What is a Standard Size Tree?
A full standard tree (usually just called a standard, with an unfortunate abbreviation: std) has a clear stem at least 1.8 tall before it branches.
However, unlike their younger versions listed in the Hedging & Saplings section, full standard trees are graded not by their height, but by their girth in centimetres at 1 metre above ground level.
Therefore, a 6/8cm girth standard size tree is taller than the same tree sold as, say, a 90/120cm tall sapling.
A half-standard tree (which is a popular option for fruit trees) has a clear stem 1.2m – 1.5m tall before it branches.
A quarter-standard tree has a clear stem under 1.2m tall before it branches.
A "feathered" tree (abbreviation: fth) has branches all the way down close to ground level, and is typically measured by its height.
Trees of the same grade will be roughly in proportion when planted.
Which size of standard tree should I buy?
We mostly deliver two sizes of standard:
• 6/8cm Girth = Light standards: cheaper & easier to care for, tend to establish even better.
• 8/10cm Girth = Regular standards: instant impact, good aftercare (watering) is even more important.
We generally recommend the 6/8cm girth light standards, especially for larger planting projects.
It is always vital to water new trees during their first summer, but smaller trees are better at coping with "low" maintenance.
If you need instant impact, or if you are only planting a few trees in a location where they will be well looked after, then go for the 8/10cm girth regular standards.
What is the difference between Bareroot and Pot Grown Trees?
Bareroot plants are by far the best value, the easiest to handle & plant because they weigh so little, and offer the most selection.
They are only delivered during winter and early spring, about November to March, when the plants are dormant, which is the best time of year to plant almost all woody species.
Some plants or larger sizes can only be delivered in pots, and some popular species are sold both bareroot in winter and potted the rest of the year.
There is nothing wrong with Pot Grown plants, but where you have a choice, bareroot is always even better!