Pleached Trees Size Chart

This handy size chart is here to show you the different size choices you have for pleached trees. A visual guide, helping you get a feel for the sizes and how much foliage each option brings with a growing season on the frame. We hope this gives you an idea of the relative sizes and foliage cover – this is not intended to be an exact representation for each species of tree.

If you would like a photo of a particular size and species of tree, please contact us. We are here to find your garden's perfect fit!

Clear Stem

The clear stem in pleached trees means the straight part of the tree trunk without any branches. It is measured from the base of the tree to the base of the pleach frame and where the foliage begins. Our trees are available in 100cm, 150cm, 180cm, and 200cm clear stems. Some times you may be see pleached trees referred to as half standard (~100-150cm) or standard (~180-200cm) trees. When considering the overall height of the clear stem and pleach frame, please bear in mind, freshly-pleached trees may not yet cover the entire pleach frame's full height or width. Young trees, in particular, will cover less of the frame compared to mature trees.

Stem Girth

The stem girth refers to the measurement around the trunk of the tree. Many of our trees are grown in Europe, and when imported, the stem girth is measured at approximately 60cm above the soil level. This measurement is taken above the initial, natural taper of the trunk's base. It's a way to quantify the thickness or circumference of the tree trunk.

Measuring the stem girth is important for assessing the tree's maturity. Typically, the greater the stem girth, the greater the maturity and foliage cover. Young, freshly-pleached trees do not yet cover the entire pleach frame, however with the proper care they will flourish over the coming growing seasons. Please bear this in mind when selecting your stem girth.

Each tree’s stem girth band is assessed at the beginning of the dormant season (October–November), once the year’s growth cycle is complete. Trees that have recently progressed to a larger stem girth band may initially appear less densely covered in foliage compared to others in the same category at the peak of the growing season (August–September). This is a natural part of their growth cycle and nothing to be concerned about; however, it’s worth considering when purchasing trees during the dormant season. All trees are carefully checked to confirm the correct stem girth band and are healthy, ready to flourish with new growth as they enter the growing season (April–October). To help you gauge how the trees look throughout the year, we include the month the photo was taken in the caption of each image.

Sometimes, pleached trees are referred to by their categories: light standard (~6-8cm), standard (~8-10cm), select standard (~10-12cm), heavy standard (~12-14cm), or extra heavy standard (~14-16cm).

Choosing the Right Clear Stem and Stem Girth for Your Garden

When selecting a pleached tree, the right clear stem and stem girth depend on your preferences and needs. If budget is a concern, opt for a younger, freshly pleached tree with a 6-8cm stem girth, which with the proper care, will grow to fill its frame in the coming years. For a more instant screening effect, choose a tree with a minimum stem girth of 14cm+ (depending on species). If you plan to use the tree for screening over a wall or fence, the height will determine the clear stem.

Our most popular choice is a pleached tree with a 12-14cm stem girth and a clear stem height of 180cm. This combination strikes a balance, providing a good height, some screening in the first growing season, and excellent value for money. It's a well-rounded option that caters to various landscaping preferences and offers a practical and cost-effective solution.

Bespoke Pleach Frame Sizes Available

Our standard pleach frames measure 120cm x 120cm, but we understand the need for flexibility in size. That's why we're pleased to offer custom pleaching tailored to your preferences.