Red Alder Tree (Alnus Rubra)

The Red Alder tree (Alnus Rubra) is a fast-growing deciduous broadleaf tree native to the coastal regions of western North America and one of the most effective alder trees for land management and conservation planting in the UK. Red Alder trees grow upwards of 20 metres in height and establish quickly across a wide range of soils including clay, loam, and sand. The nitrogen-fixing root system actively adds nitrogen to the surrounding soil, improving fertility and making Red Alder particularly valuable for erosion control on slopes and challenging ground. Long, lobed alder tree leaves are dark green above with greyish undersides, and long yellow catkins appear in spring, providing an early pollen source for bees.

A low-maintenance alder tree requiring minimal pruning, Red Alder performs well in exposed and coastal locations, making it a practical choice for wildlife gardens, hedging, and screening schemes.

With a natural ability to fix nitrogen and stabilise soil, Red Alder trees are well suited to land reclamation, conservation planting, and sites where improving soil quality is a priority.

Tree Attributes:

Requires little pruning
Grows very fast
Can grow upwards of 20 metres
Early pollinator for bees
Adds nitrogen to soil