Planting a tree at home

There are plenty of ways that you can plant a tree at home. It's important to plan any tree planting in your garden so that you plant the right tree in the right place, and know how to look after your trees so that they thrive in the long-term.

Which tree to choose

It’s important to plant the right tree in the right place, so that it will thrive and grow to the size you want.

• The Woodland Trust has advice on choosing the right tree
• The Royal Horticultural Society has tips on buying trees and shrubs and also has a useful list of suggested trees for small gardens
• The Forestry Commission has a guide to choosing the right tree for the right place

Where to buy a tree

It's easy to buy a tree to plant at home.

• The Woodland Trust shop has a wide range of native trees suitable for gardens
• The Royal Horticultural Society has a list of tree species and a range of suppliers

How to plant a tree

There are plenty of step-by-step guides you can follow to help you plant a tree:

• The Conservation Volunteers’ video shows how to plant a tree sapling
• The Royal Horticultural Society has a guide on planting a larger tree
• The Woodland Trust has advice on how to plant a tree

Grow your own tree from seed

Instead of buying a tree you can also grow your own tree from seed. Autumn is a great time to collect tree seeds to plant.

• The Woodland Trust has advice on growing a tree from seed
• The Conservation Volunteers have detailed advice on how to grow many of the UK’s trees

How to look after your tree

Looking after your tree, especially in the first few years of its life, is important to make sure it survives and thrives.

• The Woodland Trust has advice on caring for your trees
• The Royal Horticultural Society has advice on tree maintenance

Download Community Tree Planting Guide