Now is the time to order or purchase your bare rooted trees. Our tree guru Steve Griffiths has put together his top 5 list of deciduous tree species to plant in Canberra gardens this winter that will make your neighbours smile and add to the value of your property.
1. Malus floribunda
Also known as the flowering crab apple, this tree has an abundance of flowers in late spring and red fruit in autumn. It is ideal for small gardens, large pots, and courtyards. Steve’s favourite is the weeping variety.
Flowering crab apple
2. Acer palmatum
There are many varieties and shapes of Acer palmatums to choose from including really small pot size cultivars. The Japanese Maple has beautiful autumn colours. ‘Sangokaku’ has coral red branches in winter. These trees prefer protection from wind and from hot afternoon sun. Steve recommends the fastiagated shape (column) that makes an ideal screen in an area with limited space.
Japanese maple
3. Prunus Serrulata
The Japanese cherry is a deciduous tree with a beautiful lasting double flower blossom. It loves deep moist soils and to be sheltered from hot winds. This treasure allows the sun to come in during winter.
Japanese cherry
4. Nyssa sylvatica
Named the black or sour gum, this tree is actually not a gum tree. Nyssa is a lovely conical shaped tree which will bring form and amazing colour to any garden. This medium sized, deciduous tree is ideal for Canberra backyards but likes moist soil.
Black/sour gum
5. Betula pendula
If you have a good supply of water, Betula pendula is a must have. Get them in fastigiate or column form and plant five close together to create a little forest in your garden. Beautiful white trunks with dappled light so you can plant bulbs underneath. There’s also a weeping version. We recommend putting root barrier down with these trees.
Silver birch
TreeWorks can advise you on how to get your trees looking their best, increase the sunlight for winter, maximise growth for shade cover, or shape a tree to enhance its beauty.
TreeWorks is a leading tree services business operating in Canberra, Monaro, and Southern Tablelands. We are a fully licensed, Evoenergy accredited & insured tree surgery company and a member of Arboriculture Australia. Our climbers are appropriately trained and some of our arborists have over 25 years experience in large scale tree surgery and removals. Call 1800 873 343 or book online for a free on-site tree health and safety inspection.