During the last week a National Newspaper (the one which can leave you feeling a bit cross or too terrified to leave your house) has been offering readers a free oak tree delivered to their door (postage costs applicable). I immediately thought what a fabulous idea this was to get us all talking about and growing trees. But a noteworthy word of caution, oak trees grow fast and big! A Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) will grow 20-30cm each year with a fully grown height of 20-40 metres in around 15 years and roots spreading 4-7 times the width of the tree’s crown. In my opinion this might not be ideal for a small private garden. Such a shame if a beautiful tree has to be felled because it outgrows the garden. However, careful planting following professional advice and I do honestly believe that this a very worthwhile offer. So have I ordered one? Heck yes, under the guise of continuing professional development. I’ll let you know when it arrives and where I decide to plant it. I’m hoping for something similar to the tree in this picture for my grandchildren and their children.
