The Beech Tree The Beech Tree grows only on freely draining soils. It needs abundant water and can send its roots far and deep to find it. The crown is so efficient at trapping light that it can grow up under other trees, but none can grow under the beech. The timber is strong and hard-wearing, and is suitable for furniture and stairs.

The Oak Tree The Oak Tree is one of the largest group of trees with at least 500 different species. All oaks bear acorns, which are the best means of propagation. This is a very long-lived tree and provides for a large variety of wildlife. The Latin name for the tree is Quercus and the Common Oak is called Quercus Robur, which means rugged or strong.

The Maple Tree The Maple Tree family has the classical name Aceraceae from the Latin word acer meaning sharp, because the wood can take a sharp point and has been used for skewers. The Maples provide hard, clean pale wood which is often used to make beautiful flooring. The Maple Leaf is the Canadian national emblem.

The Elm Tree The Elm Tree has unfortunately been attacked by a fungus known as "Dutch Elm Disease" a virulent form of which occurred in the 1960's. (It is referred to as "Dutch", because the Dutch studied the disease in order to breed disease-resistant trees) The fungus is carried by an elm-bark beetle when it hatches from its pupa in dead elm wood.

The Yew Tree The Yew Tree is a primitive conifer with separate male and female trees, and poisonous seeds surrounded by a deep red cup called an aril. Yews are traditionally found in churchyards and have often been regarded as having mystic or religious significance. The Irish Yew is tall and narrow.

The Walnut Tree The Walnut Tree has edible nuts and high quality timber. The timber of the Common Walnut is very stable which makes it valuable for gun-stocks. It also takes a very high polish which makes it very suitable for high quality furniture. It also means that it is usually a very expensive timber.

"Maple Leaf Rag"