When selecting Street trees there are a number of factors that need to be considered not least the ultimate size and spread of the tree. Assessments need to be made in respect of the tree’s hardiness and the prevailing soil type, its light and water needs, its pollution tolerance, limb strength and ornamental features. Some species can cope better with urban conditions than others and it’s important to choose a species that can tolerate paving.
Urban trees that are suitable for narrow streets often naturally have a narrow upright crown shape, which means they are able to keep their natural habit over a long period. There are columnar trees whose width does not exceed three meters but whose height still contributes to the green landscape. These cultivars require very little pruning which makes them ideal terms of ongoing maintenance costs.
Some great examples here in the nursery include Acer campestre Elsrijk (Norway Maple), Carpinus betulus Fastigiata, (Upright Hornbeam) Corylus colurna (Turkish Hazel), Metaseqoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) and Quercus robur Fastigiata (Upright Oak).
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.
-
"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."
-
"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."
-
"Acer campestre Nanum is a top worked variety with a very dwarfing, rounded habit. Its leaves are smaller than those of the species and they form a very dense crown. Acer campestre Nanum does best in well drained soils, but does well in virtually any soil type, and will readily tolerate drought, soil compaction and air pollution. Very good for streets and residential planting, or any site where space is at a premium. This clone has long been in cultivation and was introduced in the 1830s."
-
"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."
-
"Acer capillipes, otherwise known as the snake-bark maple, is an ornamental, deciduous tree that can grown up to 10m in height. Often multi-stem, with a spreading crown of long, slender branches. The bark is smooth, olive-green with regular narrow vertical white stripes. The leaf turns from a matt green in summer to a vivid bright yellow, orange or red in the autumn. Will tolerate most aspects and prefers a moist and well drained soil."
-
"Acer davidii 'Viper', also known as the Père David's maple, is an ornamental, deciduous tree that can grown up to 10m in height. Often multi-stem, with a spreading crown of long, arching branches. The bark is an attractive smooth, olive-green with regular snake-like narrow vertical white stripes. The leaf turns from a dark green in summer to a vivid bright yellow, orange or red in the autumn. Pale yellow flowers are followed by pinkish brown fruit. Will tolerate most aspects and prefers a moist and well drained soil."
-
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.
-
"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."
-
"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."
-
"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."
-
"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."
-
"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."
-
"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."
-
"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."
-
"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."
-
"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."
-
"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."
-
"Alnus incana Laciniata is an ornamental, cut-leaved version of common alder with a pyramidal crown that suits wet, boggy grounds. Following the growth of summer catkins, small green-brown cones develop around September and remain in place for most of winter, even after the yellow-toned autumn foliage has dropped. It is a fast growing tree, reaching a potential height of 20 metres in 20-50 years depending on the soil conditions. It thrives in moist, damp soil and will grow in exposed situations. Smaller than the common alder, suitable for mid-size gardens and perhaps a standalone specimen in a lawn. Pollution tolerant so useful for screening alongside a road or for overlooked situations."
-
"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."
-
"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."
-
"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."
-
"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."
-
"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."
-
"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."
-
"Cedrus deodara is a large, evergreen conifer with a trailing leader, a gently pendulous habit and soft, blue/green foliage. It is grown as an ornamental tree and became a favourite planted on the lawns of large country houses. Fast growing, Cedrus deodara thrives on most soils but does not do as well in wet ground with poor drainage."
-
"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."
-
"Crataegus lavalleei 'Carrierei', also known as Cockspur thorn 'Carrierei', is a deciduous, tidy, multi-stem small tree. It has a dense broad crown and dark green glossy oval leaves and is ideal for small gardens showcasing its highly decorative looks. Whilst thorny, these are less dense than other Hawthorn. It's leaves turn red in late autumn and fall late making for ideal screening and/or a security barrier. It's blossoms are clustered and white, 5-petaled, and with a red centre whilst it bears large, orange-red berries in the autumn - great for attracting wildlife. Quite small even once fully mature, it will slowly grow to be 4 to 8 metres high and up to 8 metres wide. This tough tree will thrive in most soil types and aspects including coastal sites. Prefers to be planted in moist but well drained soil and has access to sun or partial shade. Noted also for being pollution tolerant so ideal for city/urban planting."
-
"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."
-
"Fagus sylvatica Dawyck is a medium to large tree with a columnar habit and is a very good choice for both wide verges and specimen plantings in parks. It is quite suitable for urban areas also. Even when mature, it is seldom more than 3m wide. Beech thrives just about anywhere other than exposed and coastal locations. As it is shallow rooted, under planting is not recommended with this variety."
-
"Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Purple is a fastigiate beech with stunning dark foliage. It is a little narrower than Dawyck Gold but not quite as dense. It makes a splendid tree for parks and verges and has striking, deep purple foliage."
-
"Fagus sylvatica Laciniata, otherwise knows as Cut Leaf Beech, is an uncommon cultivar of the European beech. With similar characteristics to the Asplenifolia variant, it is a beautiful tree with serrated and glossy, dark-green, long leaves. The leaf though is not as serrated as the Asplenifolia. It is pyramidical in its early years, but is eventually capable of becoming as wide as it is tall. A great choice for parkland where its cut leaf gives magnificent contrast. Also of note is the lovely yellow to red-brown autumn colour on the leaf. It can grow up to 20 metres in height and is usually planted as a specimen tree or planted in urban/street locations. It prefers a well-drained soil that is not too wet and is rich in humus content. Moderately wind resistant."
-
"The Common name for this tree, Maidenhair Tree, is derived from the leaf shape, which resemble some of the pinnae of the Maidenhair Fern. In autumn time, these wonderfully shaped leaves turn a clear and bright yellow. Ginkgo biloba forms a large specimen with a conical shape at maturity and will remain relatively upright if the central leader is retained."
-
"The 'Mariken' is is a variant of the of the Gingko biloba or Maidenhair Tree, and is a deciduous small conifer tree or large shrub with a bushy, slightly weeping habit. It grows up to 2.5 metres in height and is relatively slow-growing. It has distinctive, mid-green, fan-shaped, bilobed leaves and excellent autumn colour. Ideal for use in large containers. Pollution tolerant, it can be planted and grown in any soil type with an exposed or sheltered aspect."
-
"Liquidambar styraciflua Fame Forever is a smaller form of Sweet Gum. It is a deciduous tree that has a somewhat narrower leaf and comes with stunning dark reddish purple autumn colour. Like other Liquidambars, its autumn colour is superb, its leaf (5-10cm in size with 5 lobes similar to a maple leaf) graduating from a bright green to a lovely dark-reddish hue in the autumn. Thrives on most well drained, loamy soils, but stay clear of heavily alkaline soils. Prefers a full sun aspect and a location that is not too exposed. This tree grows to about 5 meters in height with a breadth of about 2-3 metres and is relatively hardy. Would make for a great specimen tree in a smaller garden"
-
"Liquidambar styraciflua Gumball is a mop headed tree that retains its dwarfing round shape. Autumn colour is great, graduating to a deep claret in some years and the crop of 2015/16 retained this display thought the winter which was rather a surprise to us. Thriving on most well drained soils, stay clear of heavily alkaline soils. Often supplied as a half standard, this great autumn colour tree can be accommodated in most sized gardens."
-
"Liquidambar styraciflua Jason is a hard-to-find cultivar of the Sweet Gum tree. This tree would be larger than many Sweet Gum varieties but still has all the standard traits of a Liquidambar - deciduous, conical shaped with maple-leaf like foliage and a stunning dark reddish purple autumn colour. Its autumn colour is superb, its leaf (5-10cm in size with 5 lobes similar to a maple leaf) graduates from a bright green to a lovely dark-reddish hue in the autumn. In its early growth, stems have a distinctive 'cork' type bark. Thrives on most well drained, loamy soils, stay clear of heavily alkaline/chalky soils. Prefers a full sun aspect and a location that is not too exposed. This tree can grow up to about 25 meters in height and would make for a beautiful specimen tree"
