Bee friendly garden mix

Planting information

Spacing
Trees: plant trees roughly 2m apart. Consider the final size of the tree, nearby buildings, services and other plants to avoid future damage to the roots and canopy as the tree grows.

Hedgerow: to produce a single row, plant trees around 30cm apart. For a thick hedge, plant in two rows with equal staggering of 50cm between saplings and 40cm between rows.

Tree protection
If your sapling could be at risk from animals like rabbits or deer, consider protecting them. Take a look at our tree protection options.

Best time to plant
October–March (dormant season): ideal planting time.

April–September: saplings are growing fast and should be planted as soon as possible. Take a little extra care over the warmer months.
If you need to delay planting for a few weeks, keep saplings moist, in light conditions and free from frost and wind.

Ongoing care
Weed around the base to reduce competition for nutrients.
Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
For detailed guidance, take a look at our tree care instructions.

Goat willow
(Salix caprea)

In spring, produces male catkins that look like cats' paws.

Growth and size
Mature height: 15m.
Supplied as 20-30cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.

Value to wildlife
Leaves are eaten by lots of insects.
Food plant of the elusive purple emperor butterfly.

Soil and conditions
Prefers damper areas around ponds or water.

Hazel
(Corylus avellana)

Springtime catkins (known as lambstails) rely on wind and insects for pollination. Produces shiny brown nuts in autumn.

Growth and size
Mature height: 8m.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.

Value to wildlife
Source of early pollen for bees that's an important protein for their growth and development.
Host plant for moth caterpillars such as the large emerald and barred umber.
Nuts are a favourite food of birds and mammals, including hazel dormice.

Soil and conditions
Tolerates most soils, especially damp or wet areas.
Forms a bushier shape on drier soils.

Crab apple
(Malus sylvestris)

Produces blossom filled with nectar and pollen that attracts pollinating insects like bees. Rosy, crunchy, tart apples appear in autumn.

Growth and size
Mature height: 10m.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.

Value to wildlife
Source of crucial early pollen for bees and other insects.
Apples are eaten by birds including thrushes.
Also enjoyed by mammals including badgers, voles and mice.

Soil and conditions
Tolerates most soil types and dryness.
Prefers sun or semi-shade.

Rowan
(Sorbus aucuparia)

Creamy-white springtime flowers transform into vibrant orange-red berries in autumn.

Growth and size
Mature height: 15m.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.

Value to wildlife
Source of pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators.
Host plant for moth caterpillars such as the larger Welsh wave and autumn green carpet.
Berries are eaten by thrushes.

Soil and conditions
Grows in most soils.
Prefers light, well-drained and humus-rich conditions.

Free delivery 

Free standard delivery for all trees within 10 working days. Orders of more than 900 trees may take longer. 

Order information 

We are unable to hold or delay orders.

To reduce packaging waste and minimise environmental impact, multiple items ordered together may be packed in a single box. All trees will remain fully protected during delivery. If you would prefer your trees to be packaged separately, please contact our support services team via email at shop@woodlandtrust.org.uk and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Please note: If your order contains a mix of product types (e.g. trees, tree protection items, merchandise or subsidised packs), items may be delivered separately. This means your order may arrive in more than one delivery.

Sapling appearance 

You will receive a cell-grown sapling, approximately 15–60cm in height. Depending on the season (especially early spring), your sapling may not look very perky on arrival. Don’t worry – once planted, it should recover quickly. 

Shipping restrictions 

We do not deliver to Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. 

Further information 

You can find more information about delivery and packaging in our frequently asked questions.