STEP BY STEP

Plant a small tree

Plant a container-grown tree now while the soil is still warm and the roots can establish well before the winter. Soak the tree thoroughly in its pot before planting out.

Water it again after planting and spread a thick layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the woody stem.

1 DIG a large hole, making it a little deeper than the tree’s rootball and wider near the surface where the shallow fibrous feeder roots will develop. Drive a short stake into the hole to support the tree. 2 WATER the base of the hole, loosen the roots slightly, and put the rootball inside. Place the stake 2-3cm away from the trunk, you may need to cut into the rootball to do so. 3 PLACE the tree in a position that will allow the prevailing wind to blow it away from the stake then secure with a soft, adjustable tree tie. 4 BACKFILL the soil around the rootball, treading it in as you go and hold the stem firmly in place to ensure it stays central and upright as the soil goes in around it. VISIT gardenersworld. com/planting for more hints and tips on planting trees