Specimen Tree Supply & Planting

Choose the right specimen tree and have it professionally delivered, positioned and planted by an experienced landscaping team.

Landscaping Emporium supplies specimen trees for gardens, estates, commercial landscapes and development projects across North West England. Our service can cover the complete process, from selecting a suitable species and size through to delivery, planting, support, irrigation and establishment advice.

Whether you need one feature tree, several trees for privacy or a complete avenue, we can help you choose trees that suit the site and remain appropriate as they mature.

Specimen Trees Supplied and Professionally Planted

Planting a specimen tree involves more than digging a large hole. The tree must be suitable for the soil, climate and available space. It also needs to be handled safely, positioned correctly, planted at the right depth and supported while its new root system establishes.

Our specimen-tree service can include:

  • Initial project discussion

  • Tree species recommendations

  • Advice on size and form

  • Nursery availability checks

  • Site and access assessment

  • Delivery coordination

  • Mechanical handling where required

  • Ground preparation

  • Professional planting

  • Stakes, ties or underground anchoring

  • Irrigation systems

  • Mulching

  • Initial watering

  • Establishment and aftercare guidance

The precise service will depend on the tree, site, access and location of the project.

Choosing the Right Specimen Tree

A specimen tree should be selected for more than its appearance in a photograph. It must fit the garden physically, visually and horticulturally.

Before recommending a tree, we consider:

  • Its purpose within the garden

  • Eventual height and crown spread

  • Available sunlight

  • Soil type and drainage

  • Exposure to wind

  • Proximity to buildings and boundaries

  • Underground and overhead services

  • Required seasonal interest

  • Maintenance expectations

  • Wildlife value

  • Delivery and planting access

A tree that is well suited to its position should become more attractive as it matures. An unsuitable tree may eventually create excessive shade, obstruct buildings or require repeated corrective pruning.

Browse our current specimen trees for sale to see available tree products.

What Do You Want the Tree to Achieve?

Identifying the purpose of the tree helps narrow the available choices.

A specimen tree may be required to:

  • Create a focal point

  • Screen a neighbouring window

  • Provide garden privacy

  • Frame an entrance

  • Add spring blossom

  • Introduce autumn colour

  • Provide summer shade

  • Support wildlife

  • Define a seating area

  • Soften a large building

  • Create an avenue

  • Replace a removed or declining tree

  • Add height to a new garden

If privacy is the main objective, visit our dedicated specimen trees for privacy page.

You can also read our advice on trees for screening and trees for screening neighbours.

Choosing the Right Tree Size

Specimen trees are available in a wide range of sizes. Nursery descriptions may refer to girth, height, clear stem, crown width or the number of stems.

The most appropriate size depends on:

  • The effect required immediately after planting

  • Access into the garden

  • The available planting space

  • The tree species

  • The time of year

  • The project budget

  • The ability to maintain regular watering

  • The equipment required for installation

A larger tree provides greater immediate impact, but it is heavier, more expensive to transport and more demanding to establish. A smaller tree may settle into the site more quickly, although it will take longer to create a mature effect.

Our specimen-tree sizes guide explains the terminology used when selecting trees.

You may also find our comparison of mature trees and younger trees helpful.

Standard, Feathered and Multi-Stem Trees

The form of the tree affects its appearance and how it functions within the garden.

Standard Trees

A standard tree has a clear stem supporting a developed crown. Standard trees are useful beside paths, within lawns and where visibility or planting is required beneath the canopy.

They can also provide elevated privacy by placing the foliage at the height of an overlooking window.

Feathered Trees

Feathered trees retain branches further down the trunk. They provide a more continuous shape and can be useful for screening, boundaries and creating vertical structure.

Multi-Stem Trees

Multi-stem trees grow from several principal stems. They generally have a wider and more informal form and are particularly effective within planted borders, courtyards and contemporary gardens.

Their stems, bark and branch structure often provide valuable winter interest.

Visit our multi-stem trees page for further guidance.

Pleached Trees

Pleached trees have trained frameworks that create a defined panel of foliage above a clear stem. They are used for formal screening, garden divisions and privacy above walls or fences.

Explore our pleached hedging options if an elevated formal screen is required.

Rootballed and Container-Grown Trees

Rootballed Trees

Rootballed trees are lifted from nursery fields with a ball of soil retained around their roots. The root ball is normally secured with hessian and wire.

They are generally available during the dormant planting season. Rootballed trees should be planted promptly and require appropriate handling because the root ball must remain intact.

Container-Grown Trees

Container-grown trees can usually be planted across a wider part of the year, provided the weather and ground conditions are suitable.

Planting during warm or dry weather creates a greater watering commitment, particularly with large specimens.

Availability varies by species, size and season. We will explain the practical implications of the available stock before an order is confirmed.

Site Assessment Before Ordering

Larger trees should not be ordered until the planting position and access have been considered.

A site assessment may include:

  • Measuring gates and passageways

  • Checking steps and changes in level

  • Reviewing vehicle access

  • Identifying overhead restrictions

  • Assessing ground stability

  • Locating the planting position

  • Considering underground services

  • Checking soil and drainage

  • Planning the delivery route

  • Identifying appropriate lifting equipment

  • Determining how water will reach the tree

Photographs and measurements can provide useful initial information, but larger or more complex installations may require a physical site visit.

Access for Large Specimen Trees

Trees can be considerably wider and heavier than their stated height suggests. The root ball of a mature tree may require mechanical handling, even where the upper growth appears manageable.

Depending on the project, installation may involve:

  • Tree trolleys

  • Excavators

  • Loaders

  • Cranes

  • Lifting straps

  • Temporary ground protection

  • Restricted-access machinery

The proposed access method must protect the tree, property, garden and installation team.

Where access is restricted, it may be necessary to select a smaller tree, use a different form or arrange specialist lifting equipment.

Preparing the Planting Position

The planting area should be prepared to suit the root ball and surrounding soil. Simply filling a planting hole with rich compost can create an isolated pocket that discourages roots from moving into the surrounding ground.

Preparation may include:

  • Removing turf and competing vegetation

  • Relieving compaction

  • Assessing drainage

  • Improving a wider area of soil

  • Preparing a suitably shaped planting pit

  • Confirming the correct finished level

  • Planning staking or underground anchoring

  • Installing irrigation

  • Preparing suitable mulch

Drainage problems should be addressed across the site where possible. A deeper planting hole is not a solution for waterlogged ground and may instead create a sump around the roots.

Planting at the Correct Depth

Trees are frequently planted too deeply. This can restrict oxygen around the upper roots, trap moisture against the trunk and contribute to long-term decline.

The root flare—the point at which the trunk broadens into the main roots—should normally remain visible at the finished soil level.

The planting depth should be checked against the tree itself rather than relying solely on the top of the container or root ball, as soil may have accumulated around the stem during nursery production.

Positioning the Tree

The tree should be viewed from several directions before the planting position is finalised.

This allows us to consider:

  • Its best face

  • The balance of the crown

  • The direction of significant branches

  • Views from the house

  • Views from seating areas

  • The relationship with neighbouring plants

  • Future crown development

  • The precise sightline being screened

Once a large tree has been planted and anchored, repositioning it can be difficult. Taking time over its orientation makes a noticeable difference to the finished result.

Stakes, Ties and Underground Anchoring

A newly planted tree must remain stable while new roots grow into the surrounding soil.

The appropriate support method depends on:

  • Tree size

  • Root-ball construction

  • Soil conditions

  • Exposure

  • Planting position

  • Appearance

  • The likelihood of disturbance

Smaller trees may use conventional stakes and flexible ties. Larger specimens may require multiple stakes or underground anchoring systems.

Ties and visible supports must be checked regularly. They should not be allowed to rub, constrict or become embedded in the trunk.

Irrigation and Watering

Watering is one of the most important parts of tree establishment.

A newly planted specimen cannot immediately obtain water from a wide area of soil. Its root system is initially confined to the root ball, which can dry out even when the surrounding surface appears damp.

Depending on the installation, we may recommend:

  • A dedicated irrigation system

  • A watering bag

  • A perforated irrigation pipe

  • A structured manual watering programme

  • Mulch to reduce moisture loss

Watering requirements depend on the tree size, soil, season, exposure and rainfall. Larger trees may require substantial quantities of water during dry conditions.

Automatic irrigation can help, but it must still be checked regularly to confirm that water is reaching the root zone.

Mulching Newly Planted Trees

A suitable organic mulch can help:

  • Retain soil moisture

  • Reduce competition from grass and weeds

  • Moderate soil temperature

  • Protect the soil surface

  • Improve conditions as it breaks down

Mulch should be spread over the root area but kept away from direct contact with the trunk. Piling mulch around the stem can trap moisture and encourage decay.

Establishment and Aftercare

A specimen tree is not established when the installation team leaves. Its first few growing seasons are critical.

Aftercare normally includes:

  • Regular, thorough watering

  • Checking irrigation

  • Inspecting stakes and ties

  • Maintaining mulch

  • Keeping grass and weeds away

  • Monitoring leaf and shoot development

  • Checking for physical damage

  • Adjusting or removing supports when appropriate

  • Carrying out limited formative pruning where necessary

Weather conditions should determine the watering programme. A rigid timetable cannot account for unusually hot, dry, wet or windy periods.

Trees for Different Garden Conditions

Our advice pages can help you identify trees suited to particular sites:

  • Trees for clay soil

  • Trees for wet ground

  • Trees for poorly drained soil

  • Trees for full sun

  • Trees for partial shade

  • Trees for exposed gardens

  • Trees for coastal gardens

  • Trees for small gardens

These guides should be used as a starting point. Final suitability still depends on the individual garden.

Seasonal Interest and Garden Character

Specimen trees can be selected for a particular visual effect or season.

Explore:

  • Trees for autumn colour

  • Trees with spring blossom

  • Architectural trees

  • Statement trees

  • Native specimen trees

  • Evergreen specimen trees

  • Deciduous specimen trees

Specimen Trees as Part of a Garden Design

A specimen tree should relate to the whole garden rather than being selected in isolation.

Its position can affect:

  • The view from inside the house

  • Light entering windows

  • The scale of surrounding planting

  • Routes through the garden

  • Privacy and overlooking

  • The balance between buildings and open space

  • The position of patios and seating areas

  • Long-term maintenance

Where a tree forms part of a wider landscape project, our garden design service can coordinate it with paving, planting, hedging, lighting and other garden elements.

Areas We Cover

We supply specimen trees and provide professional planting across much of North West England, including areas within:

  • Lancashire

  • Greater Manchester

  • Cheshire

  • Merseyside

  • Cumbria

Coverage depends on the project location, tree size, quantity, access and installation requirements. Please provide your postcode when enquiring so that we can confirm availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a specimen tree without planting?

Supply-only options may be available for certain products and sizes. Larger trees require suitable unloading, handling and planting arrangements. These requirements should be confirmed before ordering.

Can you recommend the right tree?

Yes. Provide photographs, measurements, your postcode and details of what you want the tree to achieve. We can then identify suitable options or advise whether a site assessment is required.

Can you plant mature trees?

Yes, subject to availability, access and the practical requirements of the installation. Mature and semi-mature trees may require mechanical handling or specialist lifting equipment.

How much does specimen-tree planting cost?

The cost depends on the tree size, quantity, delivery distance, soil, access, ground conditions, support system and machinery required. An accurate quotation can only be prepared once these factors are known.

When is the best time to plant a specimen tree?

Rootballed and bare-root trees are generally planted during the dormant season. Container-grown trees can be planted at other times if weather and ground conditions are suitable and reliable watering is available.

How long will the tree need watering?

Most newly planted trees require structured watering for at least their first two growing seasons. Larger trees and those planted on dry or exposed sites may require support for longer.

Do larger trees establish more slowly?

Large trees can take longer to establish fully because they have a smaller root system relative to their crown. Careful handling, correct planting and consistent watering are therefore essential.

Do you guarantee newly planted trees?

Any applicable establishment or replacement terms should be set out in the individual quotation. Client watering and aftercare responsibilities must be followed, as failure to water is a common cause of tree loss.

Discuss Your Specimen-Tree Project

Tell us what you want the tree to achieve, where it will be planted and the approximate size of the available space.

Please include:

  • Your postcode

  • Photographs of the garden

  • Photographs of the access route

  • Approximate measurements

  • Details of the soil or drainage, if known

  • The required purpose of the tree

  • Any preferred species or appearance

We can then advise on species, size, availability, delivery and professional planting.

Browse specimen trees for sale

Contact Landscaping Emporium about tree supply and planting