HOW TO PLANT YOUR TREE

Any deciduous trees are best planted when dormant, between November and February. Evergreen trees never

have a true dormant season but some are vulnerable to bad winter weather. They are best planted in April or early May.

1

If planting a bare-root tree, place it in a bucket of water for a good soak first – and never leave a bare-root plant sitting unprotected in a cold wind while you prepare the planting hole. The slender, fragile roots which feed the tree dry up very easily so always have a bin bag or some hessian to hand to protect them.

2

When planting a tree grown in a pot, check the roots before putting it into the planting hole. If it is at all potbound – i.e. the roots are either a solid mass or growing sideways around the edge of the container – do not try to tease them open but instead break them with your fingers, which will stimulate regrowth into the soil.

3

Plant all trees in shallow but wide holes. This helps prevent wind and rain damage, and encourages the roots to spread more widely. Dig only to the depth of the spade (a ‘spit’) but make the radius of the hole at least twice as wide as it is deep. Loosen the sides and bottom of the hole with a fork, then plant so that the roots are on a cone or mound of soil, with the base of the trunk or stem 2.5-5cm above ground level.

4

Gradually backfill the soil, firming it well with your foot so you are buttressing the roots, then backfill the rest of the soil.

5

Stake all but the smallest trees at 45 degrees with the stake angled into the prevailing wind, tie securely and water very well. Finally, mulch thickly.

6

Keep the tree watered in the first year, renew the mulch annually for five years and remove the stake after three years.

7

If a tree is ailing, weed around its base to the width of its canopy, water, then mulch well.