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Scotland's Native Trees and Shrubs - a designer's guide to their selection, procurement and use in road landscape

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Scotland's Native Trees and Shrubs

Procurement

Native trees and shrubs are naturally occurring species and as such their growth is ultimately governed by the vicissitudes of nature. They are not always commodities that can be bought on demand. The entire process takes time and skill. Good forward planning, a basic understanding of how trees are grown, coupled with a degree of flexibility in the design, and most importantly establishing trust and a good working relationship with the hardy nursery stock industry, are the hallmarks of successful plant procurement.

Buying native trees and shrubs of good quality and fitness for purpose requires the same skills as buying any other type of trees and shrubs. There is, however, an important distinction and an additional issue to consider - origin and provenance. The genetic background of non-native species is not normally a matter of importance. This section focuses on some of the issues in relation to provenance and procurement. It also highlights some recent developments in plant procurement that could help to develop a deeper common understanding throughout the landscape industry.

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Page updated: Tuesday, March 28, 2006