People tend to ask for a ‘mature tree’ when what they actually mean is something with immediate impact. In reality, semi-mature and mature trees differ in size, expense and handling costs (and how quickly the tree will settle after it is planted).
Semi-mature tree: Planted sizeable, but still movable by a standard planter. Most of the time, you will still end up with a sturdy trunk, floriferous canopy and mature appearance without having to endure moving that big tree. Semi-mature trees; the perfect compromise for all manner of gardens or commercial landscapes. For Semi Mature Trees, visit www.naturefirst.co.uk/semi-mature-trees/
Mature tree: This is a lot larger and more aged. It gives you a simple statement, but not as easy to move. The lifting of mature trees may require specialist machinery, larger access and greater ground preparation. Therefore as transplanting necessitates root pruning, a mature tree will take longer to recover and may need more ongoing intensive aftercare in order for the plant or plants not go into shock due to having had their roots trimmed.
Cost is another key difference. Mature trees cost more not only because of the tree, but also delivery, machinery, labour and extra planing steps. Buying semi-mature trees is usually cheaper overall when you have to purchase more than one.
So which should you choose? While maturity does mean you get a big change fast, the downside is that plants won’t establish as effectively or easily when planted larger than semi-mature size so it’s often better to go with the smarter option of semi-mature for less downtime and more reliable rotations.