Buying a tree for a small garden

With many garden and greenhouse enthusiasts making do with less land than they would like, it can be important that each plant is chosen carefully in order to ensure no favourites are missing.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has suggested that choosing a tree for a small green space can be a difficult business.

It said that there is a lot to consider when doing so and that growers should start by thinking about the specimens potential height and spread.

Another essential consideration is when you want your tree to look at its most interesting. Deciduous trees can turn into spectacular colours in autumn, while evergreens will retain their leaves throughout the year.

The RHS advice is to look for a tree that is interesting at different times of the year and for different reasons.

"If you only have room for one tree ideally look for one with more than one season of interest such as fruit or autumn colour following on from flowers," it said.

The organisations website also contains tips on how to buy a sapling, plant it and care for it throughout its lifetime.