When choosing a tree, especially one prized for its blossom, it’s worth knowing a little about how that tree was grown. Whether it came from seed or was grafted onto a rootstock can make a quiet but significant difference, not just to how it grows but to how, and when, it flowers.
We’re often asked why some trees burst into flower early and reliably, while others seem to take their time. And the answer often lies in how the tree began its life. So let us explain what the difference is.
Seed Grown Trees
A gentle unfolding | Not genetically identical to their parents
Trees grown from seed are entirely unique. Just like people, they inherit a mix of genetic traits from their 2 parents, so no two are exactly the same. This natural variation creates beautiful character, but it also means less predictability. A seed-grown tree can take longer to become mature enough to flower. And when it does, the blossom and other characteristics such as bark, might be different in timing, form, and colour from its parent.
These trees are wonderfully individual, offering a gentle unfolding that mirrors their wilder origins. They suit gardens seeking beautifully natural character and form over exact predictability and precisely matching blooms.
Here are some examples of seed-grown trees that we grow in the nursery:
Grafted Trees
Reliable forms | Genetically identical to their parent
Grafted trees are created by joining a cutting of one tree (the scion) to the root system of another (the rootstock). This method is centuries old and used widely to ensure uniformity and consistency, especially in ornamental trees and fruit trees where predictable flowering is important.
Because the scion is taken from a mature, flowering tree, a grafted tree often bypasses the juvenile phase altogether. This means it can begin flowering much sooner and is the best choice if you have an exact requirement for the blossom, say, a particular colour of crab apple, or a structure that works in a specific garden design. Its also useful if you have several of the same tree planted closely in a design and you’d like them to all appear in a fairly uniform style.
Here are some examples of grafted trees that we grow in the nursery:
A simple way that we like visualise the difference:
If we imagine the trees as a human family, we like to think of the grafted trees as identical twins: they will look almost exactly the same, with only the smallest of details making them identifiably different. Whereas the seed-grown varieties are more like normal siblings: you can still tell that they are from the same family (as they both look like their parents) but they have different characteristics which make them individual in their looks.
About New Wood Trees
We are an artisan tree nursery specialising in field grown multi-stem trees and shrubs. We grow approximately 13,000 trees in the beautiful rolling fields of South Devon and have over 100 varieties for you to choose from.
All our trees are grown in here for at least five years, during which time they are lovingly hand pruned to create a beautifully sculpted distinctive shape and structure. They are all hugely individual and full of character due to their environment and our care. We warmly encourage you to visit our nursery in person.
To immerse yourself and experience the trees in a way that you simply can’t from websites and photographs. You’ll be able to choose your preferred trees, understand their individual character, and tag them in person. Leaving with peace of mind that you will receive exactly what is needed to suit your design. Visits are by appointment only. Please contact us to arrange your nursery tour.
For more information about our nursery and how we grow our artisan, sculpted, multi-stem trees please head to our about us page.
To learn more about our trees and what stock we currently have available, please head to our stock pages or Contact Us to discuss your specific needs.
If you’d like to learn more about what we mean by ‘Multi-stem trees’? Check out our explainer here.
