5 reasons why planting a fruit tree is good for the planet

Published on 16 October 2024

Dan, Assistant Plant Area Manager at Gravesend, is the brains behind our Fruit Tree Bundle offer currently in-store. It’s part of his #PlantOctober project for the 2024 Rising Star’s programme, run by the Garden Centre Association (GCA).

Earlier this year the GCA set Dan, and other Rising Star candidates across the UK, a challenge - to come up with an idea to promote sustainability and the environment at their garden centres. Keen grower Dan wanted to focus on planting fruit trees, as a way to help nature and the eco systems in our gardens, communities and playgrounds. He worked with our buying team to put together our exclusive fruit tree bundle, now available in-store for just £14.99*.

Autumn is the perfect time to plant a tree, so why not get involved in Dan's #PlantOctober project? Here are 5 reasons why planting a fruit tree now could benefit your garden and the planet for years to come.

1. Putting down roots

Autumn’s cooler temperatures and rainfall create the perfect conditions for new trees to grow strong root systems. The soil remains warm enough for roots to grow before the Winter, giving trees time to settle in. This head start is really important for fruit trees, which need to focus on flowering and fruiting when the growing season begins in Spring.

2. Helping local Wildlife

Planting fruit trees in your garden will also keep your wildlife happy. As trees mature, they provide a home and much needed food for lots of garden creatures. Bees, butterflies and other pollinators love a fruit tree especially the blossom, while the fruit provides nourishment for birds and small mammals later in the year. In small gardens, even a single fruit tree can create a mini ecosystem, supporting biodiversity and improving the health of your local environment.

3. Climate Benefits

Trees play a significant role in combating climate change. They absorb carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, and release oxygen. They also help regulate temperatures by providing shade and cooling the air. In urban and suburban areas, where heat islands are common, even small gardens with trees can contribute to a cooler, more balanced microclimate. Apparently if every one of the estimated 27 million gardens in the UK added a tree, over 500,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide could be absorbed annually, offsetting approximately 0.15% of our annual emissions. While this seems small it’s a significant contribution when combined with other climate actions.

4. Fresh, Home-Grown Produce

As these photos from our customer show, one of the most rewarding aspects of planting fruit trees is fresh, home-grown produce. Apples, pears, plums, and cherries thrive in most gardens, even smaller spaces. Growing your own fruit is cheaper then buying it in the supermarket, it cuts down on transportation and packaging and it will always be fresh. It's also a brilliant way to get children involved and excited about eating their greens!

5. On display

Fruit trees are always changing. In autumn you can enjoy their colourful leaves, while in Spring their pretty and fragrant blossom is a welcome sight in your outdoor space. Even in winter, the bare structure of a fruit tree can add interest to a hibernating garden.

If you’d like your to plant your own fruit tree at home, our exclusive bundle is available to Millbrook family members in-store for £14.99*. Please visit our rewards page for terms and conditions. Not a member yet? Join free in-store today!

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