{"title":"Non-toxic to animals","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"blackthorn-prunus-spinosa","title":"Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Blackthorn bare root plants (Prunus spinosa)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Blackthorn bare root hedging plants in several specifications and heights.  The 1+0 1 year old specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from seed sown in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are 1 year old.  We have Blackthorn whips in several heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also have 2 year old Blackthorn transplants (1+1) which began as a one year old whip (grown from seed in one growing season) and are then planted back out for one more growing season in a different area of our fields at lower density to give each plant more space, nutrients and water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll of these plants are grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn is a very important species for us (second only to hawthorn) so we always have several batches of seed including UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed, so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the best batch for your needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlackthorn (Prunus spinosa) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn is the first of the native farm hedging species to burst into flower in late March\/April, before its leaves open, and its autumn fruit (called “sloes”) are blue black coloured berries which are added to gin to make sloe gin.  Spiny, woody stems make an excellent livestock proof hedge (second only to Hawthorn) and it is suited to moist soils as well as normal soils. As well as being a staple of farm hedgerows all across Britain it is also sometimes found as a small shrubby tree in woodland settings or scrub land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt puts out suckers so that gradually, over the years, it will spread in width to make a completely impenetrable hedge but you can mow off or dig out the suckers if you do not want it to spread. Cattle browsing will contain sucker growth but it is less suitable for arable fields or horse paddocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is the second most popular native hedging species (second only to Hawthorn) with enormous wildlife value with over 150 different types of insects feeding and living on it which then feed birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreferring full sunlight, Blackthorn does well on wetter, well drained (not waterlogged) soils and is often found in woodlands, copses, scrub land and is a very common component in mixed native hedgerows.  It is hardy and can withstand salt-laden, windy conditions so can be used in coastal situations. It can also be used as a single species hedge as shown in our photograph.  A mature Blackthorn hedge can become very wide and impenetrable which is terrific protection for wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not commonly known that blackthorn is toxic to horses so we do not recommend it for hedging around horse paddocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are small, dark green, a narrow oval shape, finely toothed and only appear after the flowers have finished.  Leaves are a food source for moths (including the Emperor Moth and Black Hairstreak) and butterflies and birds feast on their caterpillars.  Blackthorn has spines at the end of branches so that birds, but not cows, can get at the ripened sloe berries.  The thorns are very aggressive so it is not recommended for children's play areas or beside a footpath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlowering is profuse – a cloud-like smothering over the whole bush (especially if it has not been trimmed in the previous autumn because it flowers on old wood).  Fruit develops from pollinated flowers and by late September its bitter blue\/black berries (the size of eating blueberries) which are pricked with a skewer and then soaked in gin and sugar to produce sloe gin. Don’t wait for sloes to ripen – they will always be hard when picked and you have to get to them before the birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is smooth and dark grey-brown.  Blackthorn is used to make walking sticks because the young wood is straight, hard, smooth and has an attractive black\/maroon sheen. It is used to make the authentic \u003cem\u003esail eille\u003c\/em\u003e (translated to shillelagh in English), which are the Irish folklore walking sticks and it is thought that Parliament's Black Rod's knocking stick is made of blackthorn too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature height is about 5m but Blackthorn is easy to keep trimmed to a hedging height of 2-3m and takes well to hedge laying.  Growth rate is average (about 40cm pa).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn is one of the main components in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/mixed-native-bare-root-hedging-packs-grant-eligible?variant=51801735627099\"\u003emixed native hedging\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/mixed-native-hedging-packs\"\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e- often being swapped for Hawthorn for wetter soils. it is one of the cheapest plants we grow so you can reduce the cost of mixed hedging by increasing the proportion of Blackthorn and reducing the proportion of the additional species (like field maple or dog rose) that are more expensive (but take care if you are using a Countryside Stewardship Grant to make sure sufficient species are being used in the expected proportions).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUses of Blackthorn\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackthorn is used a great deal in mixed hedging (especially conservation hedging and livestock-proof hedging) and as a woodland shrub and it is especially good as a cover for game birds.  It suckers from below ground so hedging incorporating a high proportion of blackthorn is always dense at the base.  The sloes are made into slow gin. The branches are popular with walking stick makers.  Prunings can be used as firewood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRosaceae 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 \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801724748123,"sku":"Pr spinosa 3040 1+0","price":0.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801724780891,"sku":"Pr spinosa 3040 1+1","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801724846427,"sku":"Pr spinosa 4060 1+0","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801724879195,"sku":"Pr spinosa 4060 1+1","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801724911963,"sku":"Pr spinosa 6080 1+0","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801724944731,"sku":"Pr spinosa 6080 1+1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683961734-81553000_4b4359f9-888a-4ddd-9557-97ebcafc4b9a.jpg?v=1770027408"},{"product_id":"beech-fagus-sylvatica","title":"Beech (Fagus sylvatica)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Beech (Fagus sylvatica) bare root plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have Beech bare root plants in several sizes and specifications.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003eThe 1U1 2 year old 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 the same position in our fields and grown on for a further year or longer which makes a strong bushy 2 year old plant. In early spring we undercut the roots to encourage fibrous root development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe also have beech transplants which begin as one year old whips which are lifted, have their roots manually trimmed 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAll the bare root plants described above are available in the November to April bare root season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eBeech is one of our top selling species so we always have several batches of seed including UK Select Stand (ideal where the trees are being grown for timber production), UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed, so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is important to you, please give us a call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAll of the Beech plants we sell are suitable as hedging plants or can be allowed to grow as full size trees.   We grow the vast majority of them ourselves in Herefordshire, only occasionally buying in larger stock from other trusted British growers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBeech (Fagus sylvatica) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeech is brilliant for hedging as well as a majestic tree on its own but more often found in woods.  As a hedging plant, it can be trimmed to a formal shape and because it holds most of its leaves throughout winter (only pushed off by new growth in spring), a phenomenon known as marcescence, it provides winter cover though technically it is a deciduous plant.  As a tree it grows tall (up to 40m) with smooth grey bark and has a large spreading crown.  Beech woodlands provide wonderful environments for all sorts of shade tolerant plants and associated wildlife.  Beech woods are atmospheric places in autumn when leaves and masts have fallen and carpet the ground in a copper colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes referred to as the \"queen of British trees\", consort to the English Oak's king, it is associated with femininity, the mother or empress of the woodland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery few nurseries in the UK grow beech bare root plants - but we grow most specifications ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bareroothedging.vscommerce.co.uk\/blog\/the-differences-between-beech-and-hornbeam\/\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/blogs\/news\/the-differences-between-beech-and-hornbeam\"\u003eblog on the differences between Beech and Hornbeam\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest suited to well drained soils where there is good summer rainfall (look at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/hornbeam-carpinus-betulus\"\u003eHornbeam\u003c\/a\u003e for a similar hedging plant better suited to damper soils).  It is native to the south east and south west of the UK (and most of Europe) but generally performs really well in all UK locations (particularly chalky uplands and limestone soils) though it can be sensitive to winter frost so best to avoid known frost pockets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers, fruit and bark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaf buds are like little brown torpedoes in shape which fatten and unfurl beautifully over the course of a few days to a delicate light green fluttery leaf, which gradually matures to mid green before turning autumnal coloured and eventually into a solid copper colour.  Leaves are mostly held on the tree or hedge in winter (though some will drop) which is a process called marcescens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot really a “flowering” species, it nevertheless does have male and female flowers on the same plant.  Male flowers are little catkins and female flowers are little green flowers in pairs protected by a cup like a spiny husk, which becomes woody and holds one or two beech “nuts” called “beechmast” which cover the ground in autumn in beech woodlands and are eaten by squirrels, birds, and mice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe buds, leaves and branches have an alternate pattern and the leaves are oval with straight, parallel veins that run from the central rib to the edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is quite smooth and grey in colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe large dense canopy helps Beech play a vital role in the ecosystems of woodlands, creating an environment where only shade-tolerant plants will grow, providing sustenance for caterpillars and moths and the nuts and seeds sustain many small woodland birds and mammals.  The trees are also relatively long-living (around 300 years) which allows it to become a habitat for deadwood specialists like wood-boring insects and hole-nesting birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor hedging, Beech is good at all heights between 1m and 3m though it can be grown taller (see the Meikleour beech hedge near Blairgowrie which is 30m tall and gets pruned only every 10 years - which takes 2 tree climbers 6 weeks!) and as a tree it is tall (one of the UK's tallest native trees), elegant and sinuous, growing to 40m, sometimes taller.  Beech has an average growth rate.  Young plants will grow by about 40cm pa.  Beech is not long living like oak or yew but it is as much part of our landscape and one of the most beautiful of all broadleaved trees in all seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFagaceae 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":51801725469019,"sku":"Fagus2040 1U1","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801725567323,"sku":"Fagus 4060 1U1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801725600091,"sku":"Fagus 6080 1U1","price":1.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"80-100cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801725632859,"sku":"Fagus 80100 1U1","price":2.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"80-100cm \/ 3yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801725534555,"sku":"Fagus 80100 1+2","price":3.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100\/125cm \/ 3yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801725665627,"sku":"Fagus 100125 1+2","price":3.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"125\/150cm \/ 3yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801725698395,"sku":"Fagus 12150 1+2","price":5.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683961294-75792200_0214fe55-8951-4fa3-a5f9-833bb1375dd4.jpg?v=1770027409"},{"product_id":"hornbeam-carpinus-betulus","title":"Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Hornbeam bare root plants (Carpinus betulus)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have Hornbeam bare root plants 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 the same positions in our fields and grown on for a further year or longer which makes a strong bushy 2 year old plant. The roots are trimmed underneath the soil by a specialised machine to help develop a fibrous root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe also have Hornbeam transplants which begin as one year old whips which are lifted, have their roots trimmed 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSome of our Hornbeam hedging plants are chunky mature specimens, ideal for creating virtually an instant hedge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHornbeam is one of our top selling species so we always have several batches of seed including UK provenance , sometimes Select Stand, and often also one of the highest quality imported Select Stand imported seeds, so if the seed provenance is particularly important to you, please give us a call.   This is a blog on \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e which explains this topic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAll of the plants we sell are suitable as hedging plants or can be allowed to grow as full size trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eYou can read more about the various specifications we offer in each species on the tab just below our pricing table to the right of this product description.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHornbeam (Carpinus betulus) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNearly all descriptions of Hornbeam start with “Very similar to beech other than …” and we’ll be no different!   The attributes that are like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/beech-fagus-sylvatica\"\u003ebeech\u003c\/a\u003e are that it keeps most of its leaves through winter and it can be tightly pruned as a hedge or grown as a deciduous broadleaf tree.  The differences are that the leaves are finely toothed, go brown (rather than copper colour) in winter and it’s better suited to damp soils. It is native to the south of the UK but widely planted throughout the UK. Hornbeam wood is the hardest wood in Europe, and it is thought the common name derives from it being used as oxen yokes, attached to their horns, hence hornbeam and was also used to build Roman chariots due to the strength of the wood. See our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/blogs\/news\/the-differences-between-beech-and-hornbeam\"\u003eblog on the differences between beech and hornbeam\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHornbeam is good in heavy to loamy, moist soils particularly in central southern England – but not so wet that alder, willow or Black poplar would be more appropriate.  It prefers neutral to acid soils. For dry soils with a similar appearance to Hornbeam, look at beech instead. Hornbeam grows well in full sun, partial shade or even full shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves opening from fat buds, appear pleated until they are fully open and then you can see that the pleats are actually deep ribs in the centre of each leaf. The leaves have serrated edges and turn a lovely golden colour in autumn before the colour fades to a greyish brown for winter.  Some leaves drop in autumn but most stay on the tree or hedge providing excellent winter cover for wildlife and then the leaves drop in spring as the new buds burst.   It has male and female “flowers” on the same plant (catkin like) which are wind pollinated and turn into papery winged nutlets and are eaten by small birds. Male catkins are twice as long as the female catkins. The musculur trunk and flame-like bark is pale grey and smooth, vertically fluted or corrugated as it matures, and the twigs can be slightly hairy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a broadleaf tree, Hornbeam will grow to about 20m with a rounded bushy crown.  It can be coppiced.  As a hedge, or a component within a mixed hedge, it is best at about 1.5m to 3m height. Growth rate is average – young plants will grow by about 50cm pa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe don’t grow Hornbeam to the height required for pleached trees, but Hornbeam is one of the most popular varieties for DIY pleaching because of its very straight trunks and the holding on through winter of most of its leaves.   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as common hornbeam and European hornbeam.  Betulacaea 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":51801725927771,"sku":"Carpinus 2040 1U1","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726091611,"sku":"Carpinus40601U1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801725993307,"sku":"Carpinus 6080 1U1","price":1.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"80-100cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726026075,"sku":"Carpinus 801001U1","price":2.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100\/125cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726058843,"sku":"Carpinus 100125 1U1","price":2.59,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100\/125cm \/ 3yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726124379,"sku":"Carpinus 100125 1+2","price":3.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"125\/150cm \/ 3yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726157147,"sku":"Carpinus 120150 1+2","price":5.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684143786-62867800_e412c575-588c-4c14-bf0d-75dc74a4d5fe.jpg?v=1770027414"},{"product_id":"common-alder-alnus-glutinosa","title":"Alder - Common (Alnus glutinosa)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Alder (Alnus glutinosa) bare root trees\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlder grows well from seed into a bare root tree in just one growing season.   The seedlings we offer (sometimes called whips) are grown from seed sown in open fields in spring and become a viable tree sapling by the following November and we sell them from November through until April. We have bare root Alder whips in several heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seed from which our Alnus glutinosa tree saplings are grown is usually UK provenance but we sometimes also have some of the highest quality imported seed so if it is particularly important to you to have UK seed provenance, please give us a call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAlder (Alnus glutinosa) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften chosen because it is so well suited to wetter soils and riverbanks Common Alder also does well on normal soils. There are many other attributes to this lovely tree\/hedging plant.  It has a tidy conical habit, is very fast growing initially, is native, has female catkins in March, comes into leaf early and then holds its leaves well into winter, and in autumn has attractive little cones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a favoured species of tree for windbreaks around orchards, second only to\u003ca href=\"\/products\/italian-alder-alnus-cordata\"\u003e Alnus cordata \u003c\/a\u003e– please see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/blogs\/news\/the-best-species-of-tree-to-use-as-a-windbreak\"\u003eblog on orchard windbreaks\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blog\/the-best-species-of-tree-to-use-as-a-windbreak-around-an-apple-orchard\/\"\u003e.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease be aware that Alder varieties are deep rooted so don’t plant near a building, road or paved area which could suffer damage from the roots.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn ideal tree or hedging plant for boggy ground and will even tolerate its roots being underwater for weeks on end so very much the tree to choose for flood risk areas where it helps to prevent soil erosion.  It doesn’t rot in standing water but actually the wood just gets stronger. As well as it’s suitability to wet soils, it is highly tolerant of air pollution so is ideal for roadsides and urban planting schemes and it does not require a wet soil to thrive – it will be absolutely fine on normal soil.  It has nitrogen fixing capability so it will not only thrive on poor soils but will enhance the soil and is an ideal tree for ground reclamation.  Common alder is good in full sun or partial shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst there are many varieties of Alder, Alnus glutinosa is the only variety native to the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne particularly good attribute of Common Alder is that it comes into leaf early and it holds onto its leaves late so although it is deciduous, it is without its leaves for a relatively short time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has early male catkins (a good source of early nectar and pollen for bees and a wide range of insects) and small female cones in autumn (strobiles) which hang on the tree like Christmas baubles, opening to disperse seed on wind and water. The seeds are eaten by birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are quite large, dark green, shiny, shaped like a tennis racquet and indented at the end (so there is no pointed tip).  They emerge from greyish\/purplish buds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlder produces tough and durable light wood which is rot resistant and was frequently used for boat building.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlders can be trimmed as a hedge, allowed to grow as a tall windbreak, or as a tree it will grow to about 20m with a conical shape.  It is fast growing when young (up to 2m pa) in the right situation.  Alder trees live for about 60 years, longer if coppiced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Black Alder or European Alder.  Betulaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726452059,"sku":"Alnus glut 3040 1+0","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726517595,"sku":"Alnus glut 4060 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726550363,"sku":"Alnus glut 6080 1+0","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683962276-88202000_a4cb4319-0655-4450-9c4f-2149616010f1.jpg?v=1770027415"},{"product_id":"italian-alder-alnus-cordata","title":"Alder - Italian (Alnus cordata)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) bare root trees\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Alnus cordata bare root plants in several specifications and heights.  This species does not grow from seed quickly and needs to be lined out to develop a viable root structure so we offer Alnus cordata as transplants (1+1, 2 year old plants) which began as a one year old whip (grown from seed in one growing season) and are then planted back out for one more growing season in a different area of our fields at lower density to give each plant more space, nutrients and water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seed from which our Alnus cordata tree saplings are grown is usually UK provenance but we sometimes also have some of the highest quality imported seed so if it is important to you to have UK provenance seed, please give us a call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eItalian Alder (Alnus cordata) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll of the Alder varieties are tolerant of wet soils, but this variety will also cope well with dry soils (it is native to Italy so that’s always a good indicator of soil conditions that can be tolerated).  It is very fast growing initially (1-2m) and it is the accepted favourite variety to plant as a windbreak on the windy side of orchards (see our \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/the-best-species-of-tree-to-use-as-a-windbreak-around-an-apple-orchard\/\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/blogs\/news\/the-best-species-of-tree-to-use-as-a-windbreak\"\u003eblog on windbreaks\u003c\/a\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike \u003ca href=\"\/products\/common-alder-alnus-glutinosa\"\u003eAlnus glutinosa\u003c\/a\u003e, it is a medium height, conical tree with catkins in early spring (good for bees).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease be aware that Alder varieties are deep rooted so do not plant near a building\/road\/pavement where eventually roots could cause damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItalian Alder is fine on all soils – wet or dry.  It’s a good choice for thin topsoil areas as it can hold soil over rocks.  Like other Alders, it is nitrogen fixing so it does well in poor soils and can over time improve the soil too to benefit other nearby trees. They don’t like heavy shade, but will grow well in full sun or partial shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of Italian Alder are green, shaped like a pear and glossy.  They have male and female catkins – the male are long and green and the female are cone like and quite large compared with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/common-alder-alnus-glutinosa\"\u003eAlnus glutinosa.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mature height is from 12m to 20m, sometimes a bit more in an ideal situation. Growth rate is fast – 1-2m until maturity.   It is this fast growth rate that makes it good for windbreaks – it does the job quickly!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetulacaea 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\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726845275,"sku":"Alnus cord 4060 1+1","price":1.1,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726878043,"sku":"Alnus cord 6080 1+1","price":1.2,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"80-100cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801726910811,"sku":"Alnus cord 80100 1+1","price":1.35,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684143909-27080500_a53d20c5-36d3-4a38-bb59-4088a3d845a8.jpg?v=1770027419"},{"product_id":"field-maple-acer-campestre","title":"Field maple (Acer campestre)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Field Maple bare root plants (Acer campestre)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Field Maple bare root hedging plants in several specifications and heights.  The 1+0 1 year old specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from seed sown in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are 1 year old.  We have Field Maple whips in several heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also have Field Maple transplants (1+1, 2 year old plants) which began as a one year old whip (grown from seed in one growing season) and are then planted back out for one more growing season in a different area of our fields at lower density to give each plant more space, nutrients and water.  If you are planting under a Countryside Stewardship grant, you need to use the 1+1 plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll these plants are grown by us in Herefordshire.  Generally we have two batches of seed - one will be UK seed and one will be high quality imported, so if it is particularly important to you to have UK provenance seed, please give us a call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eField maple (Acer campestre) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a hedging plant, Field maple is tough, withstands hard pruning or hedge laying (though its shoots are somewhat brittle and tough), and is often included as a constituent part of a mixed farm hedgerow.  Its leaves go bright yellow in autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a tree, it will grow up to 20m and has a fairly uniform rounded crown and either a clear stem or multi stem.  It is the only native Maple tree.  It has the hardest timber of any European maple, a lovely red colour, traditionally used in wood-turning and furniture making.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s a good choice for areas that suffer from pollution and will cope with any soil and situation.  It's very hardy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst performing best on well drained, rich soil Field Maple will cope with most soils and situations even dry, sandy soil, areas susceptible to high pollution levels and areas with compacted soil.  They grow well in full sun or partial shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, bark, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe striking and most notable aspect of Field maple to mention in this section is the bright yellow colour that the leaves turn in autumn (often having had a red flush before turning yellow).  Driving along country lanes in September, it’s easy to see how many hedgerows include this species by the bands of yellow foliage every few metres.  The leaves are small, dark green until autumn, quite shiny and have 5 unequal sized toothed lobes and rounded edges held on a reddish stalk.  Leaves are eaten by many types of moths and by browsing animals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlowers are small, lime green and held in clusters.  They are attractive to pollinators (both for nectar and pollen) and after being pollinated, develop into winged fruits (called \"keys\") which are a food source for small mammals.   The helicopers (containing the seed) allow the seed to land away from the parent tree whose shade is undesirable for germination and where the access to water and nutrients will be limited by the parent tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is sandy brown coloured with flaky longitudinal fissures that have a reddish edge when the bark is young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowth rate is average (about 40cm pa).  As a hedging plant, Field maple is good at 1m to 3m and as a tree, it will grow to 10m or more (more usually 5m - 10m) and it can live for 350 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSapindaceae 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 \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727172955,"sku":"Acer camp 3040 1+0","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727205723,"sku":"Acer camp 40601+1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727238491,"sku":"Acer camp 6080 1+1","price":1.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727271259,"sku":"Acer camp 4060 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727304027,"sku":"Acer camp 6080 1+0","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683967565-44733900_3e91d472-b55d-4e96-ad55-9de6f3ace120.jpg?v=1770027420"},{"product_id":"hazel-corylus-avellana","title":"Hazel (Corylus avellana)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Hazel bare root plants (Corylus avellana)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Hazel bare root hedging plants in several specifications and heights.  The 1+0 1 year old specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from seed sown in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are 1 year old.  We have Hazel whips in several heights all grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also have Hazel transplants (1+1) which began as a one year old whip (grown from seed in one growing season) and are then planted back out for one more growing season in a different area of our fields at lower density to give each plant more space, nutrients and water. Again these are all grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHazel is one of our most important species so we always have several batches of seed including UK provenance and some of the highest quality imported seed, so if it is particularly important to you to have UK seed provenance (see blog on \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e) please give us a call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHazel (Corylus avellana) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDripping with yellow “lambs’ tails” catkins in spring (before the leaves appear) and then covered in green hazel nuts in autumn (until the squirrels and dormice strip the tree before you can get to them!), Hazel is an excellent native plant for hedging or as an understorey woodland shrub although it needs open, light conditions to flower and produce its very nutritious nuts.  It grows to about 10m but is often coppiced (to harvest the stems), has large green leaves which provide good shade and wildlife protection. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a wood, Hazel's contribution lies in it's ability to self-coppice, regularly sending up new straight shoots from the base of the trunk so much so that sometimes it is difficult to tell if it has been coppiced by humans or not.  Hazel's value lies in it's pliabilityand the ease with which the rods split.  In a managed setting hazel is normally coppiced every 7 or 8 years and fresh shoots can grow over a metre in the first year.  In the last century, the area under coppice in Britain has fallen from 500,000 acres to less than 100,000 acres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHazel is a very commonly found shrubby plant grown all across the UK, Europe and even into Africa – so it is suitable for all but the highest, coldest, wettest situations, with a preference for moisture-retentive, acid to neutral soil, grown in full sun, partial shade or even full shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of Hazel are green in spring and summer, turning yellow in autumn.  Leaves are relatively large and rounded\/oval with a pointed tip, and a hairy surface on the underside which makes them feel soft to the touch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is smooth, grey\/brown, can peel and is flexible thus Hazel is often coppiced for it’s long straight flexible stems which can be put to many uses – in a “dead hedge”, for hazel (called “hurdles”) or plant supports, thatching or making furniture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough Hazel has both male and female flowers on the same plant, it must be pollinated by pollen from other trees.  The male catkins are long and yellow and absolutely swathe the tree\/bush in late winter (sometimes as early as January) before the leaves appear.   The pollen and nectar are needed by early flyng insects.  Pollen is shed onto little red female tasels and those pollinated will produce nuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruits are edible hazelnuts (though there are specialist varieties like Kent Cob if you are looking for a nut to grow as a food) but you’ll be lucky to get to eat any of them because squirrels, dormice, woodpeckers, wood pigeons, and jays will harvest them the instant they are ripe  They are held in small clusters of 2 or 3 nuts, partially enclosed in leafy husk like bracts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is smooth and shiny, pale grey-brown to greenish brown with horizontal lenticels (pores through which the shrub breathes) up the stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf left to grow, Hazel will get to about 10m as a multi-stem bush but it is often coppiced when it reaches about 4m.  Growth rate is above average – about 50cm pa.   It responds really well to hard pruning and hedge laying.  As a hedging plant, it is best kept at 2-4m height.   It makes a bulky shrub so the proportion of Hazel in a mixed hedge can be quite low – 10% or even 5%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoppicing (felling the tree stump near ground level and allowing shoots to regrow) can extend the life of a hazel tree from about 80 years to several hundred years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetulacaea 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 \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727697243,"sku":"Corylus 3040 1+0","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Cell grown","offer_id":51801727730011,"sku":"Corylus2060CG","price":1.6,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727795547,"sku":"Corylus 4060 1+0","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727828315,"sku":"Corylus 4060 1+1","price":1.39,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727861083,"sku":"Corylus 6080 1+0","price":1.39,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727893851,"sku":"Corylus 6080 1+1","price":1.69,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"80-100cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727664475,"sku":"Corylus 801001+0","price":1.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"80-100cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801727762779,"sku":"Corylus 80100 1+1","price":2.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684143576-49837600_77d9715c-fcf2-49b7-a239-6063934eed9a.jpg?v=1770027425"},{"product_id":"crab-apple-malus-sylvestris","title":"Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of bare root crab apple plants (Malus sylvestris)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have bare root crab apple trees or hedging in several sizes.  The 1+0 1 year old specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were sown from seed in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are one year old.  We have crab apple bare root whips in several heights all grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMalus sylvestris is an important species for us so we always have several batches of seed including UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed, so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is important to you please give us a call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll of these plants are suitable as hedging plants or can be allowed to grow as full size trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCrab Apple (Malus sylvestris) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many cultivated varieties of crab apple but the one we grow is the wild one and the parent of many of the named varieties of crab apple and eating apple trees.  Its common name relates to the small yellow\/green “apples” which are devoured by birds in autumn.  It’s a very pretty small tree with white blossom emerging from pinkish buds. It offers very good wildlife value, with over 100 different types of insects feeding and living on it, and those in turn feeding a wide range of birds and small mammals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrab apples like heavy, moist, well drained soils even clay.  They are commonly used in mixed farm hedging and as small woodland trees or shrubs providing very wildlife friendly low cover.  Best flowering will be achieved if grown in full sun but Malus sylvestris will tolerate partial shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, fruit and flowers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaves are small (about 6mcm) green and oval shaped with a serrated edge, dark green on the upper surface and pale grey-green and felted underneath.  Leaf colour changes to yellow in autumn.  Generally flowering is profuse, with pinkish \"apple blossom\" buds opening to small bee friendly white scented flowers with yellow stamens and pollinated flowers then develop into small apple like fruits which are greenish\/yellow in colour and are edible but not particularly tasty for humans.  There are lots of crab apple named varieties that have been bred for culinary purposes, but the wild ones are absolutely loved by birds, especially blackbirds and thrushes, and mammals.   This is one of the few types of tree that can host mistletoe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is reddish brown when young, becoming grey-brown, rough, furrowed and flaky as it ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrab apples are small, compact trees with a mature height of about 10m, and average growth rate.  It is easy to keep at farm hedging height or allow to grow into a hedgerow tree.  The relatively low height and high wildlife value make it a great addition to woodland planting as a small tree or shrub.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as wild crab.  Rosaceae 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 \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801728188763,"sku":"Malus 3040 1+0","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801728254299,"sku":"Malus 4060 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801728287067,"sku":"Malus 6080 1+0","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683966012-48063600_077ad354-91d9-42fd-92d1-d26373285848.jpg?v=1770027426"},{"product_id":"wild-cherry-prunus-avium","title":"Cherry - Wild (Prunus avium)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Wild Cherry bare root plants (Prunus avium)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have bare root Wild Cherry for hedging or to grow as trees in several heights.  Wild Cherry grows well from seed so the 1+0 1 year old specification plants are sown from seed in spring and are ready to be sold by the following November and we sell them through the dormant season until April ie they are one year old.  We have various height options and all of these plants are grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are delighted to be able to offer Prunus avium UK orchard seed which is the best possible seed for tree saplings that are to be grown on to produce timber, and in addition we have UK seed provenance and the highest quality imported seed so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate the correct batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll of these plants are suitable for hedging or can be allowed to grow to full size trees for woodland creation schemes or productive woodlands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWild Cherry (Prunus avium) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the prettiest native woodland trees, covered in clusters of fragrant white flowers in spring and bitter red cherries which are eaten by birds (from which the word “avium” in the Latin name is derived) which disperses the seeds.  It also has decent autumn colour in tints of orange and gold.  Wild cherry is the parent of many of the named varieties of flowering cherry tree developed in Europe (not the Japanese varieties).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild cherry is a long living, medium sized tree, with a rounded crown, ideal for planting in mixed woodlands or hedging.  The timber is used in furniture making.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood on any free draining, fertile soils in a sunny situation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, fruit and flowers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlowers are profuse, scented, greenish white and held in large clusters – absolutely gorgeous and almost as showy as many of the cultivated varieties of flowering cherry tree but with the benefit of being a true native tree.   They bloom early providing essential nectar and pollen for bees emerging from winter dormancy.  According to the RHS magazine, a single tree with a 25cm diameter, can carry almost 200,000 flowers, providing about 170g of nectar per 24 hours! After pollination, the flowers develop into red cherries (tinged with orange), which are a food source for blackbirds, thrushes and small mammals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are quite large (the larges can be up to 15cm long) with a pointed tip, a symmetrical oval shape and are finely toothed.  The autumn colour on these large leaves is very striking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe normal height would be up to 20m but occasionally can be taller.  Growth rate is average (about 60cm pa).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRosaceae 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 \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801728549211,"sku":"Pr avium 3040 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1 yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":52414004986203,"sku":null,"price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1 yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":52414029300059,"sku":null,"price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684147452-67929100_839353bb-2657-420b-8fbb-0cd227e56bf6.jpg?v=1770027432"},{"product_id":"dog-rose-rosa-canina","title":"Dog Rose (Rosa canina)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Dog Rose bare root plants (Rosa canina)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have bare root dog rose hedging plants in several sizes.  The 1+0 1 year old specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were sown from seed in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are one year old. We also have 2 year old 1+1 2 year old specification plants, grown as a seedling in the first year and then transplanted to grow on strongly with wider spacing giving access to more nutrients and moisture.  We have dog rose bare root whips in several heights all grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe always have several batches of seed of dog rose including UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is particularly important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the most appropriate batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDog Rose (Rosa canina) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the most common of the four native wild roses that are often seen in mixed country hedging, the others being field rose (Rosa arvensis), the sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa) and the downy rose (Rosa tomentosa).  Dog rose is extremely thorny, puts out long flexible stems with pretty and quite large pink and white open single rose flowers and then in autumn it has red rose hips.   It can be hard pruned to keep it hedge height and will cope with hedge laying, or it can be left to become a shrub in woodland setting that is not overly shaded because they do like some sunshine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDog Rose is very commonly found throughout the UK.  It will grow on all soil types and in every situation, however inhospitable. It flowers in June after Hawthorn and Blackthorn have finished and is often the only flowering plant in long stretches of farm hedgerows at that time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDog roses are found in many farm and country hedges and on the sunnier edges of woodlands and scrub land but will also grow and flower in partial shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers, fruit and bark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are like cultivated rose leaves, quite dark green, pointed, finely toothed, alternating up the stem, held in pairs.  Flowers are open, pale pink or pink and white, 5 petalled and with many stamens – brilliant for insects. The flowering period is generally late April or early May so it extends the flowering period of country hedging which starts in March with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/blackthorn-prunus-spinosa\"\u003eBlackthorn\u003c\/a\u003e, then \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/hawthorn-hedging-crataegus-monogyna\"\u003eHawthorn\u003c\/a\u003e in April and then Dog Rose and also \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/elder-sambucus-nigra?_pos=1\u0026amp;_psq=elder\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\"\u003eElder\u003c\/a\u003e later in the month and running into May\/June when \u003ca href=\"\/products\/buckthorn-alder-rhamnus-frangula\"\u003eAlder buckthorn\u003c\/a\u003e and\/or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/buckthorn-purging-rhamnus-cathartica\"\u003ePurging buckthorn\u003c\/a\u003e can extend the flowering season. Fruits are juicy orange\/red oval rose hips and develop in September and October, often with very many on each plant.  The fruits are a food source for many birds. The thorns on Dog Rose are curved so that it can cling on to other species of plant as it grows – its thorny tangled stems help to make a stock proof hedge impenetrable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe young wood is smooth and green but becomes grey, tough and fissured with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf not trimmed to hedge height Dog rose will grow to about 3m, a bit more in perfect conditions.  Growth rate is quite fast – putting out long shoots each year after pruning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as wild rose.  Rosaceae family\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801728942427,"sku":"Rosacan 3040 1+0","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801728975195,"sku":"Rosacan 40601+1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801729007963,"sku":"Rosacan 6080 1+1","price":1.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801729073499,"sku":"Rosacan 4060 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801729106267,"sku":"Rosacan 6080 1+0","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683966423-59373000_eff1435b-3f13-4064-95ec-56e0363967dc.jpg?v=1770027431"},{"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":"hawthorn-hedging-crataegus-monogyna","title":"Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Hawthorn bare root plants (Crataegus monogyna)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Hawthorn bare root hedging plants (can also be used as small trees) in several specifications and heights.  The 1+0 1 year old plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from seed sown in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are 1 year old.  We have Hawthorn whips in several heights all grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also have Hawthorn transplants (1+1, 2 year old plants) which began as a one year old whip (grown from seed in one growing season) and are then planted back out for one more growing season in a different area of our fields at lower density to give each plant more space, nutrients and water. Again these are all grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell more hawthorn plants than any other species so we always have several batches of seed including UK provenance (in the coming season we will have 4 different UK provenance batches) plus some of the highest quality imported seed (often more resistant to mildew) so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is important to you, please give us a call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHawthorn (Crataegus Monogyna) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe UK countryside wouldn’t look as it does without the native Hawthorn hedges, particularly in May when its creamy white and pink scented blossom covers every country hedge and road verge up and down the land. It is the backbone of farm hedging due to its thorny and dense stock-proof habit (great for wildlife habitat), profuse flowering (great for pollinating insects – it is thought to support over 200 different types of insects) and equally profuse red berries (called haws) which cover it in autumn until eaten by birds (especially fieldfares, waxwings, blackbirds, and thrushes).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHawthorn is used in many settings - it can be grown as a hedgerow or standalone small tough tree (and in this case it will produce even more berries due to not being trimmed allowing it to flower and then produce berries on old wood), used as a single species hedge, as a woodland shrub or most popular of all, it is often the main component of a mixed native stock proof hedge (see our separate page for bare root \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mixed-native-bare-root-hedging-packs-eligible-for-stewardship-bn7-and-bn11-grants\"\u003emixed native hedging packs\u003c\/a\u003e). It is well suited to hedge laying.  It is hard to know when Hawthorn became popular as a hedging plant but it is thought that in the period of the Parliamentary enclosures of land, 200,000 miles of \"quickset\" hedges were planted across Britain (quickthorn or thorn still being common names that are frequently used today).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHawthorn is suited to all soil types other than boggy ground and is good in sun or shade. It’s particularly recommended for exposed sites, even at reasonably high altitudes and copes well at the coast. It is non-toxic which contributes to its use in farm hedging where livestock might graze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHawthorn is one of our most important species for wildlife shelter and defence, for wildlife sustenance and a boundary marker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers, fruit and bark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of Hawthorn are about 6cm long with many toothed deep lobes (at least halfway to the mid rib). They grow on long shoots and emerge early in spring as bright green and then darken as the summer progresses until they are really quite dark green. The leaves turn yellow in autumn, and it is fully deciduous. The spines on Hawthorn are modified branches that grow just above new buds to protect the plant from browsing animals.  The new leaves on Hawthorn attract larvae as a perfectly timed \"protein surge\" for birds feeding their young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers have 5 petals and grow in flat topped clusters and when we say they are profuse we're not exaggerating.  The autumnal berries called haws are small, red and shiny and held in clusters. Each haw contains just one hard-shelled seed.  The flowers and leaves when freshly picked were known as \"bread and cheese\" - a popular springtime snack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBark is brown\/grey and fissured (great for little insects to hide in which increases the attractiveness of the species to birds) - it is said that hawthorn is a biologically important hedging species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe buds, leaves and branches have an alternate pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wood is hard to work and because it grows in multiple trunks, it is of little use other than as firewood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a tree, it will grow to a height of about 15m and can either be single stemmed with a dense crown or more likely will grow into a  shrubby, multi-stemmed tree. It is fast growing (young plants will grow by about 40cm pa) and can tolerate hard pruning at any time of the year (though definitely not before 31 July to allow baby birds to fledge) but is most often pruned in late autumn or preferably very early spring, leaving the haws as winter food for birds and small mammals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt flowers and fruits on “old wood” which is why you so often see little flower or haws at low levels where hedging has been trimmed and then more profuse flowers\/haws higher up (or on Hawthorn trees) where it has not been trimmed. To maximise flowering\/haw production in hedging, don’t trim it every year, or leave some areas untrimmed. In a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/mixed-native-bare-root-hedging-packs-grant-eligible?variant=51801735627099\"\u003emixed hedge\u003c\/a\u003e, hawthorn is generally the dominant species (unless its wet soil where blackthorn\u003ca href=\"\/products\/blackthorn-prunus-spinosa-v2\"\u003e \u003c\/a\u003ewould be better), and because Hawthorn is not a bulky plant, and is the least expensive of all hedging plants available, it often makes up 50% or even more of plants in a mixed hedge. You can reduce the cost of a mixed hedge by planting more hawthorn interspersed with fewer of the additional species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Thorn, May Blossom, Quickthorn and Quicksets or sometimes just as Quick hedging.  Rosaceae 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 \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":52150050685275,"sku":"Cratmono2030 1+1","price":0.69,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"25-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":52150050718043,"sku":"Cratmonog2560 1+0","price":0.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801730384219,"sku":"Cratmono 3040 1+0","price":0.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801730449755,"sku":"Cratmono30401+1","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801730482523,"sku":"Cratmono 4060 1+0","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801730515291,"sku":"Cratmono 4060 1+1","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801730548059,"sku":"Cratmono 6080 1+0","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801730580827,"sku":"Cratmono 6080 1+1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"80-100cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801730613595,"sku":"Cratmono 80100 1+1","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100\/125cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801730646363,"sku":"Cratmono 100125 1+1 1+1","price":1.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684161767-55012400_f5fcc204-a62d-4817-84d0-8f21408352e0.jpg?v=1770027443"},{"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":"sessile-oak-quercus-petraea","title":"Oak - Sessile (Quercus petraea)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Sessile oak (Quercus petraea) bare root trees\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have Sessile Oak bare root trees in several sizes and specifications.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   The 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were sown from seed in spring and are sold during the following November to April months when dormant ie they are one year old. It is unusual for Oak to grow to a saleable plant in one year - generally we only have a few of these. The more normal specification for young oak saplings is a 1U1 which is a two year old plant, having had it's roots trimmed underground at the beginning of the second growing season to promote fibrous roots and stimulate growth.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003eAll of these plants are grown by us on our farm in Herefordshire.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003eWe always have several batches of seed for Quercus petraea including UK provenance (generally English and Welsh) and including a batch of Select Stand seed (the best where trees are being grown for timber production) so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is particulaly important to you please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the best batch for your needs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSessile Oak (Quercus petraea) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSessile means “stalkless” and the acorns on this variety of oak attach to the twigs at the base of the acorn but just to confuse, the leaves are on long stalks.  The mnemonic \"sessile SALL\" might help - short acorn, long leaf.  Sessile oak tends to have a straighter trunk and straighter branches than \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oak-english-quercus-robur\"\u003eQuercus robur\u003c\/a\u003e (English Oak).  A majestic, long living tree supporting huge amounts of wildlife (according to the Woodland Trust 326 types of wildlife are found ONLY on oak and they support more wildlife than any other native species).  The alternative name for Sessile oak is Irish oak and it is the national tree of Ireland.  It is more common than English oak in northern and western areas where rainfall is higher. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe alternative name Durmast oak may derive from feeding pigs on acorns and beechnuts known as mast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation suitable for Sessile oak\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSessile oak will tolerate slightly drier soils than \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oak-english-quercus-robur\"\u003eEnglish oak\u003c\/a\u003e (although it does like plenty of rainfall) and is not suited to compacted or wet soils.  It’s a hardy, wind tolerant tree which will grow well on poor soils (acid or alkaline with a preference for acidic) as well as rich soils, and in semi shade but prefers full sun.  It tends to be grown more on the northern and western side of the UK which is wetter and it is suited to coastal situations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaking the assumption that most people know what an oak leaf looks like the differences between Sessile oak and English oak leaves are that Sessile oak leaves appear later by about two weeks, Sessile oak leave have a long stalk and do not have the earlobes” at the base which the English oak leaves have.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe male flowers are catkins which appear with the leaves in spring.  Female flowers are inconspicuous, are wind pollinated and become acorns which are a large single seed held inside a cup, green in colour initially and then maturing to brown. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate of Sessile oak\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA mature Sessile oak can be 40m in height though around 20m is more common, and is quite slow growing at about 20-30cm pa. Britain's largest oak is a sessile oak growing in Herefordshire, and is about 100 feet tall and containing over 10 tons of wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Irish Oak or Durmast Oak.  Fagaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801732022619,"sku":"Quercus pet 4060 1+0","price":1.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801732120923,"sku":"Quercus pet 4060 1U1","price":1.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684146098-24099300_3eda4637-c217-4a64-9b49-9a59d2061628.jpg?v=1770027453"},{"product_id":"english-oak-quercus-robur","title":"Oak - English (Quercus robur)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of English oak (Quercus robur) bare root trees\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Quercus robur bare root trees in several sizes and specifications.  They are grown from seed (acorns) but normally take more than one year to become viable plants.  The 1U1 2 year old plant specification are sown into seed beds and then left in situ for two full growing seasons before they are lifted ready to be sold, having had their roots trimmed underground at the beginning of the second growing season which helps them develop a fibrous root system and speeds up top growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn some years, depending on the growing conditions, some of our crop become ready to sell (at lower prices than normal) after just one year and if we have any of those they are listed on the product table as 1 year old plants which means they are seedlings (sometimes called whips) grown from seed in one growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll these plants are grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe always have several batches of seed in this species including UK provenance (often Welsh) so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is particularly important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the best batch for your needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEnglish Oak (Quercus robur) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuercus robur is the most majestic of all our native trees, and a home to more wildlife than any other native tree species.  It features in most woodlands and is sometimes the dominant species in lowland woodlands and forests - and actually the second most common species of tree in the UK. Oak wood is tough and gets tougher as it seasons.  Oak framed buldings are still constructed of wood that is not yet seasoned (green oak) so that it shrinks as it dries. Its timber is much prized for furniture and historically for ship building.  Admiral Lord Nelson used 6000 oak trees to build HMS Victoria and the 14th century roof of Westminster Hall was pre-constructed from 600 oak trees and then assembled on site.  But as well as producing construction timber, oak can also be coppiced every 20 -25 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOak trees are very long living – some specimens are thought to be over 1000 years old but many do not make it to old age.  There are two examples in Somerset (Gog and Magog) thought to be 2000 years old and King Offa's oak in Windsor Great Park is thought to be 1300 years old (Offa was an 8th century Anglo Saxon king of Mercia).   Its form is a very broad, spreading crown with heavy branches.  The largest oak tree in the UK is in Sherwood Forest and has a spread of 28m and a root spread of 40m from the trunk - it's called Major Oak named not for it's magnificent size but after Major Hayman Rooke who's 1790 book called \"Remarkable Oaks\" commented on this particular specimen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is estimated that a 400 year old oak tree can host more life forms than any other native tree - up to 284 different species of insect in its canopy and support 2000 different types of bird, bat, lichen and fungi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOak trees produce up to 25m highly nutritious acorns over their lifetime (but will not start producing acorns until the tree is about 40 years old) feeding endless generations of squirrels, mice, jays, badgers, deer, pigs, sheep, cows and horses as well as producing the seed needed for the next generation of oak trees (we literally sow the acorns which contain one seed - see photo).  But in some years there can be tremendous acorn shortages and Autumn 2021 was one of those years, leading to shortages for tree nurseries (ourselves included) to sow the following spring and therefore shortages of tree saplings available to buy in the 2022\/23 season and likely also in the 2023\/24 season, so customers are advised to order early (even a year early) to secure planting stock.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSacred to the gods of thunder and lightening, the mythological reputation may have some basis in fact because mature oak trees are often taller than surrounding trees and they have a high moisture content, making them well placed to conduct lightening.  When trees are hit by lightening the sap heats up rapidly and evaporates into steam, blowing off parts of the bark and marking the course of the lightening strike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the nursery, we always have to wait with bated breath for Quercus robur acorns to germinate - they are the slowest of all the species we grow often taking 6 weeks or more from seed sowing to the first signs emerging.  Although they are sown quite deep into the soil, squirrels and crows will be watching us sow and many of the acorns we sow are lost to them.  In the wild, jays and squirrels bury acorns to just the right depth and then fail to remember where they all are. Quercus robur saplings take two seasons to grow from the acorns we plant whereas many other species are grown in one season and this is a large factor in the the higher cost of each sapling sold (along with the cost to us of the acorns).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation for Quercus robur\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuercus robur is particularly common in southern and central England but can be found throughout the UK.  \u003ca href=\"\/products\/sessile-oak-quercus-petraea\"\u003eSessile oak\u003c\/a\u003e (Quercus petraea) tends to be a better choice for northern, western wetter areas. Oaks prefer deep, moist, fertile soil but will grow on poor soils and in very windy situations where it grows slower, resembling more of a large, wind shaped shrub instead of a majestic straight tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst Quercus robur is a very popular choice for productive woodlands, it is also used as a hedgerow tree.  It grows quickly to produce a broad crown but it does not prevent a hedge from growing properly under its shade and in its early years it will not steal moisture and nutrients from the adjacent ground because of its deep tap roots.  Later it puts out a large root plate with smaller tap roots which give oak trees good drought tolerance. Oaks grow well in sun or partial shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuercus robur leaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are about 10cm long with 4 or 5 lobes, with smooth edges and virtually no stalk.  The male flowers are long yellowish catkins which appear in bunches alongside the leaves and female flowers are small and inconspicuous.  Acorns on long stalks develop in autumn and mature from green to brown, and then pop out of the scaly cupule (fairy bowls!) and fall to the ground and “great oaks from little acorns grow”.   The alternative name of pedunculate oak comes from the \"peduncies\" or stalks that the acorns grow on.  The acorns are a highly nutritious foodstuff for small mammals which in turn attracts owls hunting for prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves break down easily in Autumn to provide an excellent source of mulch to condition the soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is smooth on young trees but as the tree ages, the bark becomes rugged and cracked which provide crevices for insects and bats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe buds, leaves and branches of Quercus robur have an alternate pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate of Quercus robur\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe eventual height is usually around 20m (but can be up to 40m) and it is slow growing at about 30cm pa. It can take up to 100 years for Quercus robur to become a viable timber source – we are currently harvesting timber from oak trees planted by the Victorians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Pedunculate Oak or Common Oak.  Fagaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801732350299,"sku":"Quercus rob 30401U1","price":1.39,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801732383067,"sku":"Quercus rob 40601U1","price":1.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801732415835,"sku":"Quercus rob 6080 1U1","price":1.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683967181-12784100_2a0391d1-4ded-479f-9061-57e756c9945a.jpg?v=1770027454"},{"product_id":"purging-buckthorn-rhamnus-cathartica","title":"Buckthorn - Purging (Rhamnus cathartica)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Purging buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) bare root plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have bare root Rhamnus cathartica plants in several sizes.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003eThe 1U1 2 year old specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from seed in the spring and instead of being sold in the following November to April period they are kept in situ in the field and grown on for a further year or longer which makes a strong bushy plant. We trim their roots underground with a specialised machine which helps to develop a fibrous root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe always have several batches of seed of Rhamnus cathartica including UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is particularly important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the most appropriate batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePurging Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA spiny small tree or large shrub, named after the purging affect of the berries (beware!).  This is a native shrub similar in appearance to \u003ca href=\"\/search?q=dogwood\"\u003edogwood\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/alder-buckthorn-rhamnus-frangula\"\u003ealder buckthorn\u003c\/a\u003e (it prefers drier soils to alder buckthorn) but with spiny branches and with leaves held opposite rather than alternate.  It’s a great choice for shade or sunlight and its leaves are the main food stuff for the brimstone butterfly as well as providing pollen and nectar for pollinating insects.  It makes a really good addition to a mixed hedge because its spiny branches provide good nesting sites, it has wildlife friendly flowers and berries and will be covered in brimstone butterflies if planted into a south facing hedgerow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis blog summarises the\u003ca href=\"\/blog\/the-differences-between-rhamus-cathartica-and-rhamnus-frangula\/\"\u003e differences between Purging Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePurging buckthorn is a tough, hardy tree\/shrub and will grow in virtually all soils in sun or shade, beside streams in soils that retail some moisture in dry seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit of Purging buckthorn\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of are quite distinctive with curved veins which come together at the tip. They are quite large (up to 9cm), matt green in summer, turning yellow in autumn and are finely toothed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlowers are small, yellow-green, and are pollinated by insects and it comes into flower later than many other native species of hedgerow plants – during May and June – which extends the flowering season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit (called drupes) are black berries the size of blackcurrants, with a strong purging, laxative affect if eaten by humans, cattle and horses but are popular with birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is pale grey-brown, fissured on older plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaximum height is about 10m (a small tree) but Purging buckthorn can also be trimmed as a hedge.  Growth rate is average at about 30cm pa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRhamnaceae 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":51801732645211,"sku":"Rhamnus cath 2040 1U1","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801732677979,"sku":"Rhamnus cath 4060 1U1","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801732710747,"sku":"Rhamnus cath 6080 1U1","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684144809-44280000_607f8a31-6ccd-480c-97cd-a1593f220e8a.jpg?v=1770027458"},{"product_id":"red-ramanas-rose-rosa-rugosa-rubra","title":"Ramanas Rose (Rosa rugosa Rubra)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Rosa rugosa bare root plants (Ramanas rose)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have bare root Rosa rugosa hedging plants in several sizes.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003eThe 1U1 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from seed in the spring and instead of being sold in the following November to April period they are kept in situ in the field and grown on for a further year or longer which makes a strong bushy plant. Their roots are undercut by a specialised machine to help develp a fibrous root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have the white flowering variety which is called \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ramanas-rose-white-rosa-rugosa-alba\"\u003eRosa rugosa Alba\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRamanus Rose (Rosa rugosa Rubra) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rosa rugosa is a very striking woodland shrub or hedging plant.  Normally “rubra” in the name would mean “red” but actually the flowers are a strong dark pink colour.  It is easily identified by its huge orange rose hips, the size of a small tomato.  It is very prickly, and it grows suckers from the root so it gradually forms a thicket of prickly growth which is fantastic for wildlife protection.  One of its common names is beach rose and it is indeed good at the coast but also due to its salt resistance, it is good in those highway schemes which are de-iced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRosa rugosa is a relatively recent introduction from Japan, and is a useful tough amenity hedging plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very robust plant suitable for sun or shade (damp shade or dry shade), even wet positions, and any normal soil.  Whilst it will be fine in most conditions, the ideal conditions are moist, well drained soil in full sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of Rosa rugosa are typical rose leaves - large (up to 15cm), pinnate with up to 9 leaflets (but usually 7) each leaflet about 3 – 4cm long, hairy on the underside.  They are green in spring and summer and turn yellow in autumn, holding well on the plant and looking very autumnal with the yellow foliage and orange red rose hips.  The open 5 petalled flowers are showy both in colour and size, and are lightly scented.  The fruits are very large and occasionally you will see flowers and fruits on the plant at the same time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRosa rugosa will grow to about 2m and forms a very thick hedge or shrub.  Growth rate is average at 30-45cm pa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as beach rose, Japanese Rose and letchberry.  Rosaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"xmsonormal\"\u003eThis species should not be planted in the wild, in accordance with the Wildlife \u0026amp; Countryside Act 1981 Section 12, Schedule 9 Part 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801732972891,"sku":"Rosa rug pink 3040 1U1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801733038427,"sku":"Rosa rug pink 4060 1U1","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684144967-60826000_2dd5c6f1-1348-4114-8204-1e02a614d8fc.jpg?v=1770027459"},{"product_id":"small-leaved-lime-tilia-cordata","title":"Lime - small leaved (Tilia cordata)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of bare root smallleaved lime trees (Tilia cordata)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe grow Tilia cordata bare root trees from seed which is sown in spring and then the 1+0 specification trees are ready to be sold the following November through to April months, when they are 1 year old. In recent years there has been a really severe shortage of good quality Tilia cordata seed so if you require any tree saplings, please order well in advance (even a year in advance).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe always have several batches of seed of Tilia cordata including UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is particularly important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the most appropriate batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLime (small leaved) (Tilia cordata) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTilia cordata is a large native tree with an oval crown, scented spring yellow flowers and is very good at supporting a wide range of wildlife, moth caterpillars, aphids, ladybirds, hoverflies, birds and bees.   It copes with air pollution well and is often found in urban settings, avenues and parks as well as woodlands and although once dominant in many woodlands it is now rather rarer.  It can be pollarded, coppiced or pleached.  There is a magnificent example of coppiced lime at Westonbirt Arboretum - it is estimated at 2000 years old.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest grown in deep, moist, fertile soil but can cope with much poorer soil conditions, including dry soil, but not waterlogged. They grow well in full sun or partial shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are heart shaped (cordate) with a pointed tip, medium sized (up to 8cm), glossy green on top with a paler glaucous colour underneath and a finely serrated edge.  The flowers are small but quite showy – greenish, yellow in colour and highly scented.  Tilia cordata produces a huge amount of nectar, in mid-June to July coinciding with the peak activity period of social bees like honeybees and bunblebees. Pollinated flowers turn into small nut like fruits attached to brown semi transparent wings.  You can differentiate Tilia cordata from the broad-leaved Lime (Tilia platyphyllos) which has white hairs in the axils whilst Tilia cordata leaves have ginger veins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a large tree, capable of reaching up to 40m and an average growth rate of about 30-40cm pa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Linden or pry tree or basswoods.  Malvaceae 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 \/ 2 yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":52197811945819,"sku":null,"price":2.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684144029-09539400_38134dbc-a576-4252-aa0c-5d555376c28e.jpg?v=1770027463"},{"product_id":"rowan-sorbus-aucuparia-mountain-ash","title":"Sorbus - Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Rowan bare root trees (Sorbus aucuparia)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have Sorbus aucuparia bare root plants in several sizes and specifications.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003eThe 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were sown from seed in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months when dormant ie they are one year old.  We have Sorbus aucuparia bare root whips in several heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe 1U1, 2 year old specification plants are seedlings\/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 which makes a strong bushy plant.  Their roots are undercut by specialised machine to help develop a fibrous root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe also have Sorbus aucuparia transplants which begin as one year old whips which are lifted, have their roots trimmed 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. The specification 1+1 means that a one year old seedling has been grown on for an additional one year. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAll of these plants are grown by us on our farm in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe always have several batches of seed of Sorbus aucuparia including UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is particularly important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the most appropriate batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRowan (Sorbus aucuparia) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRowan (meaning \"bird catching\" trees from when hedgerows were netted to catch the songbirds), perhaps the prettiest of our natives trees, have the alternative name of mountain ash and that’s a dead giveaway that they do well in mountainous, high altitude situations particularly on the western side of Britain – in Scotland, the Lake District, and Wales.  They don’t much like hard surfaces so are not suitable to be used as in paved urban areas and they do not grow tall enough to make a good timber tree, but they are very useful in woodland settings due to their virtually year round flowers\/berries which offer terrific wildlife value. They flower profusely and their orange\/red berries which hang in large bunches are much appreciated by a range of birds.  There are very many cultivated varieties of Rowan tree but the one we grow is the native variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wood is not renowned for its suitability for timber (Sorbus trees rarely grow to a sufficient size) but it is pliable and will not shatter under tension. A young rowan tree will bend all the way to the ground and then spring back straight again, as part of the trees' defence against wind and a function of their tensile strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts upright habit makes it ideal as a hedgerow tree and its crop of red berries are very popular with blackbirds and thrushes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal conditions for Rowan trees are neutral to slightly acidic soils, well drained, moderately fertile soil but Rowan trees will grow on rocky outcrops – anything but heavy clay or very wet soils.  Rowans are a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bareroothedging.vscommerce.co.uk\/blog\/what-are-pioneer-tree-species\/\"\u003epioneer species\u003c\/a\u003e of tree so prefer open sunlight.  They are good at high altitudes (hence Mountain Ash alternative name).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are pinnate, and have 5 – 8 pairs of leaflets plus one at the end.  The leaflets are oval and toothed.  Leaves turn good autumn colours.  The flowers are creamy\/white colour 5 petal drops in large trusses, strongly scented and excellent for a wide range of pollinating insects.  From these, orange\/red berries (also in large clusters) develop, and the astringent fruits are very popular with a wide range of birds, particularly blackbirds, bullfinches and waxwings.  The fruits can be eaten by humans once cooked (generally as a jelly rich in vitamin C) but are poisonous to us when raw.  They must pass through the acid gut of a bird before the seeds can germinate.  Because of it's profuse berries and tolerance of altitude, Rowan trees are a very useful source of winter food for birds and deer will eat the bark, lichen and leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe trunk and branches are smooth silver grey, often dappled with lichens and the winter buds are dark purple and slightly hairy.  The emerging leaves have a silvery tint, and the twigs are dark red.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a medium sized tree growing to about 10m, with average growth rate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Mountain Ash.  Rosaceae 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 \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801733759323,"sku":"Sorbus auc 3040 1+0","price":1.39,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801733857627,"sku":"Sorbus auc 4060 1+0","price":1.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801733890395,"sku":"Sorbus auc 4060 1U1","price":1.59,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801733923163,"sku":"Sorbus auc 6080 1+0","price":1.69,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684145743-14718600_b7e3919c-69b7-42db-8974-e4644a4bc40f.jpg?v=1770027465"},{"product_id":"alder-buckthorn-rhamnus-frangula","title":"Buckthorn - Alder (Rhamnus frangula)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Alder buckthorn bare root plants (Rhamnus frangula)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe normally have Alder buckthorn bare root trees or hedging plants in several sizes.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003eThe 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were planted from seed in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are 1 year old.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  \u003c\/span\u003eWe have Alder buckthorn bare root whips in several heights. All of these plants are grown by us in Herefordshire so you are buying \"direct from the grower\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAlder Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlder buckthorn likes wetter areas, thriving in wet riverbanks and bogs but it will cope also with normal moisture levels.  Along with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/purging-buckthorn-rhamnus-cathartica\"\u003eRhamnus cathartica\u003c\/a\u003e, the leaves are a main food stuff for the Brimstone butterfly and it has other wildlife value with flowers attractive to bees and berries for birds, particularly thrushes.  Although having “thorn” in the name would imply it is a thorny plant, in fact is it not thorny (unlike Rhamnus cathartica which is spiny).  We have a blog on the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/the-differences-between-rhamus-cathartica-and-rhamnus-frangula\/\"\u003edifferences between Rhamnus frangula and Rhamnus cathartica.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWetter ground in hedgerows, bogs, scrubland and woodlands, beside ditches and streams, ideally in full or partial sunlight and acidic soil, though it will tolerate neutral soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of Alder buckthorn are matt green, oval, up to 7cm in length, with a pointed tip and taper towards the base, and are arranged alternately on the stem and the stems themselves are purplish-brown.   The leaves are one of the very few foodstuffs for brimstone butterflies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ein May\/June, alder buckthorn produces greenish-cream flowers which are star shaped and are held in large clusters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruits are reddish\/purple berries, darkening to black, popular with thrushes and other birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is smooth and purple-brown with white corky cells when young, becoming grey-brown as it matures, but still retaining some pale markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe eventual height if left to grow as a shrubby, delicate tree would be about 5m but this plant is more often grown as part of a hedgerow where it is easily kept at 2- 3m height.  Growth rate is average at about 40cm pa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRhamnaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801734185307,"sku":"Rhfrang20401+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683960715-85800900_b0e023c3-9962-4301-bf76-072c63fe0f83.jpg?v=1770027468"},{"product_id":"native-spindle-euonymus-europaeus","title":"Spindle (Euonymus europaeus)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Spindle bare root plants (Euonymus europeaus)\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe 1U1, 2 year old specification plants are seedlings 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe also have Spindle as a transplant (1+1 2 year old plants) which are seedlings, lifted in the winter when we manually trim their roots and then we replant them in spring in a different area of our farm with wider spacing to give each plant access to more space, moisture and nutrients and this makes for a bushy, strong plant.  If you are claiming a grant under the Countryside Stewardship scheme, you need to order 1+1 plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe often have several batches of seed provenance for this species including UK provenance and sometimes some of the highest quality imported seed, so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is important to you, please give us a call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAll of the above plants are grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpindle (Euonymus europaeus) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpindle is a great addition to any hedgerow or woodland with stunning autumn colour, thanks to the abundant eye popping pink capsules and orange coated seeds which persist long after the leaves drop, and a great deal of wildlife value.  Its common name derives from the fact that its wood was made into spinning spindles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would be unusual to see a country hedge with a large proportion of Spindle in it, but a smattering here and there is good for wildlife and adds an attractive autumn colour via the red leaves and stunning berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLess commonly found in Scotland, Spindle is found across all of England and Wales on chalkier soils although it will tolerate all other soil types.  It flowers and berries best in full sun or light partial shade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are oval with a pointed tip and very fine serrations on the edges and it has overall a slightly wavy appearance.  They turn a good dark red colour in autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlowers are small, greenish\/yellow and are held in large clusters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe berries are the most striking aspect of Spindle – shocking pink fruits enclose bright orange seeds – a clashing combination sure to catch the eye.  Please note that the fruits are toxic to humans and horses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stems are a distinctive feature with grey corky bark and ridges along the length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpindle will grow up to about 7m in ideal conditions but more often matures at about 4m, with a quite slow growth rate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCelastraceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\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":51801734447451,"sku":"Euonymus 2040 1+1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801734512987,"sku":"Euonymus 40601+1","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801734545755,"sku":"Euonymus 60801+1","price":1.39,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684146425-18437900_caf94132-7423-4115-af47-0649fd4f6ae1.jpg?v=1770027470"},{"product_id":"silver-birch-betula-pendula","title":"Birch - Silver (Betula pendula)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Silver Birch bare root trees (Betula pendula)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have Silver Birch bare root trees in several sizes.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003eThe 1+0 1 year old plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were sown from seed in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months when dormant ie they are one year old.  We have Silver Birch bare root whips in several heights. These tree saplings are grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe always have several batches of Betula pendula seed from which we grow the tree saplings - including orchard seed which is the highest possible quality tree seed for trees to be grown for timber.  We generally also have local British provenance seed and sometimes some of the highest quality imported seed so if it is particularly important to you to have orchard seed or UK provenance seed, please give us a call.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSilver Birch (Betula pendula) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSilver birch are medium sized graceful, slender native trees with pendulous branches angled at 45 degrees, and a light airy canopy, often planted quite close together to striking affect.  There are very few medium height woodland trees - woodland trees tend to either be tall or small.  These will grow to a medium height because they often grow in open areas, clearings or woodland edges, where they are not shaded by tall trees. Their trunks are light coloured, greyish white, developing darker near the base as the tree matures and fissured into rough diamond shapes and the distinctive white bark sheds in layers.  The branches are very thin and twiggy (picture a birch besom broom which is made from birch twigs).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/downy-birch-betula-pubescens\"\u003eDowny Birch\u003c\/a\u003e tends to be the birch tree of choice in Scotland.  This blog explains the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/differences-between-betula-pendula-and-betula-pubescens\/\"\u003edifferences between Silver birch and Downy birch\u003c\/a\u003e and on this page we concentrate on Silver Birch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes called \"lady of the woods\" a term given to silver birch by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, they like to grow in a sunny situation, and when mature create a light, open atmosphere (ethereal in winter) and perfect conditions for a range of woodland ground cover plants and shrubs to grow and for shade loving trees to thrive.  They tend not to regenerate (despite millions of tiny windborne seeds) because they like an open aspect and disturbed soil to germinate.  They do their job of helping new woodlands to establish quickly, and then they leave the long term job to oak trees and beech trees, living only to about 80-100 years.  As well as being an excellent pioneer woodland tree (read more about \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/what-are-pioneer-tree-species\/\"\u003epioneer trees\u003c\/a\u003e in our blog). they are useful to plant as a shelter belt to protect slower growing species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are tolerant of a range of temperatures including very cold. Silver birch trees can improve soil quality - their widespreading roots gather nutrients into the tree which then relinquishes them into the soil when the leaves drop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are eaten by aphids which then attracts a range of other wildlife which feed on the aphids. They are a vital habitat for over 300 insect species as well as providing a nesting site for hole-nesters like woodpeckers. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBirch is one of the strongest timbers commonly grown in Britain only slightly less dense than Beech and it is more dense than Sycamore.  The wood works and finishes well and can be used for furniture, fittings and paper.  Silver birch wood burns hot (spits in open fires so best reserved for stoves) and it makes good charcoal. It is not grown much for timber in Britain, but that is probably more to do with the quality of the existing stands of trees and the new birch orchards that are now producing improved seed will address that.  We know that Birch is a very important timber species in Scandinvia (particularly Finland) for veneers, plywood and pulp. It can produce valuable timber in relatively short rotations (as short as 40 years) if grown on good sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly approx 10% of the bare root Betula pendula trees grown from seed in this country are from orchard seeds and only a handful of nurseries grow \"improved birch\" which is the best for forestry\/productive woodlands having been bred from carefully selected \"plus\" trees.  The process to produce seed from improved birch trees (once suitable trees have been identified) is to take plant material from the plus trees and graft it onto rootstocks, grow on in carefully supervised conditions for at least 2 years, and then plant out into an orchard and wait for about 15 more years for seed production to be viable.  RJ Trees and Hedging is one of the very few nurseries growing improved birch trees from orchard seed.   We have a blog on \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e which covers seed orchards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll soil types are suitable and the ideal situation is moist, well drained soil, in full sun or light shade but they will also cope with dry soil.  For the north of Scotland and far west and higher altitudes, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/birch-downy-betula-pubescens\"\u003eDowny Birch\u003c\/a\u003e is the popular birch species, but silver birch is grown all over the UK and is more common in the south and east of Britain.  Although birches do best in rich, fresh soils, they are able to survive and grow on the most forbidding landscapes including mine spoils, landslides and drained peatlands.  It tolerates a soil pH as low as 3.3. If birch is being grown for timber then it is advisable to grow it on good sites capable of sustaining a fast growth rate - freely drained, light mineral soils are best.   Grown on infertile, exposed, uplands means birch is unlikely to produce quality timber even with management, but it is still useful for conservation and amenity and there can be some timber use like firewood and pulp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers, fruit and bark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are quite small (about 3-5cm), alternate, triangular or “arrow head” shaped with jagged teeth on the edges, on hairless stalks about 2cm long.  They come into leaf early in spring which helps explain the association of this species with fertility and renewal in Celtic mythology.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMale and female flowers occur on the same tree.  The male are yellow drooping catkins at the end of twigs.  Female catkins are green and upright and are pollinated by wind, after which they turn red before dispersing seed.  The seed ripens from July to October and each catkins contains about 450 seeds so seed falls can be very large with 250,000 seeds per m2 recorded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is a main feature of silver birch trees. Although the bark appears delicate, it is remarkably tough and contains oils that have both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and as a result birch bark has been used since pre-historic times for baskets, footwear and canoes as well as a building material.  The bark stores waxy resins which was used in ancient times as a glue and can be used nowadays as a firelighter. The bark is patterned with horizontal lines (called lenticels), which act as channels for gas exchange and help the tree to shed pollutants and clean out its breathing pores.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe buds, leaves and branches have an alternate pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate of Silver birch trees\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe eventual height is about 20-30m and growth rate is fast for the first 20 years, after which growth is slow.  They are not very long living trees - about 50-100 years is the norm.  When establishing birch woodlands it is important that the top of the plant is clear of competing vegetation so good weed control is essential and weeding should be done by the beginning of summer to ensure good light levels for the birch trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBetulaceae 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 \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801735332187,"sku":"Betula pen 3040 1+0","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801735397723,"sku":"Betula pen 4060 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801735430491,"sku":"Betula pen 6080 1+0","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684146316-52245500_e0bc9f2e-adeb-45b0-820a-bae7fe3605c2.jpg?v=1770027476"},{"product_id":"mixed-native-bare-root-hedging-packs-grant-eligible","title":"Mixed native bare root hedging packs - eligible for Stewardship BN7 and BN11 grants","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBare Root Mixed Native Farm Hedging Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBritain has over 1 million km of farm hedging, all originally planted as mixed native bare root hedging plants.  Sadly many of these hedgerows are not in the best of shape and need \"gapping up\" and our plants are just as suitable for this purpose as for the establishment of new hedgerows.  All the plants sold in this section are grown by us in Herefordshire starting with seed sowing, and are grown to the highest quality standards and they are all suitable for growing in all soils (other than waterlogged areas), in full sun or partial shade (every situation other than the deepest shade).  If you have challenging soil conditions or situation, please feel free to call us for advice on 01989 552028.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecies in our packs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer Hawthorn based mixed native bare root hedging packs and Blackthorn based mixed native bare root hedging packs.  The Hawthorn based packs contain 50% Hawthorn, 30% Blackthorn and 5% each of 4 additional species - hazel, field maple, crab apple, and dog rose.  The Blackthorn based packs contain 50% Blackthorn, 30% Hawthorn and 5% each of the additional 4 species.  We recommend the Blackthorn based packs for damper soils and where very early flowering is required (Blackthorn flowers before Hawthorn).  Both packs are very economical and are all discounted off the normal prices if you were to add the same plants to your shopping basket on this website.   All species used are reliable, easy to grow in almost all soils and situations and take well to hedge laying or being trimmed by flail.  All species are livestock friendly but we do not recommend blackthorn for horse paddocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll of the plants in our mixed native bare root packs are grown by us in Herefordshire.  We cannot adjust the species in these mixed packs but if our pre selected mixture doesnt suit you, you can order your own choice of plants on our website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to attract more wildlife\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can make a hedgerow even more wildlife friendly by adding additional species of hedging plant to the basic mix – and to an extent this will happen gradually as birds and wind deposit seeds of other species into a new hedge.  The varieties we recommend if you are looking to increase the number of plant species would be elder, holly, wild cherry or bird cherry, purging buckthorn, alder buckthorn, spindle, common dogwood, wild privet, guelder rose and cherry plum. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCheaper hedging options\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can make a hedgerow cheaper by buying the discounted mixed hedgerow packs and then adding more of the cheaper constituents (Hawthorn and Blackthorn) so that the proportion of Hawthorn and Blackthorn is increased compared with the more expensive plant species.  The additional four species are all more expensive than the Hawthorn and Blackthorn (due to cost of seed and germination rates) so you can reduce the additional species and increase the Hawthorn and\/or Blackthorn to save quite a bit, but for each species that you drop you will miss out on some flowering\/berrying\/wildlife value so it's a balancing act. We would recommend that you do not plant more than 80% Hawthorn or Blackthorn if you want to attract a wide variety of wildlife and 70% is the limit for a single species under the ELMS grant scheme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 1.5em;\"\u003eWhat else is needed for planting mixed native hedging?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe strongly recommend planting with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rabbit-vole-guards-tubex-easywrap\"\u003eEasywrap guards\u003c\/a\u003e (unless you are absolutely positive that you do not have rabbits or voles in the area) which will need a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/bamboo-canes\"\u003ecane\u003c\/a\u003e to pin them in place, and we find that planting with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rootgrow\"\u003eRootgrow\u003c\/a\u003e (a friendly fungi which stimulates root development) increases the success rate and establishment of bare root plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClaiming a Countryside Stewardship Grant for new hedgerows or gapping up (BN7 or BN11)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grant rules specify that you must use 1+1 transplants (those are 2 years' old rather than 1 year old whips) and they must be a minimum of 45-60cm in height.  As far as we are aware, we are the only wholesale grower who grades to this specification - everyone else will either tell you to \"risk it\" and buy 40\/60cm height (but then you risk your grant audit going badly!) or you have to trade up to 60\/80cm height which are taller than you need and therefore more expensive. Be very careful to ensure you are buying 1+1 transplants because younger plants are not eligible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy buy from R J Trees and Hedging Ltd\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the objectives of the new ELMS farm grant schemes is to increase the quality and quantity of British farm hedgerows and RJ Trees and Hedging is a specialist trade nursery you can rely on to supply you with quality British grown wholesale-priced bare root seedlings (whips) and transplants.  Ray Jenkins has been growing and selling mixed native farm hedging for over 35 years and is considered an “industry veteran” by Horticulture Week.  We are familiar with the Countryside Stewardship grant scheme and our 1+1 packs comply with the BN7 and BN11 requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801735627099,"sku":"Hawthorn based mixed native 40\/60 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801735659867,"sku":"Hawthorn based mixed 4060 1+1","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801735692635,"sku":"Hawthorn based mixed native 6080 1+0","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801735725403,"sku":"Hawthorn based mixed 6080 1+1","price":1.39,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"45-60cm Countryside Stewardship Grant spec \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801735758171,"sku":"Hawthorn based 4560 1+1 CSS","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684144163-08323000_bfe1e729-807f-4939-99d5-c7909c1333e8.jpg?v=1770027481"},{"product_id":"red-dogwood-cornus-alba","title":"Dogwood - Red (Cornus alba)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Red Dogwood (Cornus alba) bare root plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Cornus alba bare root hedging plants in several specifications and heights.  The 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were planted from seed in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months when they are dormant ie they are 1 year old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also have Cornus alba transplants (1+1, 2 year old plants) which began as a one year old whip (grown from seed in one growing season) and are then planted back out for one more growing season in a different area of our fields at lower density to give each plant more space, nutrients and water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRed Dogwood (Cornus alba) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNothing much of a plant until winter when it’s red stems brighten the bare brown hedging.  Its leaves feed caterpillars of some moths, the pungent creamy white flowers are insect friendly, and the blue berries are popular with robins and other birds.  Dogwood is not suitable for hedge laying.  Normally \u003ca href=\"\/products\/common-dogwood-cornus-sanguinea\"\u003eCornus sanguinea\u003c\/a\u003e would be used in farm hedging (because it is native) and Cornus alba or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-dogwood-cornus-alba-sibirica\"\u003eCornus alba Sibirica\u003c\/a\u003e would be used in landscaping schemes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNormal or moist soils in sun or partial shade.  Not too fussy.  Rarely found in Scotland, the very far west of Wales and the tip of Cornwall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are oval, about 6cm long, with curved veins and smooth edges and a good red autumn colour. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are white sprays, quite unpleasant smelling to our noses but attractive to a range of insects and the berries are blue and apparently “not even fit for a dog” but they are popular particularly with robins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe eventual height is about 2.5 - 3m and the growth rate is above average – about 40-60cm pa.  If you trim dogwood stems to about 15cm from the ground, new growth will be rapid and brighter red.\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":51801736151387,"sku":"Cornus alba 4060 1+1","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801736118619,"sku":"Cornus alba 4060 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684145182-84791300_379bcfbd-e089-409e-aea3-c6cb8e98bfc0.jpg?v=1770027482"},{"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":"sycamore-acer-pseudoplatanus","title":"Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Sycamore bare root trees (Acer pseudoplatanus)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have Sycamore bare root tree saplings in several sizes and specifications.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  The 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were sown from seed in spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are one year old. We have Sycamore bare root whips in several heights.  These plants are grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe seed used to grow our Sycamore trees is \"orchard seed\" which means it's been harvested from trees that are grown specifically to produce the highest possible standard of tree sapling for timber production - see our blog on \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is thought that Sycamores were introduced to the UK by the Romans so although non-native, they’re certainly well acclimatised and widely planted in the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seeds germinate very easily in the wild so Sycamore has spread widely across the UK and is found in most woodlands.  It is sometimes not in favour with foresters due to the need to control the seedlings and also it can be a target for grey squirrels (who strip off the bark at the top of the tree to get to the sweet sap wood) but with the combination of climate change and diseases affecting some of our other native broadleaf trees, it is worth reconsidering sycamore in planned productive woodlands, particularly as it can grow to a diameter of 60cm in 60 years.  Many trees have a feature called rippled curly, figured or fiddleback, making it a very attractive timber for furniture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSycamore is wind tolerant and sea salt tolerant with deep roots acting as anchors so are very good at the coast and inland exposed areas.  They are also pollution\/road salt tolerant hence their use in urban settings but as a large tree with a broad silhouette they need to be planted into parks or large gardens and not more constrained sites. Sycamore is a very useful tree for situations that do not lend themselves to alternative species.   As a hedgerow tree, it has a good upright trunk to keep it well clear of hedges (not inhibiting the growth of the hedging plants), its seedlings tend not to be a problem and it supports a large number of aphids which is of great benefit to birds and other hedgerow inhabitants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wood is pale, almost white and works well whilst green and does not taint so can be used for kitchen utensils.  It also produces very fine veneers and excellent firewood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSycamore will grow in almost any soil but prefers rich, deep, fertile, moist but well drained soil.   They have deep roots which anchor the tree and make it a good choice for windy situations.  They are environmentally robust trees, good for urban sites (but not where the roots might lift pavements or paths) as well as woodlands where they appreciate a bit of sunshine rather than full shade.  Their tolerance of wind, salt spray, pollution and road salt make them very useful trees for a range of difficult situations (including the now sadly Sycamore-less Gap in Northumberland) but they also are a host to a wide range of wildlife. With Ash die back beginning to bite, Sycamore can be a useful alternative both as a timber tree and a landscape feature as well as for its wildlife benefit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are large (up to 20cm) green maple shaped (palmate with 5 toothed lobes) turning yellow in autumn. They attract aphids which in turn attract ladybirds, birds and other insects, and the leaves are also eaten by moth caterpillars. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers which are short yellow dangling racemes are very good for pollinators and an excellent source of pollen.  The fruit are “helicopters” of winged seeds and are eaten by birds and small mammals. There is a wide angle between the winged helicopter seed pairs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe branches reach upwards and have an opposite pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSycamore trees become large, broad trees up to 35m, and are fast growing in the first 20 years, and potentially live for 400 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSapindaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801736970587,"sku":"Acer pseudo 4060 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684146985-98472700_8c1e573e-14ca-4034-ac73-ad34114e7a6d.jpg?v=1770027491"},{"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":"downy-birch-betula-pubescens","title":"Birch - Downy (Betula pubescens)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of bare root Downy birch trees (Betula pubescens)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have bare root downy birch trees in several sizes.  The 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were sown from seed in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are one year old.  We have downy birch bare root whips in several heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe always have several batches of seed for Downy birch including UK provenance seed, but sometimes also the highest quality imported seed so if it is particularly important to you to have UK provenance seed, please give us a call.  See our blog on \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDowny Birch (Betula pubescens) Summary \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to all of Northern Europe, downy birch grows further north than any other broadleaf tree.  It is closely related to \u003ca href=\"\/products\/silver-birch-betula-pendula\"\u003eSilver birch\u003c\/a\u003e but grows in wetter soil and is well suited to the west of Scotland where it is grown for timber.  This blog explains the main \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/differences-between-betula-pendula-and-betula-pubescens\/\"\u003edifferences between Silver birch and Downy birch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs its common name implies, Downy birch is covered in downy hairs. It has an elegant, light canopy with slightly drooping branches (but is more upright than Betula pendula).  The bark of downy birch isn’t as white and papery as silver birch and has less fissures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFound throughout the UK but particularly in the north and west, downy birch prefers damper soils than silver birch, even heavy clay soils and boggy areas (but not fully waterlogged).  It grows well on elevation sites in full or partial sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDowny birch has small green, triangular leaves rounded at the base with velvety leaf stalks.  The yellow\/brown “lambs’ tails” male catkins and are long and dangling, female catkins are short and upright and bright green and are wind pollinated after which they turn red and disperse tiny seed in autumn.  It supports 300+ insect species and several bird species, particularly siskins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDowny birch is a \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/what-are-pioneer-tree-species\/\"\u003epioneer species\u003c\/a\u003e (see blog on this topic) and are fast growing, seed readily, are undemanding and easy to establish.  Their eventual height is about 20m.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Betula alba, moor birch, white birch, European white birch, hairy birch.  Betulaceae 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\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801738051931,"sku":"Betula pub 4060 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801738084699,"sku":"Betula pub 6080 1+0","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683966815-10324700_a1eb3c47-c5d0-41fc-8b70-5c52205f2b75.jpg?v=1770027497"},{"product_id":"common-dogwood-cornus-sanguinea","title":"Dogwood - Common (Cornus sanguinea)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of bare root Cornus sanguinea plants (Common dogwood)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCornus sanguinea bare root hedging plants or shrubs are grown from seed in one season.  Seed is sown in spring and then the plants are ready to be sold from the following November through to April. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe always have several batches of seed of Cornus sanguinea including UK provenance and also some of the highest quality imported seed so if it is particularly important to you to have UK provenance please give us a call.  This is a blog on \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/search?q=cornus\"\u003eDogwoods\u003c\/a\u003e are normally grown for their attractive upright, bright coloured stems but they also provide quite a lot of wildlife value.  This variety is native and has orange\/red stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn spring and summer, it has large ovate, smooth edged, dull, dark green leaves, borne opposite each other and held on purplish stems.  Flat clusters of tiny white flowers, which turn into black berries in autumn, are carried on older wood.  Leaves turn red before falling, exposing the bright straight stems.  Dogwoods look great planted in a group on damp edges of woodland (where they can benefit from some sunlight) and are often included in wildlife friendly hedgerows.  The brightest stem colour is achieved when dogwoods are planted in full sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to this native variety, we have a Dogwood with red stems (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/red-dogwood-cornus-alba\"\u003eCornus alba\u003c\/a\u003e) and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/siberian-dogwood-cornus-alba-sibirica\"\u003eCornus alba Sibirica \u003c\/a\u003ewhich has very dark red stems, both often used in landscaping schemes rather than farm hedgerows where the native Cornus sanguinea is more popular.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDogwoods will grow in most soils with a preference for moist clay to loamy soils, though it will grow (but more slowly) on limestone soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, fruit and flowers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are opposite and up to 3” long with smooth sides and curved veins, mid green in colour in spring and summer and turning deep red in autumn.  Nectar and pollen rich flowers are tiny with 4 creamy coloured petals, held in clusters up to 2” wide and are insect pollinated.  The leaves are eaten by caterpillars and the black fruits (dogberries) are eaten by a wide range of birds and mammals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDogwood is a medium to large shrub with an eventual height of up to 5m.  New stems grow quickly, with brighter colour, if they are cut down to about 4” from the soil level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as bloody dogwood and bloodtwig dogwood.  Cornaceae family\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801738510683,"sku":"Cornus sang 3040 1+0","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801738576219,"sku":"Cornus sang 3040 1+1","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801738608987,"sku":"Cornus sang 4060 1+1","price":1.39,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801738674523,"sku":"Cornus sang 4060 1+0","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683962559-24648900_5549c690-7d9d-4767-8a75-7921404fdcdf.jpg?v=1770027501"},{"product_id":"sweet-chestnut-castanea-sativa","title":"Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Sweet Chestnut bare root trees (Castanea sativa)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have bare root Sweet Chestnut trees in several sizes and specifications.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe 1U1 specification plants are seedlings which were grown 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.  These plants are grown on our farm in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe seed from which we grow our Sweet Chestnut tree saplings is generally UK provenance, and normally from a Select Stand which demonstrates excellent qualities - this is particularly important where trees are grown for timber.  See our blog on\u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003e seed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweet chestnut is the tree that gives us the edible “chestnuts roasted on an open fire” and also a lightweight, weather resistant wood that is used for furniture-making and coppiced to make long-lasting fencing, poles, firewood and charcoal.  Thin strips have traditionally been made into Sussex trugs.  It is non-native to the UK (thought to be a fairly recent introduction) and grows only in the south of the UK, being native to Southern Europe and Asia Minor. It is susceptible to sweet chestnut blight and banned from being imported from areas affected.  Our sweet chestnut trees are all UK seed and UK grown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweet chestnut trees prefer well drained soils and a mild temperature.  They grown mostly in the south of the UK in nut orchards, in mixed woodlands and in specific sweet chestnut coppices, ideally in full sun but they will also grow in partial shade. They do not like to grow in a limestone soil or compacted soil\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers, fruit and bark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are shiny, mid-green, very long (up to 25cm) and oblong with a pointed tip, deeply veined and with a serrated edge. In autumn they become gold\/russet coloured\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers which appear in June and July are long yellow catkins of both male and female flowers (male on the lower part of the flower and female on the upper part) and after pollination by insects the female flowers develop by autumn into glossy delicious chestnuts encased in a very spiky green case. Sweet chestnuts are packed with nutrients and antioxidents, high in fibre and very versatile. Trees do not produce chestnuts until they are mature but then the average production of chestnuts is generally about 100kg per tree but can be up to 300kg.  Autumn frosts can damage the chestnut harvest.  Chestnuts have many culinary uses and are gluten free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYoung trees have quite a smooth bark, in middle age they develop minor fissures (like oak) and then in old age (150 years or more) the bole twists into a contorted corkscrew with very deep fissures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweet chestnut is a large tree and will grow to about 35m though they are often coppiced, regrowing rapidly and producing timber every 10-12 years.   If allowed to grow without coppicing, they develop a squat shape with downward facing branches and a relatively short trunk. They are very long living trees when grown in the right conditions - up to 1000 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweet chestnut trees are susceptible to two issues - oriental chestnut gall wasp (OCGW), which is a non-stinging wasp but leaves a swelling at the leaf's central vein and where the leaf joins on to the stem (leaf nodes), and secondly chestnut blight which leaves trees with sunken and disfigured patches of bark often with visible orange spores, and a sparce crown. The first reported sighting of Chestnut blight was in Warwickshire in 2011 and since then there have been cases from Cornwall to Kent.  Members of the public are encouraged to identify sweet chestnut trees in their area and inspect the leaves and bark looking for signs of disease and if appropriate, report sightings of either of these issues on the following website - \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rhs.org.uk\/science\/help-our-research\/check-a-sweet-chestnut\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.rhs.org.uk\/science\/help-our-research\/check-a-sweet-chestnut\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFagaceae 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\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801738936667,"sku":"Castanea 2040 1U1","price":1.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684146872-47739800_ac169fa0-ef4b-4cc0-b45d-02007c9405e1.jpg?v=1770027502"},{"product_id":"aspen-populus-tremula","title":"Poplar - Aspen (Populus tremula)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Aspen bare root trees (Populus tremula)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Populus tremula bare root trees in several sizes. The 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were sown from seed in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are 1 year old.  We have them in several heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAspen (Populus tremula) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaf stalks are very flexible which gives this beautiful tree the impression of trembling foliage or to use one of its common names “quaking”.   Aspen trees need sunlight and moist soil but will grow in any soil type including boggy soils. They are quite wildlife friendly attracting a range of insects and birds.  Beavers have a particular fondness for aspen.   Aspen is a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/blogs\/news\/what-are-pioneer-tree-species\"\u003epioneer species\u003c\/a\u003e of tree, quick to establish in a new woodland, able to colonise bare ground poor in nutrients, and providing shade later for shade-loving trees to thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePopulus tremula is native to cool regions hence often found in the north west of Scotland, in moist soil (often on well-draining riverbanks).  They can cope with sea salt, windy sites and elevated positions.  Ideally Aspens prefer dry summers, but if you can arrange that to suit, you're cleverer than me!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpening copper coloured before turning green, the leaves are rounded with blunt teeth.  The most unusual characteristic of Aspen leaves is their flutteryness due to flat and flexible leaf stalks. This adaption increases the rate of transpiration and seems to accelerate mineral uptake from thin, wet soils, increasing glucose production against the odds.  Leaves turn bright yellow in autumn, sometimes tinged with red.   The flowers are pinkish coloured catkins and the female flowers release fluffy seeds onto the wind.  It reproduces by suckering, generating a large number of clones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAspen trees will grow to about 15m making them a medium to large sized tree.  Growth rate is very fast – up to 2m pa which is a characteristic that makes them very suitable for windbreaks as well as being grown for timber.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as quaking aspen, European aspen, common aspen.  Salicaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801739362651,"sku":"Pop trem 4060 1+0","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801739264347,"sku":"Pop trem 6080 1+0","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683960991-43545800_cbb391cf-b53e-4aee-8a60-278ea6958591.jpg?v=1770027506"},{"product_id":"goat-willow-salix-caprea","title":"Willow - Goat (Salix caprea)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Goat Willow bare root plants (Salix caprea)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Goat Willow bare root plants in several specifications and heights.  The 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from seed sown in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are 1 year old.  We have Goat Willow whips in several heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGoat Willow (Salix caprea) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA small rounded pioneer tree (see our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/blogs\/news\/what-are-pioneer-tree-species\"\u003eblog on pioneer trees\u003c\/a\u003e) or large shrub is generally planted as a hedge or windbreak near water where it will suck up moisture effectively as well as tolerating standing in water and whilst moisture loving, it will also grow on dry soil.  It is very fast growing and can be coppiced to produce timber for fires or to make charcoal.  Unlike most \u003ca href=\"\/search?q=willow\"\u003ewillows \u003c\/a\u003ethe wood is not flexible enough to be woven.  It has deep spreading roots and does well on steep slopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most appealing aspect of this lovely tree is the pussy willow catkins in spring, thick and padded like kitten’s paws (pussies), which appear before the leaves in early spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name \"caprea\" means goat and it is thought it derives from it being used as goat fodder and indeed it can still be used for that purpose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoat willow is a water loving tree\/shrub and is ideal near ponds, streams or rivers, or in wetlands and bogs. Its other use is to hold the soil in place on steep embankments and it will grow well there even in dry soil.  It will grow in semi shade but prefers to grow in a sunny situation, and in any soil type other than very acidic or very alkaline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNormally willows have long slim leaves but the goat willow has oval dark green leaves with a grey felt underneath.  Male trees produce pinkish grey fat catkins up to 2” long which turn yellow when ripe with pollen very early in the spring and are an important early source of pollen for bees and other pollinating insects. They are vital for bumblebee queens coming out of hibernation.  Female trees produce long green catkins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf left unpruned, goat willow would grow to about 8m in height but it is often coppiced to the ground every 5 years and it very quickly regrows with long straight stems and even larger catkins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as European pussy willow and great sallow.  Salicaceae 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":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801739854171,"sku":"Salix cap 4060 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801739821403,"sku":"Salix cap 6080 1+0","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684142394-17986300_8532f244-093f-4a24-a1fc-d1e2c8b09531.jpg?v=1770027507"},{"product_id":"wayfaring-tree-viburnum-lantana","title":"Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of bare root Wayfaring trees (Viburnum lantana)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have bare root Viburnum lantana plants in several specifications.  The 1U1 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) grown from seed in one season, and then instead of being sold during the following November to April dormant season, they are left in situ and grown on for a further full growing season which makes a bushy strong 2 year old plant.  We grow these plants ourselves on our farm in Herefordshire and generally have several sizes available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe always have several batches of seed of Viburnum lantana including UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is particularly important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the most appropriate batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWayfaring tree is a vigorous treelike shrub common along paths and often found in hedgerows, woodland edges and scrub with dense clusters of creamy white flowers and pretty berries.  Wayfaring trees have good wildlife value with leaves, flowers and berries all being attractive to a range of wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny moist well drained soil with a preference for chalky soil, in full sun or partial shade and exposed or sheltered situation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and berries\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of the wayfaring tree are large, opposite, oval, slightly wrinkled in appearance with grey hairs underneath and on the twig (hence one of the common names – hoarwithy where hoar means hair and withy means a plant stem).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are large umbels of cream flowers with 5 petals weighing down the shrub when it is planted in a sunny site.  The flowers are all identical in size whereas \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/guelder-rose-viburnum-opulus\"\u003eViburnum opulus\u003c\/a\u003e (Guelder rose) has larger flowers on the outside of the umbel graduating downwards in size towards the centre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plentiful fruits are oblong (like a squashed berry) beginning red and cream and then turning black and often having all colours on the same cluster of berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYoung shoots are a downy light brown colour that darkens slightly with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual size and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWayfaring trees grow to about 5m but can be trimmed as a hedge.  Growth rate is medium up to 40cm pa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as wayfarer or hoarworthy.  Adoxaceae 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":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801740738907,"sku":"Vib lantana 4060 1U1","price":1.1,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801740771675,"sku":"Vib lantana 6080 1U1","price":1.2,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684147180-62570100_57614205-479d-426f-b5f6-aea9d6548c65.jpg?v=1770027512"},{"product_id":"guelder-rose-viburnum-opulus","title":"Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) bare root plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Viburnum opulus bare root plants 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 (as is normal with most of the range of bare root hedging plants and shrubs) they are kept in the same position in our fields and grown on for a further year or longer which makes a strong bushy 2 year old plant.  The roots are undercut by machine to develop a fibrous root system  All these plants are grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe always have several batches of seed of Viburnum opulus including UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is particularly important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the most appropriate batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGuelder Rose (Viburnum opulus) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot a rose at all despite its name but just as showy and with masses of wildlife benefit, Guelder rose is an upright, spreading deciduous shrub good in hedgerows and as a woodland shrub but also in damp situations in lowland areas – it’s relatively rare in Scotland. Guelder rose is a profuse flowerer with large clusters of pretty white flowers and then in autumn it absolutely drips in red shiny berries which look a bit like bunches of redcurrants – very popular with thrushes and finches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll soil types except very acidic and does best in moist fertile soil in sun or partial shade, and is useful on ditch banks or in damp woodland margins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are broad, opposite, three lobed, up to 10cm long, somewhat wrinkled, hairy underneath, with coarsely serrated edges and whilst green in spring and summer, turn good autumn colours of yellow and red.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are spectacular!  Large umbels of pretty white (sometimes tinged pink) flat topped 5 petal flowers which graduate in size from larger at the outside of the umbel to tiny in the middle – unlike \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/products\/wayfaring-tree-viburnum-lantana\"\u003eViburnum lantana\u003c\/a\u003e where all the flower petals are the same size. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe berries are red, shiny and somewhat translucent and held in bunches – very much like redcurrants though those of Guelder rose are toxic unless cooked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe guelder rose has smooth, thin grey twigs and similar bark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuelder rose is a large shrub growing to about 4m, but it can be trimmed as a hedge.  It’s growth rate is moderate at about 40cm pa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is from the Adoxaceae 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":51801741328731,"sku":"Vib opul 3040 1+1","price":1.39,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801741394267,"sku":"Vib opul 4060 1+1","price":1.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801741361499,"sku":"Vib opul 6080 1+1","price":1.69,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684143122-27843400_1ae8e471-a1ab-41ac-a287-91c4a0ed05e3.jpg?v=1770027518"},{"product_id":"siberian-dogwood-cornus-alba-sibirica","title":"Dogwood - Siberian (Cornus alba Sibirica)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Cornus alba Sibirica (Siberian dogwood) bare root hedging plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were planted from seed in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months when they are dormant ie they are 1 year old. These plants are ideal for hedging or woodlands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSiberian Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Sibirica') Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sibirica variety of dogwood has really deep red stems, especially when planted in full sun in a group or thicket.  The red leafless stems are the main attraction with Siberian dogwood but it has other attributes – it’s a fast growing shrub with good wildlife value.  We also have the native dogwood - \u003ca href=\"\/products\/common-dogwood-cornus-sanguinea\"\u003eCornus sanguinea\u003c\/a\u003e often used in farm hedging.  It's name is a clear clue that it hails from Siberia but is also found in China and Korea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll soils are suitable for Dogwood Sibirica other than very alkaline, dry soil – it likes a fairly moist site in sun or partial shade but will grow in any reasonable soil or situation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are ovate, green and turn reddish in autumn before dropping to reveal the straight red stems.  The flowers are pretty white flat topped clusters up to about 6cm in size produced in May and June and then they turn into blueish white berries which are very popular with birds and small mammals. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCornus sibirica is a large shrub growing to about 4m in height.  The red stems can be cut down to a few inches and will quickly regrow (with even better colour) or the shrub can be trimmed as a hedge.  Growth rate is fast.  If you are going to cut them down, our recommendation is to cut to just above the first pair of buds from ground level in spring, when the stems reach pencil thickness, and they will produce twice as many stems and keep the colour bright.  The stems are ideal to use as supports for bulbs and perennials or for indoor arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWill grow to a height of 2m and a spread of 1.4m but can be kept smaller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Tatarian dogwood and this species is from the Cornaceae 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\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801741689179,"sku":"Cornus sib 4060 0\/1","price":1.35,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684146184-89240300_351b56b6-3619-40a2-b6ad-ee1e70c7832d.jpg?v=1770027516"},{"product_id":"grey-willow-salix-cinerea","title":"Willow - Grey (Salix cinerea)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Grey Willow (Salix cinerea) bare root plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Salix cinerea bare root plants in several specifications and heights.  The 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from seed sown in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are 1 year old.  We normally have Salix cinerea whips in several heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrey Willow (Salix cineria) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery similar to \u003ca href=\"\/products\/goat-willow-salix-caprea\"\u003egoat willow \u003c\/a\u003ebut with smaller leaves that are at least twice as long as they are wide, and is found less often away from damp areas.  There are other subtle differences – the bark is slightly darker and the bark ridges are not as deep.  For a wet site the two are pretty much interchangeable though and very similar in appearance at first glance with large grey catkins in early spring turning yellow as they ripen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee our full range of \u003ca href=\"\/search?q=willow\"\u003eWillow species\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrey willows like moist or wet acid or neutral soil and grow best in full sun thought they will grow in partial shade. They tolerate high winds other than at the coast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are dark greyish green, oblong to ovate, hairy beneath.  The male catkins are silky grey turning yellow and the female cakins are grey\/green.   Willows catkins are amongst the earliest sources of nectar and pollen. There are rare bees that are dependent on Salix cinerea perhaps because of the quality of the pollen.  These trees produce huge quantities of pollen, it is thought because they are wind pollinated so they need a lot of pollen to increase the chance of it reaching the flower of another tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe eventual height of grey willow is about 5m (with a spread of about 5m as well unless you keep it trimmed) and the growth rate is fast.  Willows are sometimes coppiced or pollarded and regrow quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as pussy willow, grey sallow and common sallow and is from the Salicaceae 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":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801741984091,"sku":"Salix cin 4060 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801741885787,"sku":"Salix cin60801+0","price":1.09,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684142804-06571400_df012ca0-4f71-4036-87c4-d829d1546559.jpg?v=1770027521"},{"product_id":"common-whitebeam-sorbus-aria","title":"Sorbus - Common whitebeam (Sorbus aria)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Whitebeam (Sorbus aria) bare root plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost of our range of bare root hedging and trees are grown from seed in one growing season but Sorbus aria needs two years to establish and grow into saleable plants.   We grow them as 1U1's which means that we sow the seed in spring and then instead of lifting them the following winter, we leave them in the open fields for another full growing season, undercutting the roots a year after first sowing to develop a fibrous root system.   Sorbus aria bare root plants are only available for sale during the winter months - November to early April.   We grow these plants ourselves in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe always have several batches of seed of Sorbus aria including UK provenance and the highest quality imported seed so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is particularly important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the most appropriate batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Whitebeam (Sorbus aria lutescens) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the south and west of England, with white felted undersides to the dark green leaves giving this tree it’s characteristic grey appearance.   As with other Sorbus varieties, it has clusters of white scented flowers in spring (extremely popular with insects particularly bees) followed by red berries in autumn which are eaten by many types of birds. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest grown on chalk or lime rich soils with some moisture, in full sun or partial shade.  Whitebeam's are popular with urban planners because they dont make a mess but they belong in woods too where the berries are a good winter bird food source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are oval and slightly toothed, dark green on the surface but with silvery hairs with soften the colour and with its main feature of white hairs underneath and especially in spring the foliage has an unusual grey appearance from a distance.  Whitebeam has clusters of creamy scented flowers followed by large red pulpy berries popular with crows, wood pigeons, blackbirds and thrushes and although the berries are too big for smaller birds, they will peck at the berries and eat the seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA medium sized tree growing to about 10m with average growth rate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\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":51801742442843,"sku":"Sorbus aria 3040 1U1","price":1.35,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801742475611,"sku":"Sorbus aria 4060 1U1","price":1.65,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683965861-90459700_4623be8e-542d-4e85-8281-138b951566a0.jpg?v=1770027526"},{"product_id":"white-willow-salix-alba","title":"Willow - white (Salix alba)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of White willow (Salix alba) bare root plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have bare root Salix alba plants in several sizes.  The 1+0 specification are seedlings (often called whips) which are grown from hardwood cuttings (rather than from seed as are most bare root plants), which are planted in spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are one year old.  The cuttings are taken from top quality mother plants kept in stock beds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhite Willow (Salix alba) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite willow is an imposing beautiful tree.  It is the largest \u003ca href=\"\/search?q=willow\"\u003ewillow species\u003c\/a\u003e with pale coloured foliage generally found and planted in wet ground.  The pale colour comes from the white felted undersides to the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst not the “weeping willow” which is a completely different variety (Salix babylonica or Salix sepulcralis Chrysocoma neither of which we sell but White willow does also have a weeping habit. The bark has historically been used for medicinal purposes as an aspirin alternative.  Stems have a weeping habit and are flexible.  White willow is not a particularly long living tree – about 30 years would be the norm.  It is often pollarded at about 6-8ft from the ground (above the height of browsing animals) to promote dense, vigorous new growth.  This is a sustainable practise (and an ancient one) which prevents trees splitting under their own weight, stabilises river banks and provides a dense habitat for birds, insects and mammals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite willow does best planted in a wet situation, on the bank of a stream or river or in very wet ground but will grow in drier soils.  They grow well in acid, neutral or alkaline soil as long as it is deep and loamy and they like full sun or pretty much full sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe alternate leaves are long (up to 10cm) and narrow (up to 1.5cm), white felted underneath and with finely serrated margins.  The greyish\/yellow catkins (male and female on the same tree) are pollinated by insects and the female catkins become longer and develop white downy capsules which are carried on the wind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEventual height of white willow is up to 30m and the growth rate is fast.  These trees are often pollarded - see the Summary section above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species belongs to the Salicaceae 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":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801743360347,"sku":"Salixalba 6080 0\/1","price":1.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684147266-62761100_71c49606-b2ae-4582-8e0f-a50d7e71c7af.jpg?v=1770027533"},{"product_id":"willow-osier-salix-viminalis","title":"Willow - Osier (Salix viminalis)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of bare root Osier plants (Salix viminalis)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost bare root plants are grown from seed but Osier is grown from cuttings (taken from good quality \"mother plants\") in winter and planted out into open fields in spring.  They are then ready for sale from the following November until the end of the bare root season in April.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Osier (Salix viminalis) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon osier is the willow species commonly coppiced or pollarded in a one to two year cycle for its withies - thin pliable rods for making baskets, hurdles and willow screens, sometimes used as an alternative to hazel.  It is also now being used as a biofuel. It is not native but is thought to have been brought to the UK in ancient times.  Like other willows it is generally found and planted in wet sites by the side of streams, rivers or ponds and its horizontal growing roots help with soil erosion.  Common Osier has an upright growth habit unlike some willows which are more weeping (see \u003ca href=\"\/products\/white-willow-salix-alba\"\u003eSalix alba\u003c\/a\u003e).  Willows are one of the fastest growing plants with potential for hedging use and this speed of growth makes them suitable to use as a windbreak hedge in moist and loamy soils.  They will not grow as fast in dry, sandy soils but will still make a good hedge within a few years as long as the hedge line is keep free of weeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSalix vimilnalis will grow in any soil except chalk and prefers full sun or partial shade.  It likes wet sites by ponds or streams. It will grow at the coast and will tolerate salt winds but will not tolerate standing in sea water.  Salix viminalis has the capability of being able to absorb heavy metals from soil so it is used to decontaminate polluted soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are very long and narrow with the edges rolling inwards.  They are green on the surface and have white hairs underneath giving a white felted effect.  Green female cakins and male yellow catkins (on separate plants) appear before the leaves in late winter and very early spring and after pollination the female catkins produce seeds which are carried on the wind.  The catkins provide early pollen and nectar for bees and other insects and the leaves are eaten by moth caterpillars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSalix viminalis is an upright shrub or small tree growing to about 6m in height and it is very fast growing at about 1.5m pa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as basket willow and osier willow and is from the Salicaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801743720795,"sku":"Salix vim 4060 0\/1","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801743753563,"sku":"Salix vim 6080 0\/1","price":1.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683965696-87182700_77fc992b-0c8a-44fa-af83-953d6b285354.jpg?v=1770027538"},{"product_id":"black-poplar-populus-nigra-betulifolia","title":"Poplar - Black (Populus nigra betulifolia)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Black Poplar trees (Populus nigra betulifolia)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have Black Poplar bare root trees in several sizes.  The 1+0 specification are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from cuttings taken from mother plants in our stock beds, planted out in the spring and sold during the following November to April months ie they are one year old from when the cuttings were taken (though the mother plants are mature) and we normally have them in several heights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlack Poplar Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Poplar is the statuesque tree seen in Constable's Hay Wain. Once common but now a relatively rare tree in the landscape (the most endangered native tree in Britain) which is a shame because Black Poplars are statuesque, long living trees with attractive timber (almost white) and good wildlife value.   They are important hosts for a multitude of insects which in turn attract a range of birds including flycatchers and warblers as well as woodpeckers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey were once grown for timber and the wood is fire resistant and springy so the timber was often made into floorboards and cartwheels, but both of those are not in demand nowadays, so Black Poplars are now grown for their appearance and suitability to wet habitats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is often hybridised with other poplar species and hybrids, making pure black poplars the rarity that they are (possibly only 7000 mature trees in the UK with possibly only 600 female trees from which cutting material can be taken (these trees are grown from cuttings rather than seed) but with the increase in tree planting on flood plains, we are seeing increased demand for these lovely and useful trees. They have a fuller silhouettte than the fast growing American Poplar that we have become accustomed to in our landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Poplars are often found in wet habitats - boggy soils, flood plains and along river banks.  They are still farily commonly found in Cheshire, Shropshire, Somerset, Cambridgeshire and East Anglia though many more of the Black Poplar trees in the landscape are male (with red catkins).  It is very rare elsewhere in the UK, but found throughout mainland Europe, into north Africa, and as far east as China.  These trees cannot tolerate dry conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Poplar is easily identified by a light scent of balsam on the leaves which are shiny, heart shaped with elongated tips and in spring somewhat hairy (the hairs are shed later in the summer).  The stems have knobbly knuckles along the length - very distinctive. Catkins are found - male are red and female are yellow\/green and are wind pollinated and develop into very fluffy clusters of seeds. The male red catkins were sometimes called \"Devil's fingers\" and it was thought to be bad luck to pick them up.  They are leafy trees with heavy, outward-arching main branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark is deeply furrowed and gnarly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlack Poplar trees will grow to about 30m so are considered a large tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tree is from the Salicaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801744441691,"sku":"Pop nigra 6080 0\/1","price":1.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"80-100cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801744474459,"sku":"Pop nigra 80100 0\/1","price":2.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683961585-04914100_d0c7bc80-705e-4ca5-915c-887956dfc3bd.jpg?v=1770027543"},{"product_id":"false-lombary-poplar-populus-canadensis-robusta","title":"Poplar - False Lombardy  (Populus canadensis Robusta)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of bare root False Lombardy Poplar trees (Populus canadensis Robusta)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have bare root False Lombardy Poplar trees in various sizes.  The 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were planted from seed in the spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are 1 year old. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFalse Lombardy Poplar Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFalse Lombardy Poplars also commonly called Hybrid Poplars are tall trees with a narrow vertical (broadening to conical) habit and are suited to a variety of uses in exposed sites and in damper areas.  They have straight trunks with regular branching and symmetrical upward facing branches. A very attractive species for a windbreak where planted in multiples or parkland tree where planted singly, as well as a woodland tree.  It's a very good timber tree quickly producing strong timber - or it can be coppiced and will re-grow quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is suitable for exposed and coastal areas due to be wind resistant although it is also commonly planted in urban and landscape settings, wherever there is fertile, moist soil.  Its most common use is planted as a windbreak for buildings or farms.  It is sensitive to dry conditions and frost but will cope with occasionally waterlogged soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBronze leaves in spring, turning green as summer progresses, and then yellowish\/green.  False Lombardy Poplar can be described as a \"leafy tree\" which helps make it good as a windbreak. It has triangular to diamond-shaped leaves which emerge early. It produces flowers in the form of showy, reddish male catkins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFalse Lombardy Poplars are fast growing (1.5 - 1.8m pa) and become tall trees, at about 30m height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Hybrid Poplar and is from the Salicaceae 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":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801744933211,"sku":"PopcanRob 6080 1+0","price":1.1,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"80-100cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801744965979,"sku":"PopcanRob 80100 1+0","price":1.35,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683967441-88281200_ca53ac5c-82a6-451d-9322-e03b58f40013.jpg?v=1770027546"},{"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"},{"product_id":"white-ramanas-rose-rosa-rugosa-alba","title":"Ramanas Rose white (Rosa rugosa Alba)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Rosa rugosa bare root plants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have bare root Rosa rugosa hedging plants in several sizes.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003eThe 1U1, 2 year old specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were grown from seed in the spring and instead of being sold in the following November to April period they are kept in situ in the field and grown on for a further year or longer which makes a strong bushy plant. The roots are undercut by specialised machine to help develop a fibrous root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRamanus Rose white (Rosa rugosa alba) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Rosa rugosa plants make a striking scene whether as a somewhat informal hedge or as shrubs in a woodland setting.  Their large blousy flowers followed by huge rose hips and autumnal foliage colour offer lots of visual interest and they are very good for wildlife, prickly and forms dense thickets due to the fact that they put up suckers at the base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSalt tolerant so good at the coast or near roads which are iced in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also have \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ramanas-rose-rosa-rugosa-rubra\"\u003eRosa rugosa Rubra\u003c\/a\u003e which is the pink\/red flowering variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as beach rose, Japanese Rose and letchberry.  Rosaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRosa rugosa alba is suited to any situations in full sun or shade, other than waterlogged soils.  It likes dry sandy soils, but will cope with moist soils as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge rose shaped leaves which are bright mid-green from spring to late summer, and then take on good autumn colour. The flowers are large single open roses and then fruits are orange in colour and the size of a cherry tomato with a flattened shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe height of mature Rosa rugosa is about 2m, and they form a very dense thicket at that height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"xmsonormal\"\u003eThis species should not be planted in the wild, in accordance with the Wildlife \u0026amp; Countryside Act 1981 Section 12, Schedule 9 Part 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801747226971,"sku":"Rosa rug alba 3040 1U1","price":1.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801747259739,"sku":"Rosa rug alba 4060 1U1","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1684145075-51654700_3ddcae83-1ec3-46a5-9896-09dbe2987d9f.jpg?v=1770027558"},{"product_id":"red-oak-quercus-rubra","title":"Oak - Red (Quercus rubra)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Red Oak (Quercus rubra) bare root trees\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have Red oak bare root trees in several specifications.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e The 1+0, 1 year old plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were sown from acorns in spring and are sold during the following November to April months when dormant ie they are one year old. It is unusual for Oak to grow to a saleable plant in one year - generally we only have a few of these. The more normal specification for young oak saplings is a 1U1, 2 year old plant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe 1U1, 2 year old specification plants are seedlings which were planted from acorns 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. The roots are undercut by a specialised machine to help develop a fibrous root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe are delighted to be able to offer Select Stand seed provenance in this species (the best option where plants are being grown for timber production) as well as standard UK provenance and some of the highest quality imported seed so if the \u003ca href=\"\/blog\/seed-provenance-where-the-seed-comes-from\/\"\u003eseed provenance\u003c\/a\u003e is particularly important to you, please give us a call so that we can allocate plants from the best batch for your needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAlso known as AKA Northern Red Oak or Champion Oak - Fagaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRed Oak (Quercus rubra) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA less usual variety of oak tree with stunning autumnal red foliage, Red Oaks grow to about 30m and have a narrower canopy than English Oak and Sessile Oak.  As well as being easily identified from it's autunmal colour, the other differentiator between Red oak trees and other oaks, is the shiny striped ridges that go all the way down the trunk (unlike other oaks which can have shiny ridges but only high up the tree trunk).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed oak trees are commonly found in the USA. Their timber is good quality and used for furniture and other indoor purposes and as firewood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed oak trees are suitable for most locations with a preference for full sun (and that will give the best autumn colour) in moist but well drained soil, even on the edge of streams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers and fruit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA typical shape of oak leaf, opening yellow in spring and then maturing to matt green before turning dark red in autumn and with the best autumnal colour where the tree is in full sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe acorns take two years to ripen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA mature red oak tree can grow to about 30m in height and is relatively fast growing compared with other oak trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801747685723,"sku":"Quercus rubra 3040 1+0","price":1.59,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801747718491,"sku":"Quercus rubra 4060 1U1","price":1.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 2yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801747751259,"sku":"Quercus rubra 60801U1","price":1.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801747784027,"sku":"Quercus rubra 40601+0","price":1.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1688133178-62979000_10e97290-c92d-47c7-b9fd-e2f724eee422.jpg?v=1770027559"},{"product_id":"cherry-plum-myrobalan-plum-prunus-cerasifera","title":"Cherry Plum\/ Myrobalan (Prunus cerasifera)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOur range of Cherry plum bare root plants (Prunus cerasifera) Also known as Myrobalan Plum. Rosaceae family\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCherry plum plants grows fast from seed so we have several sizes available all bare root seedlings (or whips) which were planted from seed in spring and are sold during the following November to April winter months.  All these plants are grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll our cherry plum plants are suitable as hedging plants or can be allowed to grow as full size trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA hugely useful tree or hedging plant due to it's exceptionally early flowering, which makes it a lifesaving provider of early pollen and in addition this species has many other useful attributes - it produces fruits, is good in most soils and exposed or sheltered sites, in sun or partial shade, and makes a good windbreak as well as a tree (if allowed to grow) or hedging plant particularly in mixed native hedgerows and it lays well.   It has a somewhat untidy habit when mature, great for nesting birds and hedgerows and occasional spines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers, fruits and bark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves of Cherry plum are slender oval in shape, 3-6cm long, with a pointed tip and fine serrations along the edges and are downy on the underside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers burst open very early, often in February (before Blackthorn). They are white to very pale pink, about 2cm in size, with 5 petals and a lot of stamens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plum fruits (drupes) ripen during late summer and are small, edible though quite tart (ok for jam f you can get to them before the birds) and are yellow with red blush colour  – great for birds (especially blackbirds and song thrushes) and small mammals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe young stems are green and downy.  Bark is grey and fissures when mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCherry plum is a hardy species, good in most well drained soils, with a preference for lighter soils but will grow in clay.   It will grow well in full sun or partial shade.  It's good in exposed sites as well as sheltered ones.  Generally, it's not a fussy plant as long as there is decent drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA small tree reaching up to 8m if grown as a tree but is most often found as hedging plant or windbreak.\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 \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801748144475,"sku":"Prunus ceras 3040 1+0","price":0.89,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801748177243,"sku":"Prunus ceras 40601+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801748111707,"sku":"Prunus ceras 60801+0","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1683961941-03395400_25537f52-8304-4591-bef8-bccf50928bb8.jpg?v=1770027563"},{"product_id":"norway-maple-acer-platanoides","title":"Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOur range of Norway Maple bare root tree saplings (Acer platanoides)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe have Norway Maple bare root tree saplings in several sizes and specifications.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e  The 1+0 specification plants are seedlings (often called whips) which were sown from seed in spring and are sold during the following November to April months ie they are one year old. We have Norway Maple bare root whips in several heights.  These plants are grown by us in Herefordshire.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNorway maple (Acer platanoides) Summary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese trees are very hardy, originating from Eastern and Central Europe (from Spain to Russia) and West Asia and as far north as Scandinavia (hence the name \"Norway\").\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tall trunk with grey\/brown shallow grooved bark, holds a broad rounded crown.  The trees are not particularly long living (around 60 years) and the timber is not greatly prized but it is useful for flooring, woodturning and interestingly, for musical instruments and it is thought that the famous violin maker Stradivari used Norway maple for his instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLeaves, flowers, fruit and bark\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers emerge before the leaves and are umbel like (technically called corymbs) of yellow and yellowish\/green flowers and they generate a huge quantity of nectar (up to 10x more polen than Prunus species).  The large (up to 5\") leaves are the typical shape of acer\/maple trees with 5 lobes, each with side teeth and a long (up to 7\") leaf petiole which leaks a milky juice when broken (but not as sweet as the juice from a sugar maple tree).  The buds are shiny brown\/red in colour. The autumn colour of Norway maples is typically a striking yellow colour but atypically can be orange\/red.  The fruits are double samaras (winged fruits) up to 2\" wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil and Situation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNorway maples are tough, easy to maintain trees which do well in almost all situations, prefering some moisture level, good in poor soils and polluted areas.  They will tolerate drought conditions for shortish periods of time though there may be some leaf drop. They are relatively shallow rooted and need space for their roots to spread or they can tend to girdle.   They are often grown to provide shade from the broad crown, and will themselves grow in partial shade or a sunny situation but not in deep shade.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEventual height and growth rate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNorway maple trees become large trees up to 30 years, quite fast growing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12px;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"rjtreesandhedging","offers":[{"title":"20-40cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801748406619,"sku":"Acer plat 2040 1+0","price":0.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"40-60cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801748373851,"sku":"Acer plat 4060 1+0","price":1.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"60-80cm \/ 1yr \/ Bare Root","offer_id":51801748439387,"sku":"Acer plat 6080 1+0","price":1.29,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0975\/4601\/0971\/files\/1688133253-71172400_4911d021-167a-42d3-a70b-47ca8e63a848.jpg?v=1770027563"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.rjtreesandhedging.co.uk\/collections\/non-toxic-to-animals-bare-root-hedging-and-tree-saplings.oembed","provider":"R J Trees and Hedging Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}