Choosing which plants, trees and shrubs to use in your garden can be a rather difficult decision. There are is a massive range of plants, trees and shrubs to choose from and many look rather alike. Unfortunately some require very specific conditions to grow well while many trees and some shrubs prove highly unsuitable for smaller gardens due to the ultimate size to which they can grow. Another factor to consider when choosing trees for the garden is how far reaching their roots are. Some trees have roots which can grow through the foundations of nearby buildings while others may dry out the ground so greatly that it causes subsidence.

To ensure that you do not fall fowl of the many pitfalls of garden design it is often best to employ the services of a landscaping specialist who will know exactly which trees, shrubs and other plants would be most suitable for your garden while fully understanding which trees could prove a danger to property.

The willow tree is often used in the garden as a specimen tree, especially if one of the weeping varieties has been chosen. The corkscrew willow is also very popular with gardeners due to it’s highly unusual architectural qualities. Another popular contorted variety of tree is the corkscrew hazel which is rather similar to the corkscrew willow in that it has highly twisted and contorted branches. Other hazel trees widely used in gardens include the golden leafed and purple leafed varieties and although the common hazel can be found in the garden it is most often found in a hedge. Both willow and hazel can be pruned annually at the beginning of the year which means that it can be kept to the best size for the garden in which it appears.

At the moment evergreen conifers are very popular trees with the Leyland Cypress being extensively used as a privacy screen. If you are planning planting trees for privacy the Leyland Cypress is a good choice as it grows very fast and dense. However it should be noted that it grows so vigorously and so densely that it often blocks the light from nearby ground. This not only causes problems with other plants but also with neighbors who often become highly annoyed at the sudden appearance of such a wall of greenery. In some areas this has proved to be such a widespread problem that bylaws have been passed in association with this tree. If you use a professional landscape gardener he should know of any such laws otherwise you should ask at a local nursery or, better still, check with your local authority who may require planning permission.

Trees are a wonderful addition to the garden. Specimen trees such as the Lilac produce highly scented flowers. Others, such as Japanese Maples are grown for their highly colorful foliage, it is important to note that Japanese Maples must be protected from harsh weather especially strong winds as they can be rather delicate. A variety of fruit trees such as the Japanese Quince prove an excellent feature in any garden and have the benefit of both blossom in the spring and later fruit.

The Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) is often the choice shrub for a wildlife garden, as the name suggests this fast growing, deciduous shrub is amazing at attracting butterflies. The Buddleja is available in various colors ranging from dark purples and blues through to deep reddish purples and almost pure white varieties.

Most garden centers and nurseries will stock a wide selection of container grown trees. Transplanting trees that have been grown in containers is very easy as they have a highly developed root ball. Simply dig a hole about a foot wider than the root ball, mix in some quality compost into the bottom of the hole, maybe add a little bone meal, soak well, add your tree and then fill around it. Finally gently firm the soil around your tree and water it thoroughly once more. Equally caring for trees is also relatively easy and your nursery will be able to give instructions on how best to care for your trees while also being able to advise which grow best in your area.

Eric Johnstone has been a landscape gardener for about 15 years and writes for a small number of landscape gardening sites in his spare time.