Alex B's top 3 trees
Alex joined Barcham in 2022, initially in our despatch team, moving into a role with sales in 2023. He is currently studying for a sales apprenticeship whilst learning everything there is to know about trees! He's described his top 3 trees below:
Fagus sylvatica
The common Beech tree is often overlooked because of its use for hedging, however, when left to grow to their full potential, Beech become magnificent, large trees and are well worthy of their nickname ’the Queen of British trees’.
As these are such large trees, they are most appropriately used in a parkland settings, with their susceptibility to drought and reflected heat making them unsuitable for urban conditions.
Just last October, I witnessed a mature Beech hidden away near Curbar Edge in the Peak District and was simply taken aback by this native giant, spending a while appreciating its cascading limbs and stunning golden autumn foliage. My two friends and I could not even get our arms around this monster of a tree!
Read more here.
Ginkgo biloba
One of the oldest species of tree in the world, it is like no other, having dealt with extinction events and atomic bombs, the Maidenhair tree stands strong. An excellent tree for urban conditions due to their tough nature!
these trees can live for over a thousand years, with some specimens in China standing at over 50m tall.
The unique fan shaped foliage that gives a stunning yellow autumnal colour are what thrill me about this tree. The leaves of Ginkgo have a great history of use in Chinese medicine, as when dried, they have multiple medicinal benefits. It does need to be said, however, that the mature females of this species produce a small fruit which when rotten, can smell bad – but this tree does not tend to fruit for at least 20 years.
Find out more here.
Acer negundo Flamingo
If you are looking for an interesting and individual tree look no further than this Variegated Box Elder. New foliage flushes with a stunning pink tinge which later hardens off to a green and white. This works well in open spaces and gardens.
Find out more
Looking for more suggestions?
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