Forest arranging - like flower arranging, but cooler

Tree O'Clock

How will my tree grow?

Listed below are the six tree types that were available from the Tree O'Clock give-away schemes in November 2009.

Scroll down (or click the names) for notes and advice on your tree's growth and care.

Field maple, Silver birch, Hazel, Hawthorn, Wild cherry, Rowan (mountain ash).

The British Trees - Tree guide can help you identify these and other types of tree.



Field maple - Acer campestre

- A small tree which if left to grow will reach a height of 85ft (26m).

- Makes an excellent dense deciduous hedge if regularly clipped. Trim in July.

- Prefers sun or partial shade.

- The leaves turn yellow and flush red in the Autumn.

Silver birch - Betula pendula

- It grows to around 60ft (20m).

- It grows well on light, relatively infertile ground containing sand and gravels.

- Its elegant drooping branches and attractive silvery white bark, coupled with its relatively small size even when mature, means that it is commonly planted in town gardens.

Hazel - Corylus avellana

- It grows to around 30ft (9m).

- It can make a strong dense hedge if cut and laid, and makes an ideal hedge if interplanted with thorns and then laid.

- It is traditionally used for hurdles, basketwork and occasionally for walking sticks.

- The nuts are edible and are eagerly sought after by many forms of wildlife.

Hawthorn - Crataegus monogyna

- It grows to around 45ft (14m) if left untrimmed.

- Also known as Quickthorn, Quick, or Maythorn it is the commonest hedgerow plant, forming a dense impenetrable hedge.

- Its white flowers appear from May onwards with the characteristic red berries (Haws) providing feed for birds in autumn and early winter.

Wild cherry - Prunus avium

- Maximum height 60ft (20m).

- The small red berries, whilst not poisonous, are not edible.

- They will however provide a feast for birds in early summer.

Rowan (mountain ash) - Sorbus aucuparia

- Normally forming a multi-stemmed shrubby tree, it can grow up to 65ft (20m).

- It forms an attractive tree with white flowers, bright red berries and a delicate leaf form.

- In the past planted to protect farm cottages from itinerant witches, it can still be seen around many farmyards.

- Do not eat the berries without cooking them. They can be made into a jelly, high in vitamin C.



Around Tree O'Clock

Tree O'ClockGo to Tree O'Clock main page

Meet the partner organisations

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

WoodlandWhat tree should I plant? What if I don't have a garden?...

Women planting treePlant a Tree

How to help plant a world record

HawthornSix tree types

Find out about the six types of trees being given away

Trees PageWe love trees

Collecting seeds, leaf hunting, bark rubbing, audio boos, woodland walks...

Places to go

You can now search for wildlife and outdoor events in BBC Things To Do.

Tree O'Clock Downloads

Cartoon character relaxingDownloads

Thank you certificates, games and activities, more trees info...

Elsewhere on the web

  • Breathing Places Trees - Lots of tree-lated activities
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