No doubt, we tend to see a lot of trees on a daily basis. But, people are lucky to live in a country where there is still so much woodland to explore. The knowledge of the most common trees in the UK is uncommon. Only some people can identify the most common trees in the country.
Though there are more than 70 trees species in the country, each tree possesses unique characteristics. Also, half of those species are native. Want to know more about the common trees found across the UK? In this article, we will explore the top 10 most common trees in the UK. Read on to find out more about the UK’s common trees.
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Common Ash (Fraxinus Excelsior)
Commonly known as European Ash, Common ash is one of the most common trees that you can find in the UK. As the common form of specie native to Britain, it has utmost importance for a number of reasons. Most importantly, this wood is resilient enough to be used for construction projects. For those who work with wood, Common ash is a valuable resource.
As compared to oak, Common as comes up with greater flexibility and excellent resistance. It has mind-blowing shock-resistance properties, which makes Common ash the best choice for construction. For that purpose, it is traditionally used for many construction projects and is a natural choice for tool handles in the UK.
Aspen (Populus Tremula)
Aspen is one of those tree species that are much stronger than you might expect. Due to its low flammability, Aspen is very popular in the UK. This natural characteristic makes Aspen the best choice for producing paper and matches. Moreover, wood wool can also be used in packing and as a stuffing.
Silver Birch (Betula Pendula)
Because of its unique silver-white bark, Silver Birch is a notable ornamental tree in the UK. The appearance of the bark also adds to its aesthetic value. The wood of Silver Birch can be used for many purposes. It is used extensively in manufacturing. In addition, Silver Birch is a perfect choice to construct kitchen utensils, furniture, and much more.
Sessile Oak (Quercus Petraea)
The Sessile Oak is the most valuable species across all of Europe. As one of the most commonly found trees in the UK, it is of enormous value in terms of ecologically and economically. In past, the timber of Sessile Oak was popularly used to construct ships. Today, it is used for similar purposes. For example, Sessile Oak’s timber is used to make luxury, high-quality furniture.
Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus)
Sycamore has been around us for centuries. As part of the maple family, it has been native to Britain since the 1500s. Most importantly, the Sycamore tree is of enormous value. It can grow in all kinds of soils and habitats. Moreover, Sycamore spreads and grows very quickly. It prefers fertile in well-drained soil, especially in sunny locations.
Sweet Chestnut (Castanea Sativa)
Sweet Chestnut has been used as a food for many centuries in the UK. The seed of the iconic chestnut is very popular throughout Europe. At the same time, wood is widely used for a variety of purposes. However, the seed remains the primary purpose of Sweet Chestnut’s cultivation.
Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
Widely known as mountain ash, Rowan is one of the common trees in the UK. It can be found at higher altitudes throughout Europe. But, this tree species is very common in the west and north. These trees were planted as protection from witches. This is from where Rowan got the name “wizard’s tree.”
Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus)
Here comes a common tree used for making gears and cogwheels. Though Hornbeam is native to Southern England, now it can be found across the UK. Hornbeam prefers well-drained soil but can be tolerated in a wide range of soil conditions. The leaves of Hornbeam are green in summer and yellow in winter. Moreover, this tree can hold onto leaves throughout winter.
Willow (Salix genus)
In the UK, willow can be found in many different species. Some of the common species include crack willow, white willow, and goat willow. Furthermore, you can find willow trees in woodlands, parks, and near water bodies. Soil with high water content is preferred for willow. Each willow specie comes in a different size. Therefore, the size depends on the species. For instance, white willow can grow up to 25m.
Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
Alder is a water-loving species commonly found in the UK. Using bacteria in its roots, Alder can fix nitrogen from the air. This tree thrives in wet areas, especially near streams or rivers. Due to its ability to fix nitrogen, this tree can grow even on low-quality soils. The size of an Alder tree is 20m.