Trees lining avenues or driveways is a wonderful way to define the entrance or approach to your property.
Avenues of trees are some of the most strikingly important structural plantings to be found in designed landscapes. In most cases the trees planted in an avenue or driveway will be all of the same species or cultivar so as to give a formal and uniform appearance.
When choosing trees for your avenue or driveway key points to consider is the width of the available space bearing in mind the eventual spread of the tree canopy and the spacing of the individual trees themselves. Do you want the trees to grow together or be spaced so they retain their individual shape?
Feel free to browse through our stock, we are always happy to talk about our trees. Visits to the nursery are welcome by appointment and are a great way to experience our trees for yourself.
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"Acer campestre Elsrijk is a cultivar of the Field Maple and is named after the park in Amstelveen, Holland where it was discovered in the 1950s. It differs from the species in that it has a more regular, oval habit. At Maturity one could mistake it for straight forward Acer campestre but one with a lovely compact shape. Acer campestre Elsrijk does best in rich, well drained soils, but does well in virtually any soil type, and will readily tolerate drought, soil compaction and air pollution. A medium sized tree which we particularly recommend for urban and street planting, its foliage turns a magnificent clear yellow in autumn."
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"Acer campestre Huibers Elegant, sometimes just referred to as 'Acer campestre Elegant', is a compact and vigorous clone of field maple. The small bright green lobed leaves of Acer campestre Elegant appear in Spring followed by Samara fruits which are produced and borne on the tree in early summer. In Autumn the foliage turns a range of colours mainly oranges, yellows and browns before falling. It is a hardy tree that can tolerate a multitude of conditions including strong winds, drought and heat, polluted locations, and coastal settings. It will also thrive in most soil conditions along as there are a reasonable amount of nutrients. Can grow up to 8-10 metres tall."
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"Acer campestre Red Shine is a stunning cultivar that has all of the qualities of its parent, Acer campestre. This cultivar has the significant benefit of producing new growth which is bright crimson, before turning to a deep green as the growing season progresses. This tree is unique in the fact that there are few other trees which offer this extent of foliage interest throughout the growing season. Like its parent, Acer campestre, Red Shine is tolerant of most soil types, although it does do best in rich, well drained soils. As with many of the long introduced trees, it is a tough contender and will tolerate drought, air pollution and soil compaction."
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Acer cappadocicum Rubrum is a medium to large tree with a rounded habit. The young dark red leaves turn green and then back to red, gold and yellow in autumn. This superb autumn colour lasts for many weeks. Doing best on moist, well drained soils, it is adaptable and flourishes in either full sun or light shade. Acer cappadocicum Rubrum is grown best with a little shelter from strong winds. A good tree for avenues and verges as long as the soil doesn't become compacted.
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"Acer freemanii Autumn Blaze is a cultivar of a naturally occurring hybrid of Acer rubrum and Acer saccharinum, named after Oliver Freeman, who made the crossing at the US National Arboretum in the 1930s. Acer freemanii Autumn Blaze is a vigorous, oval headed, large tree which has dark green, deeply indented leaves, which turn a rich flame red in Autumn. Acer rubrum is often specified for this effect but very rarely does well on UK soils as it is dependent on the trace element manganese which it can only access at low ph. It possesses the prettiness of rubrum but the toughness of saccharinum so it is a much safer bet."
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Acer platanoides Crimson King is a large and very impressive tree with a well rounded form. It looks good from spring through to autumn as its red foliage turns gradually to maroon. A seedling of Schwedleri, it was raised in Belgium in the 1930s. Acer platanoides Crimson King does well on most soil types, tolerates air pollution and resists drought. The yellow flowers contrast impressively against the dark emerging spring foliage. A tougher and quicker prospect than Purple Beech, this can be planted on the boundary of a site to draw the eye through the landscape. Dark leaved trees can be superb for defining the overall effect of the landscape but only if used sparingly.
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"Acer platanoides Drummondii is in cultivation since 1903 and this form produces magnificently variegated foliage which has a wide, creamy white margin. It is widely known in North America as the Harlequin Maple and is a medium to large tree with a rounded form. Acer platanoides Drummondii does well on most soil types, tolerates air pollution and resists drought. It is most impressive in the spring when the vegetation is at its most vivid but summer winds can bruise the leaf margins of young trees which then scorch brown. This however is only superficial and does not affect its performance the following year. This clone can provide vivid contract within a garden, particularly against a dark evergreen backdrop so take care to place this tree as the results can be very rewarding."
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"Acer platanoides Emerald Queen has a brighter green colour and more regular habit than the species. It tends to keep a dominant central leader and a more regular habit. A superb cultivar and strongly recommended for street and urban plantings. Where uniformity is required, this is a far better choice than its parent , Acer platanoides. Doing well on most soil types, Acer platanoides Emerald Queen tolerates air pollution and resists drought. Although ascending when young, it usually gets as wide as it gets broad after about 25 years so it is only ideal for wide verges and areas large enough to accommodate it. It is by far the most popular of the Norway Maple clones."
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"Acer platanoides Fairview is derived from a seedling of Crimson King. It thrives on poor urban soils and maintains an upright oval habit and at maturity its dimensions are approximately 15 meters tall with a diameter of 12 meters, making it a very useful urban tree. Boasting reddish purple foliage in the spring, Acer platanoides Fairview hardens to a deep bronze by late summer. It bears green/yellow flowers from April onwards that are a lovely contrast with the dark leaves as they first emerge. This is one of the narrowest upright dark leaved Norway Maples."
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"Acer platanoides Farlakes Green is a very hardy, Swedish clone of Norway Maple. This medium to large sized tree has large leaves which are deeply lobed and characteristic to the Maple Genus. The leaves are a crisp green, turning to yellow in the autumn time; it is often compared to the more common Norway Maple variety Acer platanoides Emerald Queen, however is thought to be hardier and less tall at maturity. Acer platanoides Farlakes Green is the Norway Maple of choice for those planting in Scandinavia, it is a useful selection for more exposed conditions and indeed for plantings in Ireland. Norway Maple are quite tolerant of air pollution and drought, making them a useful selection for urban planting. They will grow well on a broad range of soils and will not disappoint in getting well and quickly established post planting. Acer platanoides Farlakes Green is a good selection for avenue planting, where its penchant for uniformity and tough composition make it a great tree across a wide range of planting conditions."
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"Acer platanoides Globosum was introduced in the 1870s. This lollipop tree is top grafted onto a platanoides stem to form a dense mop headed tree. A very good choice as a street tree and for urban plantings. It does well on most soil types, tolerates air pollution and resists drought. The dense rounded formality of the crown makes this a delight for architects seeking contrast. Wonderful when in full foliage, it is best for an urban environment where small is beautiful."
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"Acer platanoides Princeton Gold is a sparkling golden leaved cultivar of the Norway Maple, Acer platanoides. Like the species, this tree has discrete yellow flowers that appear in spring, however they are a little lost against the stunning emerging spring foliage which is a sunny and bright golden yellow. As the summer progresses the foliage slowly changes in colour, ending predominantly green. This medium sized golden maple tree produces an oval crown and is best suited to planting schemes where contrast features heavily. It is particularly effective when planted with a deep green or red foliaged opposite."
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"Acer platanoides Royal Red like many acer species has discrete yellow flowers that appear in spring and contrast fantastically with the dark purple foliage which gradually turns orange and yellow in the autumn time. Acer platanoides Royal Red is a vigorous tree that tolerates most soil types, air pollution and resists the perils of drought. As a young tree Acer platanoides Royal Red is conical in shape before developing into a more broadly oval crown. This large maple tree makes a super choice for avenue planting and should be planted at a minimum of 10m centres as the large and dark leaves have the potential to gobble up light, creating a sombre environment below the canopy. It is therefore far better to give this tree space to use the accessible light to explode the beauty in its dark foliage. Interestingly, the dark foliage contrasts well in an avenue with a green leaved form such as Acer platanoides Emerald Queen or a yellow version such as Acer platanoides Princeton Gold and can be extremely effective planted alternately to accentuate the vivid colours. Dark colours are a useful in making a statement in the landscape, as contrasting colours tend to draw attention. To get the best out of a landscape, it is advisable to situate deep or dark colours towards the edge, rather than a front of a scheme."
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"Acer pseudoplatanus Negennia is a vigorous, large and conical cultivar. It was selected in the late 1940s in the Netherlands where it is widely used as a street tree. It has dark green, red stalked leaves. Tolerating air pollution, Acer pseudoplatanus Negennia thrives in most soils and is particularly useful for coastal sites where it can make an effective defence against strong winds and salt-laden air. Like many clones, as it matures it represents a model shape and form of its seedling parent."
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"Acer pseudoplatanus Spaethii is also know as Acer pseudoplatanus Purpureum Spaethii and Acer pseudoplatanus Atropurpureum. Introduced in the early 1860s this large tree is effective in exposed, windy sites as the underside of its foliage is purple. Tolerating air pollution, Acer pseudoplatanus Spaethii thrives in most soils, and is particularly useful for coastal sites where it can make an effective defence against strong winds and salt-laden air. There are very few varieties of tree that can offer an alternative leaf colour to green that can still be planted near the coast. As sea breezes are always a factor in these settings the contract between the top and bottom of the leaves is constantly on display. Autumn colour is also quite dramatic so one gets an ornamental quality that can lift a drab landscape for difficult and exposed sites."
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"Acer rubrum 'Karpick' is a cultivar of the Maple family noted for its narrow form. It grows up to 15 metres tall but only to 5 metres wide making it an ideal tree for narrow streets and avenues. Can grow in most, free-draining soil types. Relatively fast growing and can reach its full height over a 10 to 20 year span. Dark green, palmate leaves, grey-green beneath, turning brilliant orange-red and yellow in autumn. Prefers most planting aspects but not exposed or coastal sites."
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"Acer rubrum October Glory is a superb female clone producing a good oval crown at maturity with an autumn display that is hard to beat. An aptly named variety, it was patented in the States in 1961. Widely planted along with Red Sunset and regarded as one of the best selections. Its stunning display of vivid red and burgundy leaves in October/November is all the more memorable by the length of time they are held on the tree. This clone rivals Liquidambar for its brilliant autumn display and is a great tree for parks and gardens."
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"Aesculus carnea Briotii is an attractive medium sized tree will not grow as tall as its relation, the 'conker' tree. The summer flowers are a deep-pink, almost rose red and stand as upright panicles against the dark green corrugated foliage in May. The glossy foliage turns shades of yellow, orange and brown in autumn. The nuts produced are smaller than the typical 'conker' tree and rounder with a less spiky casing. The Red Flowering Horse Chestnut tree will do well in most positions and is fully hardy with some drought tolerance. A height and spread of 6 x 4 meters can be expected in 20 years."
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"Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) is one of the most well-known and loved of all trees. Very attractive in late spring with its white, tinged yellow then pink, candle like flowers, followed by burnished conkers in their spiky casings. It originates from the borders of Greece and Albania and was introduced to Ireland and Britain in the early 1600s. It does wonderfully well in parks and open spaces."
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"The cultivar Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii was discovered by A.N. Baumann near Geneva in 1820 and was propagated as a branch sport from the mother hippocastanum tree. It is notable for its double white flowers and the fact that it does not produce conkers, which may be seen as an advantage if required for street or avenue planting. The main branches are rather horizontal, so high pruning is required when used as a street tree. Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii can commonly grow in excess of 30 metres and is particularly impressive in the spring with its strong growth and flower display. It thrives in most soils and tolerates air pollution."
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"Betula albosinensis Fascination (Chinese Birch) is a refined clone with dark green leaves, which are large for a birch, appearing in April, along with the showy display of yellow catkins. It has outstanding stem colour-orange peeling to pink and cream and then purest white once the tree gets beyond 30cm girth. It is a medium sized tree, becoming oval as it matures and has stiffly ascending branches. Betula albosinensis Fascination is a great choice for parks and verges growing well on most soils."
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"Betula ermanii Holland (Ermans Birch) was originally from North Asia and Japan and was first cultivated in the 1880s. It is one of the first trees to emerge with new leaf in the spring and one of the first to fall in autumn. An important feature is its ability to tolerate reflected heat and light very well making it a great urban tree that requires little maintenance. Betula ermanii Holland is an elegant and vigorous medium to large tree with bright green, often heart shaped and prominently veined leaves which appear very early in spring becoming clear yellow in autumn.It grows well on most soils."
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"The crown is fairly upright and oval in youth, Betula Costata increasingly broadens with age to a rounded or columnar shape. Bright green leaves with conspicuous veins; golden autumn tones. A shallow rooting tree. It is a very good for parks and woodlands, but not suitable for areas where soil becomes compacted. It will grow well on most other soils and is available as both a single stemmed tree and as a multi-stem."
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"Betula utilis Jacquemontii is a native of the western Himalayas, it makes a medium tree with ascending branches, and is also spectacular when grown as a multi-stem. Its oval, dark green leaves turn golden yellow in autumn. Excellent for urban plantings, it grows well on most soils. It can be very effectively placed against a dark background in a garden as the white stems bounce back in contract."
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"Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam) is wonderful in a parkland setting, growing in groups and is ideal for pleaching. It is a large tree with with a characteristic grey fluted trunk and ovate, ribbed and serrated leaves which turn a lovely clear yellow in autumn. It grows well on most soils, including clay and chalk. It is a useful tree for poor planting conditions and will do well as a street tree and in urban settings."
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"Carpinus betulus Fastigiata is a medium sized tree of pyramidal habit. Slender in its youth it can often be seen growing in restricted areas despite the fact that it develops middle aged spread reaching up to 10m wide. It is better growing in an open parkland setting and it is very effective if left feathered to the base, producing gold and orange autumn colours. It grows well on most soils, including clay and chalk. It is well suited to poor planting conditions."
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"Carpinus betulus Fastigiata Frans Fontaine is a far better proposition for planting in restricted areas than Carpinus betulus Fastigiata. It retains its columnar habit, being only 3m wide after 25 years. It tolerates pollution and soil compaction, making it an excellent street tree. It grows well on most soils, including clay and chalk. It is a tree well suited for urban settings and for poor planting conditions."
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"Carpinus betulus Lucas (European Hornbeam) is notable for its narrow, columnar shape. Its green leaves with a sharp-toothed edge turn a bright yellow in the autumn and remain through the winter, adding some winter interest. In early spring, attractive yellow or green catkins form. It will grow in any soil type but Carpinus betulus Lucas does not do well in a very acid soil. It does best in a moist but well-drained situation. Once established it is reasonably drought-tolerant. It can be planted in sun, partial or full shade. Able to resist wind, it will do well in either an exposed or sheltered location, and because it is tolerant of pollution, the European Hornbeam is well-suited to use in an urban landscape. Carpinus betulus Lucas is also well-suited to container planting on a patio or rooftop terrace, grown either in a row to form a screen, or as a specimen plant for its tall, columnar shape. Because of the European Hornbeams resistance to pollution, and its narrow form, it is a good choice for an urban roadside planting."
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"Castanea sativa (Sweet Chestnut) is a versatile and beautiful, fast growing, large tree, which is particularly attractive in early summer when laden with its male and female catkins. It's long, glossy leaves turn gold and bronze before falling in autumn. Castanea sativa is a splendid tree for grouping and especially outstanding planted as an avenue. It does best on reasonably dry, light soils, and is moderately lime tolerant."
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"Castanea sativa Marsol is a hybrid variant of the European chestnut (Castanea sativa) and Japanese chestnut (Castanea crenata). 'Marsol' is a vigorous, disease resistant tree. It's a versatile and fast growing, large tree which is particularly attractive in early summer when laden with its male and female catkins. It's long, glossy leaves turn gold and bronze before falling in autumn. As with the regular Castanea sativa, 'Marsol' is a splendid tree for grouping and especially outstanding planted as an avenue. It does best on reasonably dry, light soils, and is moderately lime tolerant."
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"Corylus colurna (Turkish Hazel) is a large imposing tree, columnar when young before broadening to a symmetrical pyramid on maturity. Notable for its roughly textured, corky bark, it produces long, yellow catkins in early spring and clusters of fringed nuts in autumn. Corylus colurna is a superb choice for parkland and avenue planting, and it will tolerate paved areas. It thrives in all soils, including chalky and clay soils and is used in cities as a substitute for Lime to combat the problem of aphid drop on cars and pavements."
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"Fagus orientalis is a great looking upright tree which looks like a Fagus sylvatica Fastigiata but it is only when you see them side by side do you notice the difference. Fagus orientalis looks so much cleaner and healthier in leaf texture and size as it is resistant to woolly aphid that commonly predates on Fagus sylvatica types. Its ascending branches and lustrous deposition makes it an architectural tree of great merit and suitable for most medium and large gardens. It thrives on most free draining soils and like most beech its juvenile foliage is retained on the tree as dead leaves in the winter months before being replaced by new growth in the spring."
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"Fagus sylvatica (Common Beech) is one of the most majestic of our trees and can become very large with its low branched habit. It has a wide range of uses in woodland, parkland and in broad verge plantings and few trees can surpass its rich, copper autumn foliage. Beech thrives just about anywhere other than exposed and coastal locations. As it is shallow rooted, under planting is not recommended. It does well in most reasonably fertile, well drained soils, except heavy clay or light sand. Tending to favour more temperate climates, Fagus sylvatica is difficult to establish when faced with extreme heat and drought. With this in mind avoid planting in paved or tarmac areas where reflected heat and light makes Beech suffer."
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"Fagus sylvatica Asplenifolia Fern-Leaved Beech) as its common name suggests is a beautiful tree of medium height with deeply serrated and long leaves. It is pyramidal in its early years, but is eventually capable of becoming as wide as it is tall. A great choice for parkland where its cut leaves gives magnificent contrast. Beech thrives just about anywhere other than exposed and coastal locations. As it is shallow rooted under planting is not recommended with Fagus sylvatica Asplenifolia. It does well in most reasonably fertile, well drained soils, except heavy clay or light sand."
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"Fagus sylvatica Atropurpurea (Purple Beech) is a superb tree for creating contrast in a parkland or large gardens as the darkness of the foliage draws the eye through the landscape. Being a cultivar, Fagus sylvatica Atropurpurea has a much deeper leaf and is a tree of great beauty and majesty. It makes a magnificent subject planted as a specimen in parks and large estates. Beech thrives just about anywhere other than exposed and coastal locations. As it is shallow rooted, under planting is not recommended. It does well in most reasonably fertile, well drained soil, except heavy clay or light sand."
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"Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Gold is a golden-leaved form of the Fastigiate Beech. A fairly large, columnar tree, which looks good from spring right through to autumn. In spring the leaves are golden yellow, turning pale green in summer before reverting to a golden yellow in autumn. It looks especially attractive planted planted against a dark background and is good as a specimen in parks and as a verge tree. Beech thrives just about anywhere other than exposed and coastal locations. As it is shallow rooted, under planting is not recommended. Doing well in most reasonably fertile, well drained soils, Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Gold will not thrive in heavy clay or light sand."
