Free resource for tree selection, planting & climate-resilience
We have released a new free‑to‑download Tree Technical Guide – a resource designed specifically for the amenity industry and garden centre plantaria staff (February 2026).
The publication consolidates expert practical knowledge with sustainability‑focused guidance, reflecting our 96‑year legacy as one of the UK’s leading tree growers and providers.
All about our Tree Technical Guide
Andy Johnson, our Managing Director, says: “Our Guide has been developed to support professionals working across urban, commercial and large‑scale landscape environments, as well as those helping gardeners choose trees in garden centre and retail environments.
“It provides detailed information on tree specifications, establishment, management and species performance, covering all the trees grown across our 450-acre production site.
Highly practical tool
“With full descriptions of more than 200 tree species and cultivars, with performance notes relating to drought tolerance, waterlogging, bee‑friendliness and carbon sequestration, it offers expert guidance for planting, watering and the long‑term establishment of trees. This makes the guide a highly practical tool for procurement teams, contractors, local authority tree officers, commercial horticultural buyers and garden centre plantaria teams.”
It also includes step‑by‑step tree planting instructions that are designed to reduce establishment failures and a full water maintenance guide, reflecting current amenity and retail industry concerns about losses during dry periods.
Climate Champion classifications
Andy adds: “The guide introduces our Climate Champion classifications – trees identified for high carbon‑sequestration, resistance to environmental stress and strong ecosystem value. These species respond directly to the climate‑change pressures faced by local authorities and developers and are increasingly on the list of requirements from gardeners buying trees for their outdoor spaces from garden centres.
Bees & Trees
“With pollinator populations in critical decline, our Bees & Trees section offers evidence‑based planting guidance for professionals seeking to deliver biodiversity net gain (BNG) compliance and ecological uplift, as well as for gardeners wishing to do their bit to help save and sustain these crucial pollinators.
“The guide explains why trees are essential forage sources that extend nectar availability beyond the usual flowering season and highlights the ‘Golden Rule of Five’, recommending the planting of at least five different species to ensure continuous seasonal forage.”
Tree selection
With sustainability, resilience and biodiversity embedded throughout, the guide provides a single, authoritative reference for high‑quality tree selection and establishment.
The Tree Technical Guide has been engineered to support landscape architects specifying for urban and rural schemes, contractors responsible for planting and establishment, local authorities seeking climate‑resilient street and parkland trees, garden centre plantaria providing informed customer advice, and foresters and landowners planning long‑term ecological planting.
How to get a copy
The free, easy-to-use guide is available to download here.