Thinking of buying a new feature tree for your garden?
If you’ve already been browsing, there are probably several trees that have caught your eye. However, it’s important to make sure that the tree you choose not only meets all of your own requirements when it comes to shape and size, but is also suited to the growing conditions in your garden.
How Much Space Do You Have?
If you have a large garden and plenty of space for a tree to grow, then your options are pretty much endless. With a height of up to 12 metres, the Dragon Tree would be a great choice, especially if you’re able to plant a few single-crown trees in a group for an even bigger impact.
For smaller spaces, look at slow-growing trees, or one that you could keep in a container. The Olive Tree is ideal for this, with the added advantage of annual fruit production too.
How Cold Are Your Winters?
If you live in an area with milder winters, then a tropical feature tree could work well. The Mango Tree is a popular choice, not only for its delicious fruits, but also because of how majestic it looks with its broad, glossy leaves.
Colder regions need a hardier tree, such as the Glauca Grass Tree. This iconic feature tree boasts a thick and dark trunk that will instantly make a bold statement in your garden. It’s also tolerant of all Australian climates and requires very little maintenance as it grows.
Evergreen or Deciduous?
If you want your feature tree to retain its leaves throughout the year, then you need to go for an evergreen species, such as the Yucca Filifera. In addition to providing year-round greenery, this tree also produces edible fruits in the autumn.
While most feature trees tend to be evergreen, there are some deciduous varieties that are still able to provide a focal point all through the year. The Queensland Bottle Tree is the perfect example – although it drops its leaves in the spring, these are quickly followed by flowers. Even when the tree looks a little bare, its elegant, bottle-shaped trunk will still always stand out.
Would You Like Edible Fruits?
Some feature trees also produce edible fruits, making them a fantastic multi-purpose addition to any garden. If you like the idea of producing your own superfood, look into the Avocado Tree, which is surprisingly easy to grow.
For something a little more unusual, the tiny fruits produced by the Australian Native Finger Lime have a sharp and tangy citrus flavour, making them incredibly versatile in the kitchen. The Golden Barrel Cactus is another unique fruit-producer – it’s known for having some of the best-tasting cactus fruits out there, which also happen to be extremely high in vitamins A and C.
There are several points to consider when picking a feature tree, so don’t be tempted to rush your decision. Taking the time to carefully choose a tree that’s perfect for your outdoor space will allow your tree to truly thrive, giving you so much more enjoyment from it over the years.