a\u003e's superior non-drop needles took over to an extent, though there are still very many Norway Spruce grown for Christmas.  As a tree that can reach up to 40m, it’s too big for most gardens but is great for timber with a fast-growing tall straight trunk, has been planted for forestry for at least a century and the timber is used as a building material (joists, beams etc) and for paper making.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny free draining soil anywhere in the UK including the far north as it is fully acclimatised to Scandinavia from where it originates, but with a preference for acidic, moisture retentive soils. They grow well in shade and dont do as well in dry, sunny situations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers, fruit and bark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe coniferous needles are short, square shaped and with pointed tips.  It is fully evergreen with the needles holding well on the tree all year round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMale flowers are clusters of stamens which appear to be yellow in spring when they are covered in pollen.  There are also female flowers which tend to be at the top of the tree.  The “fruit” is a large hanging cone with diamond shaped scales – seeds are released from these cones in Spring and ripe cones are very popular with squirrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is grey and peels off in sheets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost Norway Spruce trees will easily reach 20-30m, and 40m in good conditions.  They are fast growing at about 1m pa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Norwegian Spruce and Common Spruce - Pinacaea family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-30cm \/ 4yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801729728859,"sku":"Picea abies","price":2.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684144492-50943600_45be2a4b-69a9-4c41-bdb2-24a603a15020.jpg?v=1770027437"},{"product_id":"scots-pine-pinus-sylvestris","title":"Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) bare root trees\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have Pinus sylvestris bare root tree saplings in several sizes and specifications.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003eThe 1U1 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were planted from seed in the spring and instead of being sold in the following November to April period they are kept in situ in our fields and grown on for a further year or longer which makes a strong bushy plant. Their roots are trimmed underground after the first year to encourage a fibrous root system and bushy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe also have Pinus sylvestris transplants which begin as one year old whips which are lifted, have their roots trimmed  by hand to encourage bushy growth and are then planted back out for one or more growing seasons in a different area of our fields at lower density to give each plant more space, nutrients and water.  1+1 means a one year seedling then transplanted back out again for a further year.  1+2 means it's been transplanted out again for a further two years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eScots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScots Pine was crowned as the national tree of Scotland in 2014. It’s the only native pine to the UK and one of only three native conifers along with Yew\u003ca href=\"\/products\/english-yew-taxus-baccata-v2\"\u003e \u003c\/a\u003eand Juniper (we don't sell Juniper). These trees are found in abundance in the Scottish Highlands as well as less abundantly elsewhere, and provide a natural habitat that is of great benefit to local wildlife including rare species like red squirrels, the capercaillie and the Scottish wildcat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScots pine trees are magnificent, very long living trees (up to 700 years’ old and the older trees are sometimes called “granny pines”.  They have a tall, bare trunk topped by a pyramidal crown. It is said that they \"pine for the sky\" and they shed their lower branches as they grow giving them a top heavy appearance and bare lower trunk. The shape of Scots Pine trees depends where it grows and how isolated it is from others. In a plantation and genetically selected for timber, it grows fast and straight but when growing alone on a windy hillside, it develops a wide cloud-like canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey provide timber which is one of the strongest softwoods used in construction and joinery. It is the most widespread and commerically important of the UK's three native conifers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWildlife friendliness\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very important tree species for biodiversity.  A recent study by the James Hutton Institute highlighted that 23 separate tree species would be needed to support just 41$ of the biodiversity that is supported by Scots Pine.  Diseases and climate changes present a threat to this invaluable species.  The study found that 1,589 species within the UK use Scots Pine for either living or feeding on - 17 birds, 130 bryophytes, 539 fungi, 420 invertibrates, 468 lichens and 15 mammals are obligates meaning they depend exclusively on Scots Pine for survival. The researchers then compared the non-obligate species against 47 other tree species to see what percentage of the Scots pine associated biodiversity they could support. Their findings show that the most promising alternative species were sessile\/pedunculate oak, Beech, silver\/downy birch all supported 15% of Scots pine associated biodiversity but a total of 23 alternative tree species would be needed to support just 41% of the Scots pine biodiversity which underlines the importance of protecting this vital species and the ecosystems it supports.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrier heathland, woodlands and forests away from the coast but sometimes also planted in parks and large gardens where it provides a stunning evergreen presence. Scots Pine prefers full sun.  It is frost hardy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers, fruit and bark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScots Pine does not require insect pollination but supports a wide range of insects. The needles are short, blue green (bluer in younger trees) and in pairs with a gentle twist.  There are male and female flowers on the same tree.  Female red\/purple flowers develop into rounded, brown pine cones with a knobbly bit at the middle of each scale.  The bark is reddish-brown - some say \"squirrel red\" and which can be more deeply orange coloured nearer the top of the tree. Scots pines give off a musky scent in early summer.  The egg shaped cones open in fair weather and close in rain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt produces fine light timber. with a pink grain.  The world's tallest completely wooden building is a church in Russia built after 1714 with 22 onion-domes and a height of more than 100 feet, it was constructed from Scots pine logs without using a single nail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is initially a striking orange\/brown colour, later in mature trees turning greyish\/brown and peeling off in long strips\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate of Pinus sylvestris\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEventual height can be 20-30m and growth rate is modest – 30-60cm pa. Pinus sylvestris trees are very long living, up to 700 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePinacaea family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801729991003,"sku":"Pinus sylv 2040 1U1","price":1.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684145844-15137100_bb77d319-a36f-4e86-8742-ad8cdd1ac64b.jpg?v=1770027436"},{"product_id":"sitka-spruce-picea-sitchensis","title":"Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12px; line-height: 107%; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eSitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) Summary\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12px; line-height: 107%; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eSitka Spruce makes up about half of all commercial forestry plantations in the UK.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eIt’s very quick to mature (about 30 years whereas an Oak tree will be closer to 100 years).\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eIt’s a relatively new introduction to Britain (from Sitka in Alaska) less than 200 years ago. It is the most important building and construction timber in Europe and is used for making flooring, joinery, plywood, pallets and fencing amongst many other construction applications. It’s also used in making musical instruments as it has regular knot-free rings which makes it an excellent conductor of sound.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 107%; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;\"\u003eSitka spruce performs well on damp, deep, moist, well drained, peaty soils, but it will still grow fast on poor soils.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;\"\u003eIt is commonly found in in western elevated sites in Scotland, Wales and to a lesser degree in England.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 107%; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eLeaves, Flowers and Fruit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;\"\u003eFlattened needles are evergreen, straight and surprisingly prickly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;\"\u003eIt has male and female flowers on the same tree.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;\"\u003eThe female flowers develop into cones which are pale cream, turning light brown and the seeds are dispersed by wind.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 107%; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;\"\u003eSitka Spruce is a very tall tree, one of the largest conifers in the world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;\"\u003eIt would normally reach about 50m but can be up to 100m. It is very fast growing – about 1.5m pa.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003ePinacaea family.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2 year","offer_id":52220696625499,"sku":null,"price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2 year","offer_id":51801730875739,"sku":"Picea sitch 4060","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1656495797-54219900_eac85132-2eff-4786-b2be-6a7c7d9e0cea.jpg?v=1770027442"},{"product_id":"douglas-fir-pseudotsuga-menziesii","title":"Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Douglas Fir bare root trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Douglas Fir bare root trees in several sizes and specifications.  They are grown from seed and take 2 or more years to become viable plants.  The 1U1 specification are sown into seed beds and then left in situ for two full growing seasons before they are lifted ready to be sold. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also have Douglas Fir transplants which begin as one year old bare root trees (grown from seed in one growing season) which are lifted, have their roots trimmed to encourage bushy growth and are then planted back out for one year (that would then be a 1+1) or more likely two further years (that would be a 1+2) and they are planted out at lower density than in the seed bed to give each plant more space, nutrients and water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDouglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough a non-native, Douglas Fir was introduced to the UK from North America in 1827 by David Douglas, a botanist.  It’s a very long living tree (up to 1000 years) and grows to 50m+.  Evergreen, coniferous, and of great importance in commercial forestry – it is used to make timber beams, decking, furniture, flooring etc and of course, it’s also a popular Christmas tree variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDouglas Fir likes wetter soils and is found on the western side of the UK in forests and mixed woodlands. It is shade tolerant but also grows well in full sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of Douglas Fir are soft green needles and are arranged around the stem in a circle.  They are green on the top and white stripey underneath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers and fruit are both male and female cones, on the same tree.  The female cones are wind pollinated and change colour from yellow, through pink to brown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 50m+ Douglas Fir is the tallest tree found in the UK and it is fast growing, hence its suitability for commercial forestry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Oregan Pine and Columbian Pine.  Pinaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801731727707,"sku":"Pseudotsuga 2040 1U1","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683966660-27141100_fba6ec9f-72fa-4244-bf1d-286bc8808059.jpg?v=1770027448"},{"product_id":"wild-privet-ligustrum-vulgare","title":"Privet - Wild (Ligustrum vulgare)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Wild Privet bare root plants (Ligustrum vulgare)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have bare root Wild Privet in several specifications.  The 1+1, 2 year old transplants are grown from seed in the first year and then they are lifted, the roots are trimmed to encourage bushy growth, and they are planted back out into a different area of the field, with much wider spacing (so that they can access more nutrients and water) and grown on for a further full growing season ie they are two years old.  We sell them when they are in dormant season from November to April. All these plants are grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWild Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivet has a reputation as a somewhat boring suburban hedge but the variety we grow is the wild, native one and has a great deal to recommend it though it should not be used where animals graze (especially horses).  It is one of the few evergreen species of hedging plant (it is virtually evergreen and only loses its leaves in particularly cold winters or in particularly exposed sites), which gives wildlife winter protection, and it grows well in shade, even dense shade.  On top of that, it has a tendency to root where it’s stems touch the ground, so it bulks up to form a thicket, has white flowers (pungent!) in summer and shiny black berries which are very bitter but are still popular with birds. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild privet responds well to trimming to provide a thick, semi-evergreen, hedge that provides good game cover in a woodland setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild Privet grows throughout lowland Britain, on any soils other than waterlogged soil, and does particularly well on chalk, lighter soils with some moisture. It has a vigorous and fibrous root system that grows well in its ideal soils but will tolerate dry, poor conditions, pollution, salty and windswept sites. It grows well in full sun, partial shade and deeper shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are like the suburban Common privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium which originates from Japan) but longer and narrower, oval, dark green, and quite shiny, held opposite each other on pale brown shoots. The leaves are the main food stuff for the privet hawk moth.  Flowers are creamy white held in large clusters and very pungent.  Fruits are small black berries, popular with thrushes and other birds but extremely poisonous to humans and livestock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is smooth, light brown on young shoots, becoming darker and duller with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note – although this plant is described as “virtually evergreen” it does defoliate when lifted from our fields so is likely to be delivered without leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLigustrum vulgare would grow to about 6m if left unpruned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOleaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801734906203,"sku":"Lig vulgare 2040 1+1","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801734971739,"sku":"Ligustrum vul 4060 1+1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801735004507,"sku":"Ligustrum vul 6080 1+1","price":1.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"80-100cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801735037275,"sku":"Ligustrum vul 80100 1+1","price":1.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684147598-41019400_fe867a0e-1951-4f8b-8b39-fcea830dc15f.jpg?v=1770027476"},{"product_id":"holly-ilex-aquifolium","title":"Holly (Ilex aquifolium)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Holly plants (Ilex aquifolium)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plants we offer are grown in P9 pots a bit bigger than a small yogurt pot so the roots are slightly bigger but still are very easy to plant with the notch planting method. We source these plants from a leading grower and we deliver them along with our own bare root plants so all will come out to you together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe do not grow bare root holly - it can be done but germination in open fields is very poor and we find the bare root growing method doesn't make very good plants so we'd rather not grow it ourselves or offer it to our customers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHolly (Ilex aquifolium) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the very few native evergreen hedging plants and a great addition to a mixed native hedgerow or oak, beech or mixed woodland to provide some very dense, prickly winter habitat for wildlife.  Unfortunately the very spiky nature of the leaves makes it difficult for hedge layers to cope with. For berrying, it is important to have several holly plants (or be close enough to other holly trees or shrubs) because there are male and female plants and pollination of the female plants is needed to produce berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHolly does not do well as a field grown (bare root) plant.  It is very difficult to germinate and needs controlled growing conditions (ie indoor) so we grow our own holly plants in an unheated glasshouse in 9cm pots (P9's).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great attribute of Holly is that it will grow well in shade and hence is suitable as a woodland shrub as well as a hedging plant.  Any well drained soil is suitable with a preference for neutral, moist soil.  It does reasonably well at the coast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHolly leaves are small, very prickly, dark green and glossy.  New growth is particularly prickly but has adapted so that leaves are only prickly where they are within reach of browsing animals (although they can be used as cattle fodder in harsh winters) so those at the top of the hedge or tree are generally quite smooth edged.  Although evergreen, that does not mean that leaves do not fall off (just that it happens very gradually and there are always plenty of green leaves on the plant) and holly leaf litter is a very good nesting site for hedgehogs and small mammals.  Although suitable for cattle to eat, we do not recommend for horses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlowers are small, white, inconspicuous but after insect pollination develop into the bright red berries with which we are all familiar, and which can stay on the plant for many weeks.  Mistle thrushes are particularly fond of holly berries but they are an excellent food source for a wide range of birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHolly is a single sex plant so male and female plants must be grown reasonably close together to obtain the berries and if berried foliage is required for the Christmas trade, trees should be netted in autumn to prevent bird damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is smooth and matures from dark green to grey green.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wood is very hard, white in colour and fine grained so it is good for turning and inlaying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual Height \u0026amp; Growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature trees can grow up to 15 metres in height, although Holly can easily be kept to hedgerow height. Holly is quite slow growing but can form quite large trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Pot grown","offer_id":51801736413531,"sku":"Ilex 3040 P9","price":3.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684143651-36379700_7b562667-fce6-4309-9a6f-ce36a3b8f915.jpg?v=1770027486"},{"product_id":"nordmann-fir-abies-nordmanniana","title":"Nordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Nordmann Fir bare root tree saplings (Abies nordmanniana)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2+1 transplants are 3 year old bare root plants, two years field growing in the seedbed and then transplanted (and spaced out to access more nutrients and water) for a further growing season giving a tall, stocky, bushy plant.  They are only sold in the bare root season - November to April each year.   Sometimes these are called Nordmann Fir seedlings but strictly speaking they ought to be called Nordmann Fir transplants.  Most people refer to them as Nordmann Fir bare root saplings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNordmann Fir (Abies nordmanniana) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNordmann Fir was introduced to the UK in the mid 1800’s and originally from the Western Caucasus (named after A. von Nordmann director of the Odessa botanical gardens) and now grown in all lowland areas of the UK in parks, large gardens, woodlands and on timber plantations.   This is the variety that has somewhat replaced \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/norway-spruce-picea-abies\"\u003ePicea abies\u003c\/a\u003e (Norway Spruce) as the UK’s favourite Christmas tree as it holds its needles better indoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s a large conifer growing up to 60m eventual height, with a typical Christmas tree shape – pyramidal with horizontal branches evenly spaced up the trunk.  Its form is narrow when young, broadening with age (don’t we all!).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNordmann Fir has a preference towards deep acidic or neutral, moist but well drained soils and does not do well on chalk, sandy or overly alkaline soils.  It is deep rooted and not suitable too close to paved areas.  Ideally plant Nordmann Fir in a sunny situation.  it grows well at high altitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers, fruit and bark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are narrow dark green evergreen needles, 2 – 3cm long with two white stripes underneath. In winter the buds turn reddish brown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnremarkable flowers appear in spring and develop into upright blue\/green cones before turning brown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark of Nordman Firs is smooth and grey, turning dark brown in mature trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst it has been known to grow to 60m in its natural habitat, in the UK it is more common to find Nordmann Fir trees maxing out at about 20m.  Growth rate is moderate, relatively slow in young trees but speeding up as the tree matures.  It broadens out with age to about 7 – 9m width.  For a conifer it is quite long living - up to 300 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Caucasian Fir or Nordmann Spruce.  Pinaceae family\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-30cm \/ 3yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801737265499,"sku":"Abies nord 2030 2+1","price":1.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684144349-65438700_0fe66f05-7027-4a1d-b321-3bade2ddcf59.jpg?v=1770027491"},{"product_id":"english-yew-taxus-baccata","title":"English Yew (Taxus baccata)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of bare root Yew (Taxus baccata) hedging plants and trees \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Taxus baccata bare roots in several sizes and specifications.  They begin life as hardwood cuttings.  They can be grown from seed but that doesnt give a good quality plant and makes them random in colour and shape whereas cutting grown plants have similarities which is important in what is primarily a hedging plant or a small tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the cuttings have been taken from top quality mother plants, they are planted out into open fields (at which point they are called transplants) and after 3 or 4 years, they are ready to be sold. This length of time to grow into saleable plants contrasts with many of the seed grown species we offer which are ready in just one or two years and it is the additional maintenance and care over several years that Taxus baccata plants need that accounts for the extra cost.  In addition to taking longer to grow, the spacing in the fields is generous to give them enough nutrients and water to grow bushy.   Most evergreen plants do not grow well as bare roots but Yew bare roots are an exception (along with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/box-hedging-buxus-sempervirens\"\u003eBox\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cherry-laurel-prunus-laurocerasus\"\u003eCherry Laure\u003c\/a\u003el and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/privet-common-ligustrum-ovalifolium\"\u003ePrivet\u003c\/a\u003e) and using bare roots is a fantastic way to get a superb evergreen hedge at the lowest possible cost, much cheaper than root balls or pots and already used to growing outdoors, all year round, in open fields with all that the UK weather throws at us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEnglish Yew (Taxus baccata) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaxus baccata is one of the very few native evergreen species suitable for woodlands and urban planting as either a tree, shrub or hedge – \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/holly-ilex-aquifolium\"\u003eHolly\u003c\/a\u003e is the other native evergreen species.  Taxus baccata can be pruned to a very sharp formal shape and as a relatively slow grower only needs to be trimmed once a year, or it can be allowed to grow as a natural shrub shape, allowed to grow as a conical shaped tree with a clear stem or it can be pruned into a soft but formal shape (cloud pruning).  Often called the King of Hedging it’s the most expensive hedging plant you can buy but bought bare root it becomes much more economical.  It is native to the north of the UK and Scandinavia and is very hardy so suitable for all regions of the UK.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaxus baccata plants do not like to stand in water so needs a well drained situation although occasional flooding can be tolerated and heavy clay soils are ideal.   It will grow very well in shade as well as sun.   It does need some moisture to get established so is not suitable for a very dry site. Yew grows well in shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are dark green conifer needles.  It does have flowers but they are inconspicuous.  Male flowers are small, yellow and shed pollen early in the year. Female flowers develop into red berry-like fruit known as an aril, and although poisonous to browsing animals (as are the leaves), they are eaten by wildlife when ripe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts wood, needles, bark and seeds are highly poisonous and yet taxol, the substances which makes them toxic, has been found to have beneficial effect in human cancer treatment.  The flesh of the red aril is edible but all other parts are highly toxic (probably better not to try eating any part of it!) although deer seem to be tolerant of the needles and birds can eat the seeds and thrushes in particular are very partial to the fleshy part of the seed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe red-brown bark and complex trunk and branches grow more intriguing with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves - small, dark green, flat, soft pointy blades with paler undersides - are in two messy rows either side of the twig, neither alternating nor opposite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe longbows of Robin Hood's time used both heartwood and sapwood for the maximum combination of tensile strength and flexibility.  Yew wood is very hard and long lasting.  Because it is so dense, it sinks in water so it was never used in ship\/boat building and also it has not been used as a building timber because each trunk is actually numerous shoots - but it is useful for stakes, fenceposts and gateposts, though great care must be taken when working with the wood due to its toxicity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaxus baccata is a very long living species and eventually would grow to a height of 20m. It has a reputation of being a slow grower but actually it grows by about 30cm pa (as long as you leave the central leader in place) if planted in full sun.  Yew trees are the longest living native tree species in Europe and can live up to 3000 years.  They are difficult to date because they do not produce a growth ring every year and all old yews are hollow in any event.  There is one at Perth and Kinross which is thought to be at least 2000 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaxus baccata can be coppiced which is unusual for a conifer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 4 yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801742704987,"sku":"Taxus 3040 2+2","price":2.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683967291-69999200_0f62f714-f9c7-4eb9-965e-c64b5773a036.jpg?v=1770027527"},{"product_id":"cherry-laurel-hedging-prunus-laurocerasus","title":"Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of bare root Cherry Laurel hedging plants (Prunus laurocerasus)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe best quality bare root Cherry Laurel hedging plants are grown from cuttings (off good quality established \"mother\" plants) rather than from seed and it takes at least two years to grow plants that are ready to be sold, with taller heights taking 3 years.  Bare root Cherry Laurel is only available in the November to April season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCherry laurel is one of the very few evergreen species that is suitable for growing as a bare root plant (others are \u003ca href=\"\/products\/english-yew-taxus-baccata\"\u003eYew\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/privet-common-ligustrum-ovalifolium\"\u003ePrivet\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/box-hedging-buxus-sempervirens\"\u003eBox\u003c\/a\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCherry Laurel is one of the most popular hedging plants in the UK and is used as an evergreen fast growing robust hedge available in several root types (we sell bare root and cell grown but it is also available as a root ball and pot grown plant - the latter two being considerably more expensive).  Its only disadvantages are that it is toxic to livestock and it has large leaves which hedge trimmers cut into which doesn’t leave the neatest finish – but it’s fast growth rate soon produces new foliage which conceals old cuts.   It can be trimmed to a formal hedge shape in which case it will become very dense or left to grow as a bushy shrub where it provides good cover for birds and is often used on pheasant shoots.  It is salt and pollution tolerant so ideal for more urban roadside areas as well as rural areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny acid to slightly alkaline soil, ideally consistently moist but well drained.  Cherry Laurel is ideally planted in sun but will tolerate even quite dense shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are alternate, very glossy, mid green on the surface and slightly lighter underneath, large (up to 15cm), leathery in texture with scattered teeth along the margins.  They are held on short stalks.  The flowers are creamy white cylindrical racemes which are popular with insects. These flowers turn into black “cherries” which, like the rest of the plant, are toxic to animals and livestock (they contain a cyanide type compound) but are eaten by birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor formal hedging the ideal height for cherry laurel would be 1.5m to 5m but if left unpruned, it will grow to 8m.  The growth rate is fast – about 60cm pa in good conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801743163739,"sku":"Prunus laur 4060 C+1","price":2.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683961859-34506100_ed4859c2-3e8f-4a65-b003-a9a08beb787c.jpg?v=1770027531"},{"product_id":"common-privet-hedging-ligustrum-ovalifolium","title":"Privet - Common (Ligustrum ovalifolium)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Common Privet bare root hedging plants (Ligustrum ovalifolium)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have good strong privet plants which are 2 years' old (1+1 transplant specification).  These plants begin life as cuttings taken from top quality mother plants in stock beds and the cuttings are then transplanted in open fields to be grown on for a further growing season, well spaced out so that each plant has plenty of nutrients and moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivet hedging makes a dense, vitrtually evergreen screen and is very popular in urban settings due to its high tolerance of pollution.  It is fairly fast growing so needs to be trimmed twice a year (or more often if you want to keep it very neat) and it can be cut into a formal shape.  It has white clusters of flowers but generally those are trimmed off and it's not really a flowering species because of the fairly pungent scent which is not all that attractive!  Because it can be grown bare root, and grows quickly, it is one of the most cost effective options for an evergreen hedge (it only loses it's leaves in very harsh winters).  It is grown from hardwood cuttings off good quality mother plants, treated with heat (trade secrets!), and then the cuttings are planted out into our fields for a year or more to mature into viable bare root hedging plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivet grows throughout most of Britain, on any soils other than waterlogged soil, and it tolerates coastal situations and exposed sites as well as being one of the best choices for heavily polluted cities and town. Privet is good in full sun or partial shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are dark green, oval and medium sized (approx 4cm) and are quite soft which helps with mechanical hedge trimmers.  Flowers are panicales of buds which open into white small flowers and then it has black berries in autumn which birds enjoy but are poisonous to humans and to animals if eaten in large quantities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note – although this plant is described as “virtually evergreen” it does defoliate when lifted from our fields so is likely to be delivered without leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon privet would grow to about 3m if left unpruned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Garden Privet - Oleaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801746211163,"sku":"Ligustrum oval 4060 0\/1","price":2.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801746243931,"sku":"LIgustrum oval 6080 0\/1","price":2.59,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/privet_2.jpg?v=1770822553"},{"product_id":"box-hedging-buxus-sempervirens","title":"Box hedging (Buxus sempervirens)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of bare root Box hedging plants (Buxus sempervirens)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Box bare root hedging plants in several sizes and specifications.  Most evergreen hedging plants cannot be grown as bare roots but Box is one of the exceptions (along with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/english-yew-taxus-baccata\"\u003eYew\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cherry-laurel-prunus-laurocerasus\"\u003eCherry Laurel\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/privet-common-ligustrum-ovalifolium\"\u003ePrivet\u003c\/a\u003e) and buying bare root plants is a great way to get an evergreen hedge but at low cost.  Although they are slow growing, it is surprising how quickly a fairly densely planted box bare root hedge will knit together (allow 2 - 3 years).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBox (Buxus sempervirens) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very popular choice for low and medium height hedging and edging of borders and still very popular despite box blight and box tree moth.  Its popularity no doubt stems partly from it's classic appearance but also from the fact that it can be grown bare root which makes it very cost effective when compared with box alternatives (virtually all pot grown).  It is slow growing but not painfully so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to being an ideal plant for a formal hedge, Box also can be planted and left untrimmed to grow to a bushy, evergreen shrub in a woodland setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt will grow happily in most soils and situations but does have a preference for chalky, limestone soils and is good in shade, prefering partial or full shade to full sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaves are very small (about 1cm) which is why it can be clipped so neatly.  New foliage is brighter green and then it matures to a nice mid-green colour.  The flowers and fruit (insect pollinated) are inconspicuous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox will grown to about 4m but it is generally kept at hedge heights from 40cm to 1.5m.  It is slow growing so it only needs to be trimmed once a year (the recommended date is late May or early June on a dry day and then if it needs to be neatened up again before winter, it can be trimmed again in September (but many will not need this).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso knows as Boxwood, and is from the Buxus family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-30cm \/ 3yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801746735451,"sku":"Buxus 2030 2+1","price":1.69,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"30-40cm \/ 3yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801746768219,"sku":"Buxus 3040 2+1","price":3.3,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684504710-36318700_fe39c91b-c19f-4bd2-9f8f-78cb7fba72db.jpg?v=1770027553"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/collections\/evergreen-tree-saplings-and-hedging-plants.oembed","provider":"R J Trees and Hedging Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}