The best time to plant trees …

There’s no time like the present if you want to get your trees planted ready for next year – the best time for tree planting is between October and April.

Although it’s true that container-grown plants can be successfully planted at any time of the year, it’s easier to look after them if you plant in autumn or winter, as they will need less watering than if you wait until spring or summer.

If you want to plant root balled trees and shrubs you’ll probably find they are only available this time of year – plant them as soon as you get them home for the best results, or if that’s not an option you can try temporarily planting them in the soil so that the roots don’t dry out, but aim to get them properly planted as soon as you can.

How to plant trees and large shrubs

Plants need the right amount of air and nutrient, and to be in soil that has the right amount of moisture for optimum growth.  Preparing the soil before you plant will help to get the very best from your new shrubs and trees.

Loosen the soil so that it’s not compacted, and to improve the drainage, then add fertiliser and natural, organic matter to the soil to help the plants grow.

If the soil has a tendency to become waterlogged over the winter months, you could think about having proper drainage put into the garden, or a DIY alternative such as planting onto a slight slop if you have one. The optimum slope would be about 25-30cm high and 1 meter in diameter.

Planting Guide

First, take the plants out of their containers, and then spread the roots out so that you have an idea of their spread. Dig a hole that’s around up to three times the diameter of the root system, and no deeper than the roots.

•  Break the soil up with a fork if the sides or base of the planting hole are compacted.
•  Scrape away the top layers of compost for any container grown plants - the point where the roots flare out should be towards the top of the soil surface.
•  Place the plant in the hole, with a stake if required (top-heavy or larger trees should be staked.)
•  Refill the planting hole with soil between and around the roots, being careful to get rid of any pockets of air.
•  Firm the soil gently, but don’t compact it so much that it becomes a hard mass.

Your trees and shrubs are now ready for the spring, and just need to be watered – especially if it’s dryer than usual or very windy over the winter. Keep the area free from weeds, and add mulch if you feel that the area is beginning to dry out too much or to prevent weed regrowth.