What size of tree or shrub to choose for the garden?

"The bigger, the better" is not always true when choosing a tree to plant: the initial size directly affects how it takes root, and a small, well-planted tree can reach a similar size to a large one within a few years, with much less risk.

Trees: size is measured in container litres

A tree is sold by height or by container volume in litres (10, 25, 50 or 100+ L), depending on whether it is sold bare-root, potted or with a root ball. A large tree gives an immediate result but takes root more slowly and suffers more from transplanting than a small one, which within a few years can reach a similar size with less risk of not thriving.

Shrubs: beware of mixing different needs

The shrub, smaller than a tree, is usual in beds, individual hedges or as a companion plant (containers from 2 to 15 L). Check the sun/shade and watering needs before planting several species together in the same bed: mixing plants with very different requirements makes some thrive and others weaken in the same area, even if the design looks coherent on paper.

Seasonal or perennial plant

• Seasonal: gives instant colour, but has to be replaced several times a year.
• Perennial: takes a little longer to establish, but reduces maintenance and replacement cost in the medium term.

Hedge: fast or slow growth depending on urgency

A hedge planted in a continuous row visually delimits or protects a perimeter. A fast-growing hedge (such as laurel or privet) gives a visual screen sooner, but needs more frequent pruning; a slow-growing one asks for more initial patience in exchange for less future maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

Why can a small tree be a better choice than a large one? Because it takes root more easily and suffers less from transplanting, and within a few years can reach a size similar to a large tree planted with more risk of not thriving.

Can I plant together species with very different watering needs? It isn't advisable: in the same bed, some plants will thrive and others weaken if their sun or water needs are very different.

Which hedge do I choose if I need privacy quickly? A fast-growing one (such as laurel or privet), though it will need more frequent pruning than a slow-growing one.

Conclusion

Choosing plant size according to how it will take root —not just for the immediate visual result— and grouping species with compatible needs in each bed is what determines whether a garden thrives over time or plants that didn't adapt have to keep being replaced. The initial patience of a small plant or a slow-growing hedge usually pays off with less future maintenance.