Planting a Tree or Shrub

Trees and Shrubs grown in containers can be planted all year round, as long as the ground is not waterlogged or frozen. If you are planting a large number, such as planting a hedge or soft fruit bed, then it works out much cheaper buying bare root plants which are available from November to March (while they are dormant with no foliage)

Trees and shrubs need a good start in life to help get them established. Dig in plenty of organic matter into the area where they are to be planted, use things like well rotted farmyard manure or garden compost.  

For best results dig a hole at least twice as deep and twice as wide as pot the plant came in. Fork over the bottom of the hole so the subsoil is broken up. Mix the excavated soil with more garden compost or well rotted manure, about 50% soil, 50% compost. A handful of bone meal can be sprinkled over the excavated soil to help the plant develop strong roots, although this can be omitted. Place the tree/shrub in the hole so that the top of the root ball will be level with the surface and backfill with the soil/compost mix. Firm in with your foot all the way round to remove air pockets, ensuring the plant is stood straight up

Young trees need staking to stop their roots being disturbed by wind rock. The tree stake can be placed in straight up or at an angle. Secure them to the stake with a tree tie arranged like a figure of eight, tree in one side of the figure eight, stake in the other side to avoid it rubbing the bark. Water in and keep moist, but never waterlogged, for the first few months until established. Trees do not need feeding if planted in the ground as their roots spread far and wide but shrubs benefit from feeding once a year using a slow release fertiliser