Episode 12: Trees with Peter Thurman

Selecting and planting trees can be a minefield. Never fear though, help is on hand as ‘legend in the world of trees’, Kew-trained, Peter Thurman is here to provide straight-forward advice about what to do and what not to do when buying a tree and planting it out.

Peter’s CV is suitably impressive. He is a landscape designer and plantsman and holds chartered status in arboriculture, horticulture, forestry and the environment. He is a fellow of both the Arboricultural Association and the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and it doesn’t end there. Find out more about Peter and his passion for all things tree related in this episode. 

Discover how to select the right tree for your garden’s soil type and which species of tree will help you create the effect you are targeting. Learn how pleached trees can become an attractive alternative to fencing, just beware of the High Hedges Act! Does it pay to have patience when growing your tree, or is it easier to have instant impact? 

Pick up some valuable tips and tricks on the planting process. From deciding which food you should feed your prized specimen with, to mulching and watering, your questions are sure to be addressed in this informative episode. 

 

Points of interest; 

Soil conditions when planting a tree 

Choosing the right trees for your garden 

The process of planting a tree

Round vs square hole 

Tree food

How to deal with planting a tree in clay soil

Watering your tree

Staking your tree

The importance of mulching

Ideal trees for small or large gardens

Trees for; privacy/scent/flowers/autumn colours/the ultimate seaside garden 

 

FAQs answered; 

When is the best time of year to plant a tree?

Should I take the hessian off a field grown tree before planting?

When shopping for my tree, should I buy the biggest one possible?

Are soil Testing kits a good idea?

What do I need to put at the base of my newly planted tree?

How do I deal with leaders?

Which type of stake should I use? 

 

Guest follow up; 

Peter Thurman 

Email: [email protected] 

www.thurmanconsultancy.co.uk  - Peter Thurman Consultancy, Landscape

www.lcgd.org.co.uk  - London College of Garden Design 

 

Further useful research; 

www.kew.org - Visit The Royal Botanical Grades at Kew 

www.reading.ac.uk - Dr Glynn Percival

www.biochar.co.uk - Tree food

Rigel-G - Tree food product 

 

Trees in order of mention, Botanical name followed by UK common name;

Kolreuteria paniculata fastigiata – Pride of India

Quercos phellos – Willow Oak

Lime trees AKA Tilia species:

Tilia tomentosa – Silver Lime

Tilia T. henryana – Henry’s Lime

Taxus baccata – Yew 

Ginkgo biloba – Maidenhair Tree

Cordyline australis – Cabbage Palm

Pterostyrax hispida – Epaulette Tree

Liriodendron tulipifera – Tulip Tree

Liquidambar styraciflua - Sweetgum 

Parrotia persica – Persian Ironwood

Tamarix species - Tamarisk

Quercus ilex - Holm Oak

Acer pseudoplatanus – Sycamore

Cedrus libani – Cedar of Lebanon

 

Get in touch;

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.rootsandall.co.uk

Twitter: @rootsandall

Instagram: rootsandallpod

 

Patreon Link;

https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall