Wildlife favourite

Q Is there a pretty tree that also benefits wildlife? JUNE JONES, BIRKENHEAD, WIRRAL

A Crab apples (malus) tolerate a range of soils including clay, have attractive blossom in April and produce pretty crab apples in autumn that provide food for birds. Most are compact so ideal for small gardens and will flower and fruit at a young age. Choose a modern cultivar, such as small, weeping ‘Sun Rival’; red-fruited ‘Red Sentinel’; white-flowered ‘Gorgeous’; or goldenfruited ‘Butterball’, which are more resistant to mildew and scab.