Canopy 🌲

# Canopy layer

_Plant the big trees_

![Looking up at leaf canopy](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_390,h_219/v1580816620/garden-canopy-14887496439.jpg)

[Course preview](/) by [Jake Rayson](https://www.forestgarden.wales/)

[preview.backyardforest.uk/canopy](https://preview.backyardforest.uk/canopy/)

###### **Press `P` to see notes and credits**<br>Work licensed under [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/), embedded work may have other licenses.

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# Course overview

1. [Introducing](/course/intro/)
2. [Plan](/course/plan/)
3. [Design](/course/design/)
4. [<span class="u-bg-aqua">Protection</span>](/course/protection/)
5. [<span class="u-bg-aqua">Perennial Veg</span>](/course/veg/)
6. [<span class="u-bg-aqua">Canopy</span>](/course/canopy/) 👈
7. [Ground Prep](/course/prep/)
8. [Shrubs & Ground Cover](/course/shrubs-cover/)

---

# What you’ll learn

![Looking up at leaf canopy](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_390,h_219/v1580816620/garden-canopy-14887496439.jpg)

* Planning trees
* Planting trees
* Choosing trees

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — Species</h6>

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# 1. Planning

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Planning</span> — Planting — Species</h6>

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# 1. Planning

![Looking up to thick green tree canopy](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_480,h_270/v1580816620/garden-canopy-14887496439.jpg)

1. Spacing 👈
2. Windbreak
3. Map

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Planning</span> — Planting — Species</h6>

???

* Photo by Visjesh K on [Flickr](https://flickr.com/photos/kvijesh/14887496439/)

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# 1.1 Spacing

![“Climax Vegetation” illustration](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/h_270/v1575064337/climax-vegetation.png)

* Mimic woodland edge 👈
* ¼ to ½ average canopy [diameter](https://www.forestgarden.wales/spacing/)
* Choose the right [rootstock](https://www.forestgarden.wales/rootstock/)

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Planning</span> — Planting — Species</h6>

???

Climax vegetation. Woodland edge is near where cool temperate garden “wants” to be

Illustration used with permission from Agroforestry Research Trust

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# 1.1 Spacing

![Illustration of tree spacing in forest garden](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_480,h_270/v1573738171/tree-spacing-169.png)

* Mimic woodland edge
* ¼ to ½ average canopy [diameter](https://www.forestgarden.wales/spacing/) 👈
* Choose the right [rootstock](https://www.forestgarden.wales/rootstock/)

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Planning</span> — Planting — Species</h6>

???

* [Tree spacing](https://www.forestgarden.wales/spacing/)
* Illustration inspired by [Creating a Forest Garden](https://www.agroforestry.co.uk/product/creating-a-forest-garden-2/) by Martin Crawford

---

# 1.1 Spacing

![Rootstock chart](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_480,h_270/v1543958990/rootstocks-24453546047.jpg)

* Mimic woodland edge
* ¼ to ½ average canopy [diameter](https://www.forestgarden.wales/spacing/)
* Choose the right [rootstock](https://www.forestgarden.wales/rootstock/) 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Planning</span> — Planting — Species</h6>

???

* Check diameter & height of tree on [Plants For A Future](https://pfaf.org/user/Default.aspx)
* Illustration from [Johnstown Garden Centre](https://www.johnstowngardencentre.ie/blog/johnstowngardencentre.ie/2016/03/08/rootstocks-explained/)

---

# 1. Planning

![Looking up to thick green tree canopy](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580816620/garden-canopy-14887496439.jpg)

1. Spacing
2. Windbreak 👈
3. Map

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Planning</span> — Planting — Species</h6>

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# 1.2 Windbreak

![Young Cornus windbreak leading down to polytunnel](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1551261223/cornus-crop-42141134465.jpg)

* [Windbreak hedge](/windbreak/) 👈
* [Nurse tree](/nurse-tree/)
* [Dead hedge](/dead-hedge/)
* [Protection lecture](/course/protection/)

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Planning</span> — Planting — Species</h6>

???

* [Windbreak reference](https://www.forestgarden.wales/windbreak/)

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# 1.2 Windbreak

![Yellow flower of Broom](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1552393979/broom-69084771.jpg)

* [Windbreak hedge](/windbreak/)
* [Nurse tree](/nurse-tree/) 👈
* [Dead hedge](/dead-hedge/)
* [Protection lecture](/course/protection/)

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Planning</span> — Planting — Species</h6>

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# 1.2 Windbreak

![Dead hedge in action](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1555776614/deadhedge-39D0EDB7.jpg)

* [Windbreak hedge](/windbreak/)
* [Nurse tree](/nurse-tree/)
* [Dead hedge](/dead-hedge/) 👈
* [Protection lecture](/course/protection/)

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Planning</span> — Planting — Species</h6>

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# 1.2 Windbreak

![Screenshot of protection lecture first slide](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_418,h_234,bo_1px_solid_gray/v1594667864/protection-title-slide.jpg)

* [Windbreak hedge](/windbreak/)
* [Nurse tree](/nurse-tree/)
* [Dead hedge](/dead-hedge/)
* [Protection lecture](/course/protection/) 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Planning</span> — Planting — Species</h6>

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# 1. Planning

![Looking up to thick green tree canopy](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580816620/garden-canopy-14887496439.jpg)

1. Spacing
2. Windbreak
3. Map 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Planning</span> — Planting — Species</h6>

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# 1.3 Map

![Screenshot of Plan lecture title slide](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_418,h_234,bo_1px_solid_gray/v1594668808/plan-cad-map.jpg)

* [Make a map](/course/plan/) 👈
* CAD or paper
* Symbols are light

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Planning</span> — Planting — Species</h6>

???

* Make a map!

* Not essential **but** damn sight easier
* Make the big mistakes first

---

# 1.3 Map

![Paper forest garden plan](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1573738344/dan-plan.jpg)

* [Make a map](/course/plan/)
* CAD or paper 👈
* Symbols are light

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Planning</span> — Planting — Species</h6>

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# 1.3 Map

![Closeup of CAD plan showing tree circles](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1574866217/cad-191127.png)

* [Make a map](/course/plan/)
* CAD or paper
* Symbols are light 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb"><span class="u-underline">Planning</span> — Planting — Species</h6>

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# 2. Planting

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — <span class="u-underline">Planting</span> — Species</h6>

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# 2. Planting

![Newly planted tree, wheelbarrow in background](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1551039976/sweetchestnut-E50A4A3D.jpg)

1. Plant 👈
2. Stake
3. Mulch
4. Protect

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — <span class="u-underline">Planting</span> — Species</h6>

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# 2.1 Plant

![Tree roots cleaned with water, showing circular roots caused by pot](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580317740/rootball-334ECFC8.jpg)

* Wash off compost 👈
* Uncurl roots
* Dig smallest hole
* Water

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — <span class="u-underline">Planting</span> — Species</h6>

???

* No fertiliser!
* Plant young specimens, establish better & quicker

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# 2.1 Plant

![Tree roots cleaned with water, showing circular roots caused by pot](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580317740/rootball-334ECFC8.jpg)

* Wash off compost
* Uncurl roots 👈
* Dig smallest hole
* Water

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — <span class="u-underline">Planting</span> — Species</h6>

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# 2.1 Plant

![Planting spade upright in grass](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580317738/spade-88DC3D1F.jpg)

* Wash off compost
* Uncurl roots
* Dig smallest hole 👈
* Water

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — <span class="u-underline">Planting</span> — Species</h6>

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# 2.1 Plant

![Filling watering can from tap](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580317739/watering-can-380C1CAD.jpg)

* Wash off compost
* Uncurl roots
* Dig smallest hole
* Water 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — <span class="u-underline">Planting</span> — Species</h6>

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# 2. Planting

![Newly planted tree, wheelbarrow in background](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1551039976/sweetchestnut-E50A4A3D.jpg)

1. Plant
2. Stake 👈
3. Mulch
4. Protect

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — <span class="u-underline">Planting</span> — Species</h6>

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# 2.1 Stake

![Tree staked low](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580317738/stake-DBA75F44.jpg)

Stake **low**. Don’t stake unless:

* Dwarf rootstock
* Older, 2m+ high
* Very exposed

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# 2. Planting

![Newly planted tree, wheelbarrow in background](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1551039976/sweetchestnut-E50A4A3D.jpg)

1. Plant
2. Stake
3. Mulch 👈
4. Protect

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — <span class="u-underline">Planting</span> — Species</h6>

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# 2.3 Mulch

![Newly planted tree with cardboard & wood chip mulch](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1551044542/hazel-webb-8D770253.jpg)

1. Cardboard & wood chip 👈
2. Weed & top-up
3. Grow ground cover

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — <span class="u-underline">Planting</span> — Species</h6>

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# 2.3 Mulch

![Small apple tree rather overgrown with grass](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580317738/mulch-grass-F67D2620.jpg)

1. Cardboard & wood chip
2. Weed & top-up 👈
3. Grow ground cover

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — <span class="u-underline">Planting</span> — Species</h6>

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# 2.3 Mulch

![Purple blue flowers of Ground Ivy](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1552393978/alefoot-457AA611.jpg)

1. Cardboard & wood chip
2. Weed & top-up
3. Grow ground cover 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — <span class="u-underline">Planting</span> — Species</h6>

???

* Ultimate aim

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# 2. Planting

![Newly planted tree, wheelbarrow in background](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1551039976/sweetchestnut-E50A4A3D.jpg)

1. Plant
2. Stake
3. Mulch
4. Protect 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — <span class="u-underline">Planting</span> — Species</h6>

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# 2.4 Protect

![Rampant grass meadow](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580304752/meadow-colorised-28824815048.jpg)

1. Grass
2. Rabbits 🐇
3. Ride-on mowers 🚜

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — <span class="u-underline">Planting</span> — Species</h6>

???

* Top tree killers!
* And protect from wind!

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# 3. Species

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# 3. Species

![Treeline of oaks](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1558731368/treeline-5376229E.jpg)

1. Choose 👈
2. Fruit trees
3. Nut trees
4. Other trees

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# 3.1 Choose

![Prickly Sweet Chestnuts](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580331101/sweet-chestnuts-8217120039.jpg)

* Crop 👈
* Size
* Position
* Wildlife

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# 3.1 Choose

![View up Italian Alder’s trunk](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580317741/italian-alder-32D3FB07.jpg)

* Crop
* Size 👈
* Position
* Wildlife

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# 3.1 Choose

![View of meadow & wooded valley](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1544353525/valley-30927772328.jpg)

* Crop
* Size
* Position 👈
* Wildlife

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# 3.1 Choose

![White froth of hawthorn flowers](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1544816108/hawthorn-IMAG1960.jpg)

* Crop
* Size
* Position
* Wildlife 👈

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# 3. Species

![Treeline of oaks](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1558731368/treeline-5376229E.jpg)

1. Choose
2. Fruit trees 👈
3. Nut trees
4. Other trees

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# 3.2 Fruit trees

![Hand cradling newly grafted apple tree](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1554229764/graft-0A59BB10.jpg)

* [Rootstock](/rootstock/) 👈
* [OrangePippin.com](https://www.orangepippin.com/)
* Flowering group
* Protection

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

???

* Consider training fruit tree for smaller space

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# 3.2 Fruit trees

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580333532/home-orangepippin.com.jpg)

* [Rootstock](/rootstock/)
* [OrangePippin.com](https://www.orangepippin.com/) 👈
* Flowering group
* Protection

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# 3.2 Fruit trees

![Close-up of crabapple blossom](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1544130070/crabapple-41314675045.jpg)

* [Rootstock](/rootstock/)
* [OrangePippin.com](https://www.orangepippin.com/)
* Flowering group 👈
* Protection

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

???

* Crabapples with long flowering periods make good pollinating partners

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# 3.2 Fruit trees

![Frost scorched white blossom](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1544109172/asian-pear-blossom-41316101092.jpg)

* [Rootstock](/rootstock/)
* [OrangePippin.com](https://www.orangepippin.com/)
* Flowering group
* Protection 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# Unusual fruits

![Hawthorn haws](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1574891462/hawthorn-haws-21059493764.jpg)

* Hawthorn 👈
* Sea Buckthorn
* Cornus
* Juneberry
* Elaeagnus

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# Unusual fruits

![Orange Sea Buckthorn berries](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1573582489/sea-buckthorn-9049824936.jpg)

* Hawthorn
* Sea Buckthorn 👈
* Cornus
* Juneberry
* Elaeagnus

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# Unusual fruits

![Cornus kousa fruit](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1543873414/cornus-kousa-fruit-39541199411.jpg)

* Hawthorn
* Sea Buckthorn
* Cornus 👈
* Juneberry
* Elaeagnus

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# Unusual fruits

![Close-up of round Juneberries](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580334261/amelanchier-lamackii-IP1106026.jpg)

* Hawthorn
* Sea Buckthorn
* Cornus
* Juneberry 👈
* Elaeagnus

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# Unusual fruits

![Cluster of red Autumn Olive fruits](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580334779/autumn-olive-9050750443.jpg)

* Hawthorn
* Sea Buckthorn
* Cornus
* Juneberry
* Elaeagnus 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# 3. Species

![Treeline of oaks](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1558731368/treeline-5376229E.jpg)

1. Choose
2. Fruit trees
3. Nut trees 👈
4. Other trees

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# 3.3 Nut trees

![Nut Wizard nut harvesting cage on a stick in action](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580336204/nut-wizard-200129.jpg)

* Harvest 👈
* Squirrels
* Hazel
* Sweet Chestnut

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

???

* [How to grow your own nuts](https://www.agroforestry.co.uk/product/how-to-grow-your-own-nuts/)
* [Nut Wizard](http://www.nutwizard.com/)
* Check your ground cover doesn’t hide nuts!

---

# 3.3 Nut trees

![Grey Squirrel standing up](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580336486/grey-squirrel-33171328992.jpg)

* Harvest
* Squirrels 👈
* Hazel
* Sweet Chestnut

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# 3.3 Nut trees

![Hazelnuts on the tree](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580336802/hazelnuts-15340924322.jpg)

* Harvest
* Squirrels
* Hazel 👈
* Sweet Chestnut

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# 3.3 Nut trees

![Sweet Chestnut, in opened casing](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580337023/sweet-chestnut-15225985217.jpg)

* Harvest
* Squirrels
* Hazel
* Sweet Chestnut 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# 3. Species

![Treeline of oaks](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1558731368/treeline-5376229E.jpg)

1. Choose
2. Fruit trees
3. Nut trees
4. Other trees 👈

<h6 class="breadcrumb">Planning — Planting — <span class="u-underline">Species</span></h6>

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# 3.4 Other trees

![Close-up Italian Alder bark](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1579861496/trunk-E93CEE1A.jpg)

* Nitrogen fixing 👈
* Windbreaks
* Habitat

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# 3.4 Other trees

![Stormswept Osier Bed](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1580337583/osier-bed-34287621940.jpg)

* Nitrogen fixing
* Windbreaks 👈
* Habitat

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# 3.4 Other trees

![Oak tree](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1561010150/oak-8AEC2A86.jpg)

* Nitrogen fixing
* Windbreaks
* Habitat 👈

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# My top 10 trees

* [Hawthorn](https://pfaf.org/user/cmspage.aspx?pageid=59)
* [Italian Alder](https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Alnus+cordata)
* [Sweet Chestnut](https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Castanea+sativa)
* [Elder](https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Sambucus+nigra)
* [Cornus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornus)
* [Hazel](https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Corylus+avellana)
* [Cherry](https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Prunus+avium)
* [Asian Pear](https://pfaf.org/User/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Pyrus+pyrifolia+culta)
* [Small Leaved Lime](https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Tilia+cordata)
* [Chinese Cedar](https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Toona+sinensis)

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# Backyard Forest takeaways

![Looking up at leaf canopy](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_390,h_219/v1580816620/garden-canopy-14887496439.jpg)

* Grow what you like
* Think of the wildlife
* Plant for final size

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# The End

![Small edible forest garden, wooden planks and woodchip paths](https://res.cloudinary.com/growdigital/image/upload/w_420,h_236/v1591005392/plank-edging-forest-garden-169.jpg)

<hello@forestgarden.wales>

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Music: _[Chegsticks](https://iamthemightyjungulator.bandcamp.com/track/chegsticks-3) by [I Am The Mighty Jungulator](https://iamthemightyjungulator.bandcamp.com)_