Specimen trees in landscape design and BNG strategies are a vital element, providing both aesthetic and ecological benefits. Specimen Trees are large trees. Specimen trees in the street scene provide numerous benefits, both aesthetic and functional. They enhance the visual character of the landscape by offering focal points that contribute to a sense of place and identity. Specimen trees help to soften the built environment, providing contrast to hard surfaces and architectural elements. In addition to their aesthetic contributions, they offer practical advantages such as shade provision, improved air quality, and biodiversity enhancement by creating habitats for birds and insects. Our team ensures that specimen trees in landscape design and BNG projects are selected to meet biodiversity and sustainability goals.

Benefits of Specimen trees.
What to look for.
The benefits include enhanced amenity value. Specimen trees also bring ecosystem services. Larger trees tend to be more expensive but are more robust. They are used in urban settings where vandalism is a problem. Furthermore, specimen trees contribute to the ecological connectivity of the area, linking existing hedgerows and shelterbelts. They play an essential role in maintaining the rural character of the landscape and aligning with the guidelines outlined in local landscape planning documents
At Landvision we often have to specify Specimen Trees. So what do we look for?
Which species will be suitable on your site.
So, we need to think about the site.
- how much space will there be for the tree when it is mature?
- what is the pH of the soil?
- is the soil very wet or dry?
- is the soil light or heavy?
- should the tree be native?
- is the site very exposed or sheltered?
These are the first set of questions leading us on to make choices about the species we use.
Use of the tree.
- is having a flowering tree important?
- does the tree have good autumn colour?
- do we want the tree to cast shade?
- do we want fresh fruit?
- evergreen or deciduous specimen tree?
- If you have queries about Specimen trees,To speak to an expert landscape architect call Landvision, please go to our contacts page.