Acer or cherry

[smerlin]

I want to plant quite a large tree in a cleared out space in my garden. Nearest the south fence if that makes sense. Was thinking cherry or acer, inspired by trip to Japan l!

Will probably cost over £100 so really want it to live! When would be the best time of the year to get it in?

Autumn - September or October, which gives it all winter to settle in without stress.

Yes agree

How lovely, I adore Japanese trees
Japanese acers normally like a little bit of shade and a not too dry soil so you may need to pamper it a little bit to begin with- plenty of mulch and water it in summer when the weather is dry.
Strictly speaking it’s not Japanese, but checkout Prunus serrula. Such a beautiful tree
www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/14025/Prunus-serrula/Details

I’m attempting to grow Stewartia pseudocamellia in my garden. I’m not sure how long it will last as I’m quite far north but I’m going to enjoy it while it survives!
www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/17794/i-Stewartia-pseudocamellia-i/Details

Not Japanese, but have you considered a Tibetan cherry? They have the most incredible bark, so something to look at all year and they like a sunny spot:

www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/14025/Prunus-serrula/Details

If you are looking for year round Interst, May I suggest Acer Sango-Kaku. It is stunning in every season. I have seen this underplanted with Cornus Midwinter fire. Looking at it winter with the scarlet stems of the Acer, behind the deep yelllow and pink of the Cornus really makes the garden zing,

Thanks for suggestions- do you buy trees online or from a local nursery? We have a good local nursery for trees but chances of them having a large enough Acer in the correct variety probably slim...

I got mine from Crocus.

Personally I would not plant a large tree until the Autumn. Particularly on a south facing wall. Most Acers prefer shade so you need to really research before you buy.

Thanks- waiting till Autumn will give us time to save up for it anyway. Don't think the spot I have in mind is glaringly sunny but not absolute shade certainly as south side so will need to check.

A good place to research trees is Barcham Tree nursery, i bought two 21 feet Amelanchier from them when I had my Garden Makeover. Their website is like an encyclopaedia. They were also very helpful on the phone. They supply all the soil as well if youwanf. Plus a top dressing and, because Alamanchier are tall and thin, 4 really good strong tree stakes and ties. I am really happy with them.