Alder (Alnus glutinosa)

This tree improves the fertility of the soil where it grows.

SKU: ALGL

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£10.95

Alder

Alnus glutinosa

Alder has a conical growth habit (it grows in a pyramid shape) and dark green, glossy, rounded leaves. In early spring it produces yellow catkins followed by clusters of woody fruits that resemble pinecones; they hang like baubles on the bare trees over winter. When cut, the pale wood turns a deep orange, giving the impression of bleeding, this lead many people throughout history to fear alder trees and the Irish even thought it was unlucky to pass one on a journey.

Alder full grown height:

20 metres, growing an estimated 60cm+ each year.

Purchase size and growth:

These trees are cell-grown saplings, ranging from approximately 15cm-60cm in height. Cell grown trees can be planted all year round in most situations as long as they are given the correct care. Please be aware that depending upon the time of year you receive your sapling (particularly early spring) it may not look very perky upon arrival, please do not worry once it has been planted it should pick up quickly.

Value to wildlife:

Alder is the food plant for the caterpillars of several moths including the alder kitten, pebble hook-tip, autumnal and blue bordered carpet moth. Catkins provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees, and the seeds are eaten by the siskin, redpoll and goldfinch.

Alder preferred soil type or environmental conditions:

Tolerates most conditions and soils, especially damp areas. On drier soils it grows as a bush.

UK and Ireland Sourced and Grown (UKISG):

Every sapling that we provide is UK and Ireland sourced and grown to minimise the risk of importing and spreading tree pests and diseases. Seeds are collected and stored in the UK and Ireland, and they are all coded and batched so that we can track each individual tree.

Learn more about this tree on our alder species profile.

The images in this product listing show the saplings bundled and wrapped. This plastic wrap is made from LDPE (low-density polyethylene) and is 100% recyclable, we encourage users to recycle them when you are ready to plant your trees.

Overview
Alder video
Planting & care information
Delivery information

Alder

Alnus glutinosa

Alder full grown height:

20 metres, growing an estimated 60cm+ each year.

Purchase size and growth:

Value to wildlife:

Alder preferred soil type or environmental conditions:

Tolerates most conditions and soils, especially damp areas. On drier soils it grows as a bush.

UK and Ireland Sourced and Grown (UKISG):

Learn more about this tree on our alder species profile.

Planting information:

As a rough guide, trees are usually planted at around 2m intervals but please take into account the final size of the tree and be aware of buildings, services and other plants nearby to ensure that damage cannot occur from the roots and canopy as the tree grows.

Oct-Feb - This is the best time of year for planting trees and your sapling is dormant, as long as it is kept free from frost and wind as well as being kept moist and in light conditions then it will last a few weeks before planting.

Mar-Sept - Your sapling is growing fast and will need planting as soon as possible. Planting it immediately will ensure it does not dry out, lose nutrients etc.

Please note that you may require tree protection if your saplings will be at risk of damage from mammals such as rabbits or deer. Take a look at our available tree protection options.

On-going care requirements:

Once planted, your tree will need some care and attention for a few years; this will mainly be weeding around the base to reduce the competition for nutrients and ensuring your tree has enough water. For more information about caring for your trees, click here.

Delivery information:

Please note that our saplings ship year-round and we are unable to hold or delay orders. Our standard delivery is within 10 working days.

Free delivery is available for all tree orders and your trees will be delivered within 10 working days. You will receive a cell grown sapling, ranging from approximately 15cm-60cm in height. Orders comprising of more than 900 trees may take longer than the standard 10-day delivery window.

Please be aware that depending upon the time of year you receive your sapling (particularly early spring) it may not look very perky upon arrival, please do not worry once it has been planted it should pick up quickly.

Please note that changes to regulations mean we are, unfortunately, currently unable to ship our trees to Northern Ireland. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

If you are purchasing more than one pack of trees or any of our tree accessories, they may be delivered separately to one another.

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