Branch out: What to consider when planting a tree in your garden 

Distance from the house, soil type, evergreen or deciduous. All these things should be considered before you plant

There are several factors to be considered before choosing a tree for your garden. Picture: iStock

Eleven years ago I was moved to discuss how the trees outside my bedroom window used to delight me and infuriate me. 

In my book  Gardening With Peter Dowdall – The Importance of the Natural World, I wrote: "There is one lime tree (Tilia) in particular that I developed a relationship with over the years. It is a beautiful looking tree situated on the lower level of the grounds of the hospital overlooking the river.