Why Tree Planters are the Perfect Choice
Why are tree planters so popular?
Tree planters are a great way to provide saplings with the space to grow and add a leafy ambience to an outdoor space. On roof terraces, paved courtyards and tight urban plots, they create instant height, shade and habitat without disturbing hard landscaping. They also make trees portable - an advantage both stylistically and practically. A well-placed planter can even tune the microclimate of a hot patio by cooling the air and softening wind.
Which materials are best for tree planters?
When you choose a tree planter, material matters most. Woven Wood's Corten-steel planters come pre-weathered with a warm, rusty-orange patina that protects the metal for decades with no paint or sealant. Zinc-galvanised steel offers a sleek, contemporary look and is available at Woven Wood in a variety of colours and our wooden range is also a great choice, especially our rustic half-barrel planter range.
What is the best planter for a tree?
It mostly depends on stylistic preference. Woven Wood's barrel planters are great if you want to add a rustic element, but may need a little more care than our Corten or zinc range, as drainage holes will have to be created in this range due to them being refurbished from real casks for alcohol. Our zinc range offers lightweight durability and is available in a variety of colours and finishes, perfect for the budding stylist - while our Corten planters offer a strong industrial look and, while heavier, are a favourite of landscape designers.
How long do trees last in pots?
Trees in containers do have contained growth - but this isn't necessarily a problem if you want smaller trees. Trees in containers will naturally have constrained growth as the root system will not be able to grow to its full extent - however, this natural restriction of growth will merely prevent growth once the tree reaches a certain size and will not harm it. For smaller trees, particularly a dwarf fruit tree or an olive tree, they have their growth constrained naturally so can happily stay in a container while reaching their full size.
Of course it's essential when planting trees in planters that you regularly add nutrients to the soil as the nutrients in contained soil are not automatically recycled - you should do this monthly for trees, though it depends on the feed or fertiliser you use as well as the species. Container grown trees will also not be able to collect ground water so need to be watered more regularly.
What are the best kinds of trees to plant in pots?
Any tree does well starting its life in a pot as you have much more control of the soil and its surroundings - with the added bonus that you can move it to protect it during its first winter, but as described above many will not be able to make a planter their permanent home if you want the tree to reach its full growth.
Smaller fruit trees, such as olive or citrus are suited to planting in pots in the UK as they not only make great patio décor in season but they can also be moved in the winter, to protect them from frosts in the harsh and non-native British winter. Other smaller varieties such as Japanese maple or a dwarf apple tree are also solid options. But as said, any tree can make its home in a planter if you are content with a smaller tree.
Conclusion
Tree planters are a great choice for the budding tree enthusiast for the flexibility, style and protection they offer your trees. Whether it's a home for life for your olive tree, or to ensure your oak sapling has the best chance of living a thousand years, at Woven Wood we've got you covered with a range of metal and wooden square planters as well as our barrel planters that are perfect for your patio or garden.
