Planting Tips & Guidelines

All our trees are supplied in either Root Control Bags or removed from Air Pots prior to transplantation.

Guidelines for trees grown in Root Contol Bags

• Water into the bag and soak the roots well
• Remove the bag, but try not to disturb the roots too much
• The tree should be planted in a hole not less than 2 foot in diameter and 2 foot deep
• With one person holding the tree in place (if possible), a second person can put a 50% soil and 50% tree and shrub compost mix over the roots to fill the remaining hole
• Continue filling and treading more firmly but not too firmly in wet conditions
• Fill all parts of the hole and tread firmly with your heel, leaving the firm soil slightly proud of the surrounding ground
• Water well over the next few weeks to keep the soil moist but not soaked. Never let the soil dry out over the first summer - and always bear in mind that the roots need air as well as water, so watch for over-watering
• To protect against wind, drive a stake into the adjoining ground at a 45 degree angle to the tree trunk. Ideally the stake should be on the side of the tree from which the prevailing wind blows so that it does not blow the tree into the stake. Secure with a single tie.

Guidelines for trees grown in an Air Pot

• Remove the bag/material covering the roots (if any)
• The tree should be planted in to a hole not less than 2 foot in diameter and 2 foot deep
• The bottom of the hole should include a little organic matter (if possible)
• With one person holding the tree in place (if possible), a second person can put a 50% soil and 50% tree and shrub compost mix over the roots to fill in the remaining hole
• Continue filling and treading more firmly but not too firmly in wet conditions
• Fill all parts of the hole and tread firmly with your heel, leaving the firm soil slightly proud of the surrounding ground
• Water well over then next few weeks to keep the soil moist but not soaked. Never let the soil dry out over the first summer. Always bear in mind that the roots need air as well as water, so watch for over-watering
• To protect against wind, drive a stake into the adjoining ground at a 45 degree angle to the tree trunk. Ideally the stake should be on the side of the tree from which the prevailing wind blows, so that it does not blow the tree into the stake. Secure with a single tie.

PLANTING SEASON

We ensure that our trees are delivered to you in a good condition and ask that you follow the planting guidelines carefully (as well as adding a little TLC) to give them the very best chance of survival. As living things, trees are unpredictable and we cannot, therefore, guarantee their survival unreservedly. As for trees grown in Root Control Bags we very strongly recommend that trees are only transplanted during their dormant period - from late October to mid-March (depending on seasonal weather conditions). Trees planted outside this period have a significantly increased risk of failure.