There’s something special about sitting beneath the shade of a tree that you’ve planted yourself. Trees can completely transform a garden, adding height, structure and character, while also creating a valuable habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Planting a tree is a rewarding job, and with the right preparation, you can give your new tree the best possible start. Follow our simple guide to learn how to plant a tree successfully.
Step-by-step guide to planting a tree
Choose the right time to plant
The best time to plant a tree is usually autumn, when the soil is still warm from the summer months and rainfall is more frequent. This gives the tree plenty of time to establish its roots before the growing season begins.
Trees can also be planted during winter, as long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. Try to avoid planting during hot, dry weather, as young trees can struggle to establish and will need much more frequent watering.
1. Prepare your tree
Before planting, water your tree thoroughly. If it has a rootball, place it in a bucket of water for a few minutes to ensure the roots are fully hydrated before going into the ground.
2. Dig the planting hole
Dig a square hole that is the same depth as the tree’s rootball and around three times as wide.
A wider hole gives the roots plenty of space to spread out and establish themselves. Loosen the sides of the hole with a garden fork, especially if you have heavy clay soil. Digging can sometimes leave smooth, compacted sides that make it harder for roots to grow into the surrounding soil.
3. Position the tree
Carefully remove the tree from its container and gently loosen any tightly packed roots to encourage them to grow outwards.
Place the tree into the hole, making sure the point where the roots meet the trunk is level with the surrounding soil. Avoid planting too deeply, as covering the trunk with soil can cause it to rot.
A simple way to check the depth is to place a cane or straight piece of wood across the top of the hole to make sure the tree is sitting at the correct level.
Before filling the hole, turn the tree so it looks its best from the areas of the garden where it will be most visible.
4. Fill in the hole and firm the soil
Once you’re happy with the position of the tree, refill the hole with soil. Gently firm the soil around the roots using your heel to remove any large air pockets.
Check that the tree is still standing upright and adjust if necessary before finishing.
5. Water and mulch
Give the tree a generous watering after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.
Adding a layer of mulch, such as bark chips or garden compost, around the base of the tree will help retain moisture, suppress weeds and improve the soil around the roots.
Make sure the mulch does not touch the trunk, as this can encourage moisture build-up and lead to rotting.
6. Add support if needed
Young trees may need support while their roots become established. Using a mallet, drive a stake into the ground at a 45-degree angle and secure the tree using a flexible tree tie.
Avoid tying the tree too tightly, as it needs some movement to develop a strong root system.
Caring for your newly planted tree
Continue watering your tree regularly for the first couple of years after planting, particularly during dry periods. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow further into the surrounding soil.
As the tree grows, check the tree tie regularly to make sure it is not rubbing against the bark or becoming too tight. Once the tree is firmly established, the stake and tie can be removed.
Find the perfect tree for your garden
Looking for a tree to add beauty, structure and wildlife value to your garden? Visit our nursery and explore our wide range of trees.
Our knowledgeable team at Carpenters Nursery is always happy to provide advice and help you choose the perfect tree for your space.
