Planting your trees

Once you’ve taken delivery of one of our gorgeous trees, you’ll need to plant it correctly. But how? There are different techniques depending on whether the tree was lifted from a field, or whether it was grown in a container. You’ll find that container grown trees are available all year round, whereas field grown trees are only available from October to mid-April.

However your tree was grown, you should prepare the ground and plant it as soon as possible. You should never let the roots dry out while waiting to be planted. Also, it is important to prepare the ground properly - your tree was provided in perfect condition but its ongoing health begins here! The site needs to be free draining - if it is liable to water logging or impeded drainage then it is essential to improve drainage before planting. You may need to resort to artificial drainage systems, but for other ideas have a look at this article from the RHS.

If your tree was lifted from the field, you should first give the root ball a thorough soaking. If the tree was grown in a container then give it a good soaking it in the pot.

Then, follow the following instructions for the best result:

• Prepare the site by digging it over deeply, and loosening the soil, breaking up clay soils as you go, so that air can penetrate to the roots. If the site has been compacted, then ideally prepare an area at least 6ft across, breaking up any clods of soil into smaller crumbs.
• Dig out a planting pit, at least a handbreadth wider than the root ball, and fork over the bottom of the planting pit. It should be deep enough so that the tree can be planted to the same depth as it was in the nursery.
• If your tree came in a pot then remove this, then place the root system carefully in the pit. If your tree was field grown, place the root ball carefully in the pit but do not remove any wire or hessian. If the tree has been supplied bare rooted then remove the polythene wrapping.
• Backfill the hole, firming carefully, ensuring no air pockets. The tree should be planted to the same depth as in the nursery.
• Support the tree firmly, using one or two stakes driven well in, avoiding damage to the roots. (The stakes may need to be at an angle). Secure with a straining bar or pliable tree ties, being careful to avoid chafing or other damage to the bark.

Once your tree has been planted, be sure to read our aftercare article in order to make sure you give it the best chance to establish and flourish!

If you have any queries regarding planting your tree, please contact Christopher Scott on 01777 702422 or email christopherscott@greenmiletrees.co.uk.