How To Plant A Tree
Tree Planting: A Comprehensive Guide
Planting a tree is a fulfilling endeavor that benefits the environment and future generations. To ensure your tree flourishes, careful planning is essential. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to plan for your new tree.
1. Selecting the Perfect Tree and Location
Embrace Native Species:
Trees native to the UK, (e.g. alder, silver birch, blackthorn, crab apple, dog rose, hawthorn, rowan) have co-evolved with local wildlife and are adapted to the climate and soil conditions, increasing the chances of survival.
Purpose-Driven Planting:
Define the purpose of your tree. Do you desire shade, a vibrant display of flowers and fruit, or a habitat for wildlife? Matching the tree's characteristics with your goals ensures long-term satisfaction. For example, a rowan tree attracts bees and birds while providing visual interest with its flowers and berries.
Spatial Awareness:
Trees need ample space for their roots and crown to develop without obstructions. Consider the mature size of your chosen tree. Will it interfere with power lines, buildings, or other trees?
Site Evaluation:
Examine the planting site's soil type, drainage, and sunlight exposure. Is it consistently dry or prone to waterlogging? How many hours of sunlight does the site receive? Consult online resources or local experts to determine the ideal species for your site conditions.
2. Planting Techniques
How to Plant a Tree
Timing is key:
The ideal time to plant bare-root trees is during the dormant season, typically from November to March. Container-grown trees offer more flexibility and can generally be planted throughout the year, though extra care might be needed in hot and dry, or very cold, weather conditions.
Preparing the Tree:
If you're planting bare-root trees, keep the roots moist and plant them within three days of delivery. If planting is delayed, "heel in" the trees by temporarily planting them in a trench to protect the roots. Container-grown trees should be watered before planting, and their roots should be gently loosened if they are tightly packed.
Planting Methods
Pit Planting:
Recommended for larger trees (over 90cm tall). Dig a hole wider and deeper than the root ball, loosen the soil, and add soil improver if necessary.
Notch Planting (or Slit Planting):
Suitable for smaller trees in well-drained soil. Create a slit in the ground with a spade, deep enough to accommodate the roots.
T-Notch Planting:
A variation suitable for grass-covered areas. Create a T-shaped cut with a spade and lever up the turf to create a planting hole.
Planting Depth:
Plant the tree at the same depth it was in the pot or, for bare-root trees, ensure the root collar (where the roots meet the stem) is level with the soil surface. Planting too deep can suffocate the roots.
Consistent Watering:
Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry periods and the first few years after planting. Water thoroughly, immediately after planting, using 5 litres or more depending on the tree's size. A layer of mulch around the tree's base can help conserve moisture.
Weed Control:
Keep the area around the tree free of weeds so they don't compete for resources. Mulching, hand weeding, or using mulch mats are effective weed control methods. Avoid using a lawnmower or strimmer near the tree, as this can damage the bark.
Mulching Benefits:
Apply a 50mm layer of organic mulch, such as wood chippings, around the tree base, leaving a gap around the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, moderate soil temperature, and improve soil structure as it decomposes.
Supporting the Tree
Staking:
Trees over 1.5m tall generally require staking to provide stability, especially in windy locations. Use a sturdy stake, like the individual square tree stakes, and a flexible tree tie. The stake should be about one-third the height of the tree, and the tie should allow for some movement. Bamboo canes can also be used for support, particularly with tree guards.
Protection from Animals:
Depending on your location and the prevalence of browsing animals, consider using tree guards. For example, our 1.2m guards protects against deer, while a 0.6m guards is sufficient for rabbits. Choose biodegradable guards whenever possible to minimize environmental impact.
Pruning and Fertilizing:
Regular pruning removes dead or diseased branches and maintains the desired shape. Unless the soil is particularly impoverished, fertiliser is rarely needed at the time of planting, but in the second and subsequent years after planting it can be beneficial to provide additional nitrogen to improve growth. Fertilisers containing phosphorus and potassium may also help to improve plant health, particularly if the soil is deficient in these nutrients.
How to Plant a Hedge
Ground Preparation:
Thorough ground preparation is crucial for hedges. Remove existing vegetation and loosen the soil to a depth of at least one spade blade.
Spacing:
For a single row hedge, space trees 30cm apart. For a denser double row hedge, plant in a zigzag pattern, with 50cm between trees in a row and 40-45cm between rows.
Planting:
Follow the same planting techniques as for individual trees, ensuring the root flare is level with the ground.
Mulching:
Applying a thick layer of mulch (around 7cm) around the base of newly planted hedge plants is crucial as it conserves moisture and prevents weed growth, which compete for resources. Leave a gap between the mulch and the trunks to prevent decay.
Watering:
After planting, water the hedge plants thoroughly, using two to three large watering cans of water (20-30 litres) per meter of hedge if the soil is dry. This initial watering helps settle the soil and encourages root establishment.
3. Essential Elements for Tree Growth
There are three main things that are essential for tree growth:
Sunlight: Trees need sunlight for photosynthesis to produce energy.
Water: Water is essential for nutrient transport and overall tree health.
Nutrients: Trees require nutrients from the soil for growth and development.
Successful tree planting requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, from site selection and species choice to planting techniques and ongoing care. By adopting sustainable practices and promoting the "right tree, right place" philosophy, we can contribute to a healthier and more biodiverse environment for present and future generations.
For more information on tree species and growing trees from seed you can download The Tree Council’s ‘Tree Growers Guide’ for free.
Take a look at our website to see our full range of Tree Planting products.