Tree planting and aftercare
Securing a tree
Tree Tie
Slide the spacer onto the tie, place around the tree and back through the spacer (dia 1).
Wrap the tie around the stake through the tie buckle, do not over tighten (dia 2).
Finally fix the tie to the stake at the buckle side using a tack.
Remember to loosen the tree tie as the stem thickens.
Tree Strap
Use strapping for larger trees. Tack the first end of the strap to the stake, slide on a spacer wrap around the tree and back through the spacer (dia 3).
Wrap the remaining strap around the stake and fix with another tack, avoiding the first tack (dia 4).
If using two tree stakes repeat for the other side (dia 5).
Aftercare
- To avoid competition for water and nutrients provide a weed- free circle of 1 Metre diameter around the plant.
- This can be achieved with herbicide or mulch, and should continue for two years after planting.
- Check the plant occasionally.
- When watering give the plant sufficient water to soak down to the roots.
- If it has rocked in the wind, firm the base or supply additional support.
- Prune off any damaged or diseased parts.
- Prune off any Rootstock growth.
- Loosen tree ties as the stem thickens.
- Protect the plant from animal and strimmer damage.
(See our range plant care products).
Planting a Container Grown Tree
Container grown trees are grown in commercial compost. They have a much longer planting season than Bare root or Root balled trees
- In the required position dig a hole large enough for the roots, there should be at least 100mm all around the root system. Prepare the soil by mixing in some soil
conditioner or well rotted organic material (do not use the sub-soil that was dug from the hole). - Place in the hole and check the level of the root system using a cane or stake, the old soil mark should be level with the ground surface and not below. Adjust the depth of the hole accordingly by digging it out further or adding
more soil. - Position the stake in the required position. If you find the roots are in the way angle the stake into the bottom of the hole. Ensure that the top of the stake is near enough to the tree for the tree tie to be fitted later. Remove the tree and bang in the stake.
- Should any of the roots be tangled together carefully tease them apart, cut out any damaged roots.
- Place the tree in position next to the stake and backfill the hole using the prepare topsoil. Tread on the soil to firm in the tree. Water in well. Use a mulch to keep to away the weeds and help contain the
moisture. Finally secure the tree to the stake using a tree tie
Tips for planting a Container Grown Tree
- Plant as immediately as possible.
- Water if dry.
- Dig a big enough hole to give root ball plenty of room.
- Remove pot gently.
- If matted, tease out bottom roots a little.
- Mix soil conditioner with backfill to encourage roots to
grow out from potting medium.
- Trees and Shrubs must be planted so the soil in the
- pot is level with the surface of the ground.
- Firm in well.
- Keep weeds away; they compete for valuable water
and nutrients. - When using Mulches do not pile it against the stem;
they can rot the stem.