What is the difference between trees and shrubs?

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At Prince Tree Surgery we are often asked what the difference is between trees and shrubs. The answer is more straightforward than you may think and is easiest to explain by defining each of the two species in turn to gain a better understanding of how they differ.

What is a tree? 

A tree can be described as a plant with a shoot system that’s supported by a single woody trunk. They generally have a trunk of at least three inches in diameter, a crown of foliage and a height of 13 feet when mature.

What is a shrub? 

Shrubs differ from trees, they are more inclined to branch nearer the ground and they may have several narrow stems as opposed to a single trunk. The structure is generally less ridged than a tree with a single trunk. The height is generally less than 13 feet and stems less than three inches in diameter.

Does the size dictate whether it’s a tree or a shrub? 

While size can be one way that can help to tell the difference between the two species, this is not the determining factor. Whether it’s a tree, shrub or plant is actually decided when the tree or shrub is just a tiny seed. One thing to note though, as with many things, there are exceptions to the rule. There are some trees, including the Japanese maple and river birch, that can have multiple trunks.

Likewise with shrubs, by training one trunk, it’s possible for them to be shaped into a small tree. However, by following these basic rules it does make it easier to differentiate between trees and shrubs.

How can Prince Tree Surgery help?

Prince Tree Surgery offers a wide range of tree surgery services.  In addition to our tree surgery and tree felling services we are also able to advise and carry out works relating to tree health and ecology, whether tree feeding or habitat protection.

We are also specialists in tree planting, including providing maintenance plans and after care programmes. We can advise on the best options for tree planting that are specific to your needs.

What trees are the best for a low-maintenance garden?

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One of the most popular questions we are asked by our clients is how they can make the best use of their garden space with minimal maintenance. With hectic work schedules eating into our leisure and family time, few people have the time to invest the care and attention into their garden that they would ideally like. Often the best solution is to design a garden which can pretty much take care of itself with only minimal effort required.

Low-maintenance trees are growing in popularity, especially the varieties which are also small and can fit comfortably within a limited space. When trying to decide which low-maintenance species work for you, try if you can to select a native tree as this will have a better chance of thriving in the soil conditions without lots of specialist intervention. Native trees also resist disease and insects better than more exotic varieties. It’s also important to assess the sunlight requirements of the tree; if your garden is largely shaded then a low-maintenance tree which grows best in a shaded area will establish itself better.

If you’ve got a blank canvas to start with, trees and shrubs are a valuable addition as they can give your garden a framework and become a focal point. Evergreens will provide a continuous source of foliage to your garden, even in the winter, while deciduous varieties will reflect the changing seasons.

Apple trees are a good low-maintenance species and will work well in small or larger gardens, depending on the variety you choose. If your garden can accommodate it, select two varieties of apple tree so that they are able to pollinate one another. Apple trees also like as much sun as possible and nutrient-rich soil which drains well. If you’re struggling for space or have a hard landscaped backyard then consider a dwarf apple tree which can sit in a pot on the decking.

Another important consideration when choosing trees for a low-maintenance garden is how often they will need pruning. One way of eliminating the need to prune at all is selecting species which grow to a certain size and then stop. Dwarf conifers such as Pinus Brepo and Abies Koreana do not need excessive attention except watering and make a good low-maintenance addition to most gardens. Ornamental cherry trees such as Prunus Pandora and Prunus Okame will also not need pruning to keep shape and importantly will do well in most soil types.