Box Head Trees

Block form trees also commonly called box head trees, block trees or box on stem, are trees with clean straight stems and a trained cube or box on top.

They tend to be supplied with clean stems of 220 -230cm. Tall stems like these provide sufficient clearance to allow pedestrians to pass beneath the blocks – much like parasol trees, when planted along avenues or pathways. We do supply box head trees with shorter stems but tall stems are more popular.

We have available both traditionally trained box head trees and freshly trained box head trees made to order. Stem sizes start at 16-18cm and are available up to 60-70cm for exceptional specimens. In season rootball trees are available from early November to early April and for all other months potted stock is available.

Our blocktrees are no ordinary tree. From fields containing thousands of trees, they are individually selected to meet strict criteria and training begins. During this process we go to great lengths to ensure consistency across the range. Stems must be straight and uniform and similar in girth. The crowns need to show the correct habit to produce only the very best block form trees. Working this way early on allows us to supply block form trees that are consistent in quality, height, girth and frame size.

A Selection of Available Box Form Trees

Typically pleached trees are planted in rows, however box head trees work most effectively when planted in pairs or avenues. They accentuate height and structure and can be under planted with low formal hedges or topiary plants. Often used to frame vistas, create natural divides or give a sense of depth, box head trees are popular with designers and landscape architects alike.

Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is the most popular species choice by far for block trees. Hornbeam is easy to grow and it enjoys being managed and thrives in most soil types.

Acer campestre (Field Maple) ‘Elsriijk’, Acer campestre ‘Red Shine’

Fagus sylvatica (Beech)

Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropurpurea’ (Copper Beech)

Quercus ilex (Pin Oak)

Platanus acerifolia (London Plane)

Quercus palustris (Pin Oak)

Tilia europaea ‘Pallida’ (Lime), Tillia cordata ‘Greenspire’

Parrotia persica (Ironwood)

Pyrus salicifolia ‘Pendula’ (Weeping Pear)

Platanus hispanica ‘Malburg’

The block form trees we supply have reasonably standard dimensions on top. The blocks are available as cubes of 100cm width/height/depth, in some species we can offer them with larger cubes. Trees with stem girths of 30cm and above, will typically have fuller more mature cubes or blocks on top. The crowns in younger trees tend to incorporate heavy duty welded metal frames that ensure uniform clipping and safety while being transported. More mature, established specimens tend to be supplied without the wire frame.

Why not contact us to find out more about our outstanding range of bespoke trees, in unusual sizes? We offer an assortment of larger block sizes if more impact is required. We can supply trees with lower stem heights which is particularly useful if they are being used in raised beds or planters, where a tall stem would not work – the reduction in stem height compensates for the higher planting level.

Like our pleached trees, planting technique is critical to get the best results from block form trees. Being a dominant three-dimensional structure, it is essential to set the lines and levels correctly when planting, so that symmetry is achieved on completion. We offer a nationwide planting service and we are specialists in the supply and planting of form trees.