Henrik – Walking the Talk – 21st Century Tree Selection for Site and Function

Overview

Garden Masterclass & the Landscape Institute have collaborated to bring you a special study day at Wakehurst, RBG Kew’s outpost in the Sussex countryside. Focusing on the importance of selecting and using trees, our day will comprise of lectures and field walks. Our keynote speakers are Henrik Sjöman and Arit Anderson, who together have published a book entitled ‘The Essential Tree Selection Guide’.

Arit’s Lecture:

The Hidden Benefits of Trees

Ecosystem services are the direct and indirect contributions that ecosystems can provide for human wellbeing and quality of life. Trees have a huge amount of natural capital to offer, more pertinent than ever in the climate and biodiversity crisis. But we have to know what these ecosystem services are, understand that some trees will have a higher capacity than others to deliver these services, and this is all dependant on right selection for the right context. This lecture will highlight the importance of ensuring ecosystem services of trees are part of selection criteria.

Henrik’s Lecture:

Aspects Needed to be Included in the Selection of Trees for Site and Function

This lecture will provide a thorough review of the aspects that need to be considered when selecting the right tree for the site and function. By delving into these different aspects, the opportunity is created to be able to argue in an in-depth way about why some species are better suited than others, which will undoubtedly result in more long-term sustainable tree plantings and thus more functional and beautiful green environments for both the smaller garden and the larger city.

In the afternoon we will be joined by Iain Parkinson, Head of Landscape and Horticulture who alongside Henrik and Arit will conduct guided tree walks around the marvellous tree collections at Wakehurst, bringing to life insight from the morning talks.