How To Plant A Tree

When To Plant

Trees are best planted when they are dormant, between autumn and spring. Just be sure that the ground isn’t frozen or too wet.

 

Before You Plant

When choosing your tree, make sure you’ve thought about its needs. Consider whether your chosen plant will suit the position and environment you want to plant it in, taking into consideration its light requirements and expected size.

 

The Planting Process

• Make sure your tree is well watered before you plant it; the easiest way to do this is to stand it in a bucket for a while so that it can absorb the water from below.
• Dig a hole to the depth of the tree’s pot or the height of its rootball, and two-three times as wide. You may want to loosen the soil at the sides and bottom of the hole with a fork.
• Loosen the roots if they are compacted or circling.
• Place your tree into the hole and step back to see if the position looks right, repositioning if not. Once you’re satisfied, be sure to check that the point where the roots flare out from the trunk is even with or slightly higher than the hole.
• Refill the hole, firming the soil in around the rootball to eliminate air pockets.
• Add a tree stake to support your tree. See below for advice on staking.
• You may also want to add a tree guard, to protect your tree from bark-eating wildlife.
• Water the tree again once you’ve planted it, to help the roots and soil settle into place.
• Add a mulch, if desired. This helps the soil retain water, prevents weeds sprouting, and can add a decorative flourish.

 

Staking Your Tree

Most trees will benefit from the support of a stake when they are first planted and staking your trees at the time you plant them will minimise disruption to the root system.

For single stakes:

• Position your stake at a 45-degree angle from the main trunk of the tree, with the top facing into the prevailing wind.
• Hammer it into place, avoiding the roots of the tree.
• Attach to the tree with a tree tie or tape, ensuring there is a spacer or knot between the trunk and the stake.

Larger trees may benefit from a cross bar for extra support. It may be easier to prepare this before planting your tree.

• Hammer a pair of stakes into the ground, one each side of the planting hole.
• Attach a cross bar to the top of the stakes, spanning the width of the hole.
• Plant the tree and tie to the cross bar, with a knot or spacer between the trunk and the beam.

After Planting

As your tree grows, check the tie periodically to see if it needs loosening, and check the stake for damage or evidence of movement.

Tree stakes can usually be removed once the plant is well-established, with a strong enough root system to stand on its own without moving.