Oak (Fagaceae Quercus)
Description – The Pendunculate Oak (Quercus robur) is the stereotypical tall English Oak. With it’s huge trunk and heavy branches it’s the oak you are most likely to come across in Southern England. It has many relatives such as the Sessile Oak (Quercuspetraea) which favours higher ground and is more common in Western England. A familiar site in coastal areas is the Holme Oak (Quercus ilix) more commonly known as the Holly Oak because of its dark green shiny leaves.
Longevity – Oak trees grow to around 35m and can live to 800 years or more if given the right conditions.
Environment – Oaks will grow in most places but many are found in ancient woodland, they enjoy heavy clay soils with an ideal pH value of around 6-8. Only when these trees are afforded space and light will they grow to truly magnificent proportions.
Timber – The timber from Oaks has long been prized for building just about anything not least, huge seagoing galleons as well as the frames that hold up the houses we live in. The smaller branches and unusable timber is popular as a seasoned firewood for it’s slow burning and long lasting characteristics.
History – Both Sessile & Pendunculate Oaks are native to the British Isles, with a further 500 species existing worldwide.
Legend – Oak trees were among the species granted special protection by the ancient British Druids as they believed the trees were sacred.
Ash (Oleaceae Fraxinus)
Description – The Ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior) is the only member of the Olive family to grow native in the UK. It’s a brittle wood hence it’s Latin name and it enjoys positions with lots of available light and is quite late leafing allowing plenty of early summer light for species such as Hazel and flowers such as bluebells & Snowdrops.
Longevity – The Ash is a relatively fast growing tree that can reach 40m or more and live for over 800 years in the right conditions although this is not often the case.
Environment – Ash is best suited to limestone lowlands with heavy lime rich clay at pH 6-8, it has been commonly planted for timber and is somewhat of a pioneer species in that it will be one of the first to colonise ground that has been left to waste.
Timber – Ash timber is almost white and contains little water and few fatty cells. It has been widely used for tool & furniture making and is one of the only woods that can be burnt as firewood while still green or unseasoned.
History – Although it is our only native of the Olive family there are around 65 other species globally.
Legend – Ashes were worshipped in pre-Christian days as they believed that the smoke from an Ash fire would ward off evil spirits.
Elm (Ulmaceae Ulmus)
Description – The Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra) is our most common native Elm, we have four natives in total but only the Wych and Smooth leaved Elm (Ulmus minor) will normally be found due mainly to Dutch Elm disease claiming most of the mature specimens in the late 1970s.
Longevity – Elms can live for many hundreds of years reaching heights of 25m or more.
Environment – Usually found in hedges, likes to be near a water source where the soil is fertile, nutrient rich loam.
Timber – Used in the past for furniture and flooring, it is quiet good at resisting rot which made it ideal for both boat building and coffin production. It’s not the best firewood but will burn slowly if you can light it.
History – Around 30 species worldwide, 4 natives.
Legend – Once thought to help in the treatment of Rheumatism and digestive conditions. A once common food for farm animals.
Yew (Taxaceae Taxus)
Description – The Common Yew (Taxus baccata) is the longest lived tree in the UK and our only native of the family. Often found in ancient churchyards and well groomed hedges and gardens, a favourite species for gardeners who practice Topiary.
Longevity – There are several specimens in England that are estimated to be over 1500 years old, the Yew can go on to the grand old age of 2000 years or more.
Timber – Traditionally used for making longbows it’s timber is extremely flexible and is now used to make veneer. Quite a good firewood however, because of the value of the timber it’s not often burnt as firewood.
History – 8 species worldwide with just 1 native.
Legend – Long associated with eternal life despite all parts of the tree being poisonous, especially the small red berries. Said to be useful in the treatment of certain urinary infections.
Author Resource:
For advice on general tree care or to speak directly with a tree surgeon , visit shadytreecompany.co.uk
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