Trees for every garden

No matter the size of your garden, a tree will always add value to your property. Our garden experts choose their favourites...

Trees provide lovely shade and greenery and easily create a striking focal point. They are also great for the environment. Did you know that a mature canopy tree absorbs enough carbon and releases enough oxygen to sustain two human beings?

However, trees live long and it’s important to select the right one for the right space to avoid leaving the next generation with problems. Horticulturist Pietman Diener of Stellenbosch says size is not a simple concept. “A tree that will grow into a medium tree in one garden might grow into a rather large tree in another garden,” he explains. “It all depends on the climate, elements such as the wind, and the type of soil and amount of water given.”

It’s also important to remember that a small-growing tree will present less competition to other plants when it comes to water, soil, air and light and will also cause fewer problems in terms of walls and pipes.

If you want your tree to grow big, you need to give it the space to do so.

Some large trees have beautiful shapes and work well as focal points, while others can be planted close together to create a screen for sun, wind or buildings, advises Pietman. “You can plant a large-growing tree in a small garden; with extra attention given to pruning, it won’t compete too much with other plants.” >>