Complete guide to growing small trees for the garden
Small trees have a larger root-to-foliage ratio, which means evaporation and therefore moisture needs are lower, and their ability to produce new roots is greater. They also suffer less root check immediately after planting and are less susceptible to stress in times of drought.
Buying a tree
Don’t get confused over the various names garden centres and suppliers give to different tree sizes. A whip is generally a small tree up to 3ft tall, normally produced from seed or cuttings. A maiden is a similar size, normally produced from grafting or budding. Fruit trees are often referred to as maidens. A half-standard tree has a single clear stem up to 5ft tall, topped with a head of branches, and a standard has up to 6ft 6in of clear stem, plus a head of branches.
Most garden centres sell trees that have been grown in a pot and potted on to allow for root growth. These are known as container-grown trees and can be planted at almost any time of year except when the soil is waterlogged or frozen, or during prolonged drought.