Where would the nations’ dogs be without trees? I was contemplating the idea while out for a walk with my own two and the neighbours’ gigantic golden retriever.

The male dogs simply can’t leave a tree unmarked, one tiny little drop of urine is enough to do the trick, the other male seems compelled to repeat the ritual and on and on ‘til all the trees in our locality have been suitably christened.

It’s hard to imagine a landscape without trees and whilst I’m not exactly a tree hugger, I confess my children accuse me of being a bit of a hippy when it comes to admiring the majesty and dignity of mature trees.

To coincide with the start of the tree planting season, this week has been National Tree Week. There have been various tree planting events in and around Oxford and if you haven’t taken part in one it’s not too late this weekend. Details for what’s going on in your area are available from the National Tree Council website treecouncil.org.uk.

Whilst the Garden Centres of Oxfordshire seem to be filled to the brim with tinsel and other festive bobbles, it is also possible to find bare root trees available to be planted right now.

They offer much better value than trees grown in pots because they are simply lifted straight from the ground while they are dormant.

If you do decide to plant a tree to do your bit for the environment my advice would be do it soon before the ground becomes too frosted. Breaking up frozen soil is neither good for your back or the tree. Take note all you Movember men, I’m making you aware of another health issue, this time associated with too much strenuous exercise in the garden.

Even if you only have a small garden, it’s possible to find a suitable tree to fill a little space.

The tree that you choose depends on your own taste of course, but if you want a flowering tree, look for one that has been grafted onto a smaller tree, this is quite common with ornamental trees.

You really don’t need much space to grow fruit trees, if you choose one that has been trained as an espalier, or fan shape, these can grow quite happily next to a fence or wall, provided you prune it well every year. A good tree for winter interest is the Paper Bark maple; as its name suggests, the bark peels off the tree and it has a very attractive cinnamon coloured stem.

If you have a bit more space, the Himalayan birch is an excellent choice with its bright white bark reflecting the low winter sun with dazzling effect. The eucalyptus, or Snow Gum, with its creamy white bark is very easy to grow in most Oxfordshire soil types, but can be a bit of a thug if not kept in check.

Of course, with the rapid approach of Christmas, a holly tree may appeal.

However, a word of warning, if you buy a male you’ll never get berries, likewise buy a female without the male and the result will be the same.

Nature bears out what I’ve always maintained – for best results, male and female input is required.