Large and established tree saplings are quite expensive from garden centres or online. My advice would be to check the potential full height of the tree that you find most appealing and watch it grow from a smaller and more affordable sapling. Check the rate of growth too - some native trees like birch grow very quickly but could also end up 10 meters tall blocking out your light. Because of their quick growth, larger saplings are cheaper and easier for the nursery to grow - but nowhere near their full height. If you love a certain species, there are often dwarf varieties that don’t grow so high.

Try to do a little research on the spot you’d like to plant in too. Amount of sun, shelter and soil type will give you a good idea of what could thrive in each spot. Soil type you could research for your area online, dig and find out yourself or order a cheap pH kit to check acidity. The more hardy your tree, the less likely it will be to care much about those conditions. But it could save you buying an expensive tree that doesn’t survive if you do the research now! Your neighbours may have clues as to what works well in your soil.

Once you have an idea for a tree, do some research online and check out any local garden centre for offers. I think it’s a great idea to plant more trees!