When you buy a semi-mature tree, you’re not just buying a garden plan for today; you’re putting a bet on the environment of tomorrow. A tree that’s 15 years old now will be in its prime around 2040. But who knows what the weather will be like? The summers will be hotter, the winters wilder, and the summers will last longer. Plant a tree with a deep root system, with the ability to thrive in the conditions of 2050.
Some old favourites are not suited to our changing climate. Rather than planting the thirsty broadleaf, consider something a little hardier. For example, instead of planting an Acer platanoides or an Aesculus hippocastanum, choose the Italian maple (Acer opalus) or the Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus). Both of these trees have very hardy, long roots that can withstand drought and have thick, dense leaves that can withstand heat. Both have beautiful autumn foliage, too.
Look for the ‘provenance’ of the tree – that’s the place where the nursery actually grew it. Arboriculturists are now recommending that trees grown for sale be planted from seed stock from further south than your garden’s hardiness zone. This is because plants grown in conditions that are a little hotter than your area can withstand hotter conditions. But don’t think that planting in a way that takes into account future weather conditions is too expensive. If you do a little planning up front, you might just save a tree in 10 years. For Semi Mature Trees For Sale, contact Nature First, suppliers of Semi Mature Trees For Sale.
Overall, a semi-mature tree is a good way to get a garden established. But you have to think about the conditions that it will need to thrive. Plant a tree that has been bred to be a tough customer, and you might just get the garden you need for the future.