How to do it

Dig out a decent-sized hole and firm the enriched earth well around the roots. Plant roses so that the graft union (where the stems of the variety meet the rootstock) is a couple of inches below the level of the soil. This will make for greater stability.

Where trees more than one metre high are concerned, give them a stake – knocked in at an angle of 45° – and a tree tie to keep them upright in strong winds.

On all but the tallest trees (and I like to plant bare-root trees that are no taller than I am, since they establish more readily than larger specimens) you’ll be able to remove the stake after a year’s growth – since the roots will offer sufficient anchorage. KEY POINTS Enrich the soil you are planting into Any tree taller than one metre will need staking Plant roses so that the graft union is below soil level