2. What to plant Hundreds of different types of trees flourish throughout the UK, so there’s a lot of choice. Once you’ve decided where to hold your planting ceremony, it’s a good idea to take a look around and see what types of tree are already doing well there. Remember to think about the size your tree will eventually grow to, so it doesn’t end up interfering with the rest of the environment. Some common tree species include ash, beech, silver birch and oak. Each has specific characteristics, and its own story. Get to know them below! Beech Beech trees can grow up to 40 metres tall, and thrive in dry soil like chalk and limestone. Beech is associated with wisdom and good fortune - pieces of beech wood used to be worn as lucky charms. Silver birch Silver birch usually grows up to 30 metres tall, and helps to improve the quality of the soil for other plants. The tree can also provide a habitat for over 300 species of insect. Silver birch has been used as a symbol of love, renewal and purification. Oak The English oak is the most common tree in the UK. They usually reach between 20 and 40 metres in height. They are essential for our environment, and support more other life forms than any other type of native tree. The oak is a symbol of strength and survival.