All About Trees: Basic guide to planting a tree

Species

Trees take a long time to mature and can get very large, so selecting the correct species is important.
• An oak tree may be suitable in a large park but a smaller tree, such as a cherry or birch, might be more suitable in a narrow road or garden.
• Some trees need more light (usually those with light coloured leaves) or water (e.g. poplars and willows).
• Other trees are shadetolerant (often those with dark green leaves, e.g. yew and holly).
• If unsure, it is best to get specific advice.

Location

• Always consider the size the tree will grow to when it is mature. It may look small when you plant it, but remember that it cannot be moved once it has established. Look at a mature tree of the same species to get some idea of the space the tree will need.

When to plant

• Trees should generally be planted in winter, when they are dormant, i.e. from November to February.
• Trees in containers can be planted at other times but if so they will need more watering and may suffer from shock.
• Bare-rooted trees can only be planted in winter.

How to plant

• Dig a hole that is slightly wider and deeper than the roots of the tree. The extra space below and at the sides will be in-filled; but, having been loosened, it will help the roots to establish.
• Square holes are better than round holes because tree roots can go round in circles if unable to break out of a round hole (yes, seriously!).
• Back-fill the hole a little so that the tree will be at exactly the same height in the ground as it was at the nursery. If a tree is planted too deep, the stem may rot; if too shallow, the roots above ground will die.
• Put the tree in the hole and replace the soil, firming it down all around the tree. It is essential that the tree is not loose in the ground: the roots need to be immobilised.
• Heel the soil firm (with the heel of your boot) as you back-fill, but do not compact the soil by hammering it down until it is like concrete.
• compacted soil prevents water and air circulation, causing roots to die.
• Now water the tree and cover the soil with a good heap of mulch (e.g. 6-month-old woodchip).