Pleached trees are among our most popular plants, and we often receive questions about their suitability for family friendly gardens. Customers frequently ask whether pleached trees are safe and suitable for children, pets, or both. Below, we share our thoughts to help you make an informed decision.

Pleached Trees: Creating a Safe and Beautiful Garden for Children and Pets
Designing a garden that’s safe for children and pets doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Pleached trees are an elegant and sophisticated choice, adding privacy, structure, and year-round charm to your outdoor space.

In this guide, we’ll explore options for child friendly pleached trees (as well as pet friendly trees), categorized into evergreen and deciduous varieties, to help you create the perfect family & dog-friendly garden.

There are many options for child friendly pleached trees and pet friendly pleached trees

There are many options for child friendly pleached trees that won’t harm the family pet either

Why Choose Pleached Trees for a Family Garden?

Pleached trees are both practical and stylish, offering numerous benefits for child friendly gardens and outdoor spaces:

  • Space Efficiency: The vertical structure of pleached trees maximizes lateral space, leaving plenty of room for activities like ball games, paddling pools, swings, sandpits, and areas for pets to play and explore.
  • Privacy: These trees act as a natural, living screen without taking up much ground space, providing a secluded feel.
  • Shade: They create cool, shaded spots where children and pets can play comfortably and safely, even on sunny days.
    Year-Round Beauty: Evergreen pleached trees ensure lush greenery throughout the year, while deciduous options add vibrant seasonal colour and interest.

Important Considerations for Family Gardens

Popular pleached tree varieties, such as Cherry Laurel pleached, Portuguese Laurel pleached, and Ligustrum pleached, are favoured for their dense foliage and versatility. However, it’s important to note that these trees can pose a slight risk if their leaves or berries are ingested in large quantities.

While incidents are rare, especially in well-maintained gardens, families with curious children or pets may want to opt for non-toxic alternatives for extra peace of mind. Always ensure your garden is properly maintained and supervise children and pets around plants when necessary.

Explore Our Recommendations

Read on to discover our top picks for child and pet friendly pleached trees, both evergreen and deciduous. With the right selection, you can create a safe, stylish, and functional garden the whole family will enjoy.

Magnolia Grandiflora - great choice for child friendly pleached trees

Magnolia Grandiflora – child friendly pleached trees

Evergreen Options

Magnolia Grandiflora (Evergreen Magnolia) – Pleached

This stunning evergreen features glossy, robust leaves and fragrant flowers, making it a safe and elegant choice for family gardens. Its year-round greenery provides excellent privacy, while its non-toxic nature ensures it’s ideal for children and pets.

Quercus Ilex (Holm Oak) – Pleached

The Holm Oak is a hardy, long-lived evergreen with dense, silvery-green foliage. It thrives in various conditions, making it perfect for busy families. Its non-toxic leaves are an ideal addition to child friendly gardens and won’t harm your pets, while its thick canopy offers natural shade for outdoor play areas.

Laurus Nobilis (Bay Tree) – Pleached

Another of our child friendly pleached trees and a timeless classic, the Bay Tree combines functionality and beauty. Its aromatic leaves are entirely safe for children and pets, and its structured growth works wonderfully in pleached forms to enhance privacy.

Pleached Bay - Pet Friendly Trees

Pleached Bay – ideal Pet Friendly Trees for Family Gardens

Elaeagnus × Ebbingei (Oleaster) – Pleached

This hardy evergreen pet friendly pleached tree is a fantastic choice for family gardens. With its silvery foliage and fragrant flowers, it’s non-toxic, easy to maintain, and adaptable to various soil types, making it a hassle-free option for safe and beautiful outdoor spaces.

Photinia × Fraseri ‘Red Robin’ – Pleached

Famed for its vibrant red foliage in spring and summer, Photinia adds colour and vibrancy to family gardens.
Caution: It may produce small berries, which, while low in toxicity, could cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. Regular pruning can prevent berry formation, making it a safe and stylish option.

Deciduous Options

Carpinus Betulus (Hornbeam) – Pleached

Hornbeam is an excellent family-friendly choice due to its completely non-toxic nature. Its dense green leaves provide privacy and shade, while its autumn transformation into golden hues adds seasonal charm. Hardy and adaptable, it thrives in various soil conditions, making it both practical and beautiful.

Popular and Non toxic - Pleached Hornbeam Trees

Popular and Non toxic – Pleached Hornbeam Trees

Acer Campestre (Field Maple) – Pleached

The Field Maple is a stunning native tree with non-toxic leaves, ensuring safety for curious children and pets. Its bright green foliage turns vivid yellow in autumn, offering striking seasonal color. Hardy and low-maintenance, it’s ideal for family gardens.

Tilia Cordata (Small-Leaved Lime)

This graceful tree features heart-shaped leaves and fragrant summer flowers that are completely non-toxic. A favorite among pollinators, the Small-Leaved Lime supports biodiversity while serving as a safe and attractive addition to your child friendly garden.

Timeless, elegant Pleached Lime - pet friendly pleached trees

Timeless and Elegant – Pleached Lime Trees for child friendly gardens

Betula Pendula (Silver Birch)

The Silver Birch brings elegance and safety to family gardens. Its light, airy foliage and distinctive white bark create a soft, natural aesthetic. Non-toxic and low-maintenance, it’s perfect for busy households looking for a safe and beautiful tree to add to child friendly gardens.

Ensuring Safety in Your Garden

With proper care, many trees — whether slightly toxic or completely non-toxic—can be safely included in family friendly gardens. Follow these tips to maintain a safe outdoor space:

  1. Prune Regularly: Prevent berry production in species like Photinia, Ligustrum, or Cherry Laurel through consistent pruning.
  2. Clear Fallen Leaves and Berries: Regularly clean up any plant debris to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion.
  3. Supervise Children and Pets: Teach children not to eat plant material and monitor pets during outdoor play. Always address fallen berries and leaves promptly to avoid choking hazards.

Create a Safe and Beautiful Garden with Paramount Plants & Gardens

With careful planning and thoughtful plant choices, you can design a garden that’s safe, stylish, and perfect for your family’s needs. Visit us to explore our wide range of child and pet friendly trees and plants today!

We pride ourselves on offering a wide range of pleached trees to suit all garden needs. Whether you choose one of our best-sellers or opt for a non-toxic alternative, our expert team is here to help you create a garden that is as safe as it is stunning.

Contact us today for advice, or visit our nursery to explore our collection of pleached trees perfect for family-friendly spaces.