You want a garden that reflects your values, beautiful, safe, and in tune with nature. But here’s the reality:
- Many imported or ornamental species demand high maintenance and struggle with disease.
- Tree work done without understanding native species can lead to costly mistakes or long-term damage.
- And most gardeners don’t realise the power native trees have to protect property, attract wildlife, and transform outdoor spaces.
Native British trees aren’t just nostalgic, they’re smarter, safer, and stronger for our environment. But which ones are best for your needs? And who can you trust to advise and manage them properly?
Expertise Is Available
Browns Tree Solutions supports homeowners, estate managers and designers to create thriving landscapes, by choosing and caring for the right native trees, safely, sustainably, and beautifully.
Why native trees? Because they offer the perfect balance of resilience, wildlife value, and low-maintenance beauty, especially when guided by an expert.
Know Your Native Trees
Here are 7 iconic native trees we frequently recommend and manage:
1. Oak (Quercus robur)
The monarch of British trees. Oaks support more than 2,000 species of wildlife and can last for centuries. Ideal for large gardens or estates. A symbol of endurance and strength.
2. Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
Light, graceful, and quick-growing. Adds texture and movement to any garden. Great for smaller spaces or rewilding.
3. Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
Evergreen structure and habitat in exposed areas. Perfect for rural plots, shelterbelts, and naturalistic planting schemes.
4. Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
A year-round evergreen with wildlife benefits and natural privacy. Fantastic for hedging or seasonal interest.
5. Yew (Taxus baccata)
The architect’s favourite. Dense, slow-growing, and perfect for shaping. Yew brings elegance and structure to formal gardens.
6. Hazel (Corylus avellana)
A multi-tasker: wildlife-friendly, quick to grow, and great for coppicing or screening.
7. Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
Hardy and vibrant, with red berries loved by birds. Fits beautifully in both urban and rural settings.
So Many Benefits To Native Trees
When you plant and manage native trees correctly, you unlock benefits across three critical areas:
- SAFETY: Deep roots stabilise soil and reduce storm risk. Less prone to breakage than non-native species.
- BEAUTY: Year-round interest, colour, and form—without constant trimming.
- WILDLIFE & VALUE: Create a mini-ecosystem that supports biodiversity and boosts your property’s green credentials.
And when you work with Browns Tree Solutions, you’re getting more than a list of species, you’re getting:
- Local expertise – We know which trees thrive here and how to protect them.
- Regulatory knowledge – We handle TPOs, conservation areas, and permissions for you.
- Trusted service – Family-run, fully insured, and recommended across Bedfordshire.
Free Expert Advice
Whether you’re planning a garden redesign, worried about tree safety, or just want to get it right first time, we’re here to help.
No-obligation site visit.
We’ll help you plan, plant, or manage the trees that belong in your space—and protect your legacy for years to come.
Managing veteran trees in the UK requires a nuanced approach that balances ecological integrity, cultural heritage, and practical land use. Here's a consolidated guide based on best practices and current guidelines: Historic England »
Core Principles for Veteran Tree Management
- Minimal Intervention: Veteran trees have unique ecological and structural characteristics. Interventions should be limited to what's necessary for safety or to prolong the tree's life.
- Protect the Root Zone: Establish a root protection area (RPA) extending at least 15 times the tree's diameter or 5 meters beyond the canopy, whichever is greater. Avoid soil compaction, excavation, or storage of materials within this zone. Forestry England.
- Deadwood Retention: Retain deadwood both standing and fallen, as it provides essential habitats for various species. Remove only if there's a significant safety concern. Historic England
- Gradual Canopy Management: If canopy reduction is necessary, implement it in stages over several years to minimize stress. Avoid removing large limbs unless absolutely required. GOV.UK
- Monitor Surrounding Land Use: Activities like grazing, mowing, or development near veteran trees can impact their health. Implement buffer zones and manage surrounding vegetation to reduce competition and physical damage. Forestry England
Specific Management Practices
- Pruning Techniques: When pruning, make clean cuts just outside the branch collar to facilitate healing. Avoid flush cuts, which can impede recovery. Natural England
- Haloing: Gradually remove competing vegetation around the veteran tree to increase light levels and reduce competition, enhancing the tree's health. Forestry England
- Soil Management: Avoid altering soil levels or applying fertilizers near veteran trees, as changes can harm root systems and associated fungi. Natural England.
Legal and Planning Considerations
- Planning Applications: Veteran trees are considered irreplaceable habitats. Development proposals affecting them should be refused unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy is in place. GOV.UK
- Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs): Many veteran trees lack specific legal protections. Efforts are underway to strengthen TPOs and establish a national database of heritage trees to prevent unauthorized felling. The Guardian
Resources for Further Guidance
- Natural England's Handbook: "Veteran Trees: A Guide to Good Management" offers comprehensive advice on managing veteran trees. GOV.UK
- Ancient Tree Forum: Provides resources, training, and guidance on ancient and veteran tree care. Woodland Trust
- Woodland Trust's Assessment Guide: Outlines steps to record, assess, and secure ancient and veteran trees. Woodland Trust
For landowners and managers in Milton Keynes and the broader UK, adhering to these practices ensures the preservation of veteran trees for future generations. If you require assistance in developing a management plan or need further information, feel free to ask.
