THIS weekend sees the start of National Tree Week, an opportunity to appreciate the trees around us, and get involved with planting some more. Now the leaves are off, the trees are dormant and it really is the best time to get them into place before winter weather freezes the ground solid.

It all started way back in the seventies with Plant a Tree in 73. The following year it became Plant Some More in 74. But, it seems no suitable rhyming title could be found for 1975, so National Tree Week began and has marked the beginning of the planting season ever since.

Of course the trees we enjoy in gardens and the landscape are not just a product of the last few decades of campaigns. They have been placed for their beauty and utility for centuries, and we must give thanks to all those who planted for future generations and not just themselves. In a similar way, we must be prepared to grow trees, not just for our enjoyment, but for our children and their children to come.

Having said that though, it has always surprised me just how quickly trees do grow. The tiny larch we planted in 1973, within a few short years had grown up to dwarf us and dominate the garden entirely. Even in recent years the much slower growing oaks we planted as small saplings, are now surprisingly sturdy small trees, their trunks almost too broad to give a proper hug to.

If you are in no particular hurry, perhaps the most satisfying way to grow a tree is from seed. Conkers for horse chestnuts, or acorns for oak trees would be obvious choices. Even pips from apples or other native fruit will happily grow, though the quality of their fruit would certainly be a little different from their parents. The secret in all these cases is patience - sow tree seeds as soon as they’re ripe and leave outside for winter’s worst weather to break their dormancy. If the mice haven’t feasted on them first, their shoots should push through in spring. Chance seedlings popping up in the garden are another source of free trees. Keep your eyes open when weeding and save the limes, sycamores and yews to grow on.

Whatever you do, think trees this week and think where you can plant more - for you, for wildlife and for the many generations to come.

Chris Crowder is head gardener at Levens Hall chris.crowder@me.com

Jobs to do this week:

When planting trees, dig out a big square hole. When the roots reach the corners they will break out into the surrounding soil rather than just spiralling around in a circular hole. Knock a short stake in before you place the tree, and make sure it is not planted too deeply. It should be at the same level it was growing in the nursery.

Protect your small trees from rabbits and strimmers with short spiral guards, or from sheep, deer and cows with much larger fencing.

Mulch, keep weed free and water if necessary for the first few years.