Trees are the ultimate architectural plant adding structure and essential height to gardens of all sizes – there are even ones suitable for small, modern estate gardens.

By planting trees you can reduce or improve your carbon footprint and generally enhance the environment. Trees can transform an area by introducing welcome shade, protective shelter and wildlife and are an investment for future generations. Research from HTA’s Greening the UK campaign has shown that just a 10% increase in tree coverage in urban areas will counter the predicted 4°c temperature over the next 100 years caused by climate change and the urban heat island effect.

While limited space obviously rules out planting majestic oaks and beeches, there are plenty of smaller, but equally beautiful trees to choose from. Malus and prunus, betula and sorbus are good choices for the average gardener who has a little space in their garden.

HTA Ornamentals Committee member Frank P Matthews nursery based in Worcestershire, has supplied nearly 60,000 trees so far this autumn, and expect this to double before Christmas.  Two thirds of those sent are fruit trees and a third being ornamental trees

Matthew Thomas of HTA member Frank P Matthews said: “Autumn is by far the best time to plant trees because the roots have time to establish during the winter months enabling them to absorb more moisture when new growth emerges in the spring. As well as providing a natural head start, trees planted in the autumn will experience much less stress and will require less watering and aftercare than trees planted in spring or summer. We would always advise customers to plant in the autumn whenever possible as it helps produce a stronger, healthier and happier tree.”

Frank P Matthews have recently launched ‘Tree Source’, a new website that helps you find the perfect tree for your garden and lists the garden centres and nurseries that have taken delivery of that tree within the last 100 days. The website can be found at www.tree-source.com

Nominated and agreed upon by British growers and retailers, the HTA’s Plant of the Month campaign highlights the plants that are widely available and looking especially good in garden centres each month. Different varieties are recommended together with simple planting and care hints and tips.

Plant of the Month point of sale materials can be purchased through HTA partners Hortipak and Floramedia.

The plants included within Plant of the Month have been nominated and agreed by the HTA Ornamentals Committee and the HTA Retail Management Group to ensure the campaign meets the needs of both growers and retailers.

The aim of the Plant of the Month campaign is to make it easier for gardeners by selecting a plant on a monthly basis that will be looking great, is widely available from UK nurseries and easy to maintain in the garden.