How to plant a tree the right way

Give your new tree the best start you can so that it grows into a magnificent feature in your garden. Here’s how.

Trees are beautiful and precious things that should be treated the right way from day one. This starts with the way you plant them. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planting a tree so that it grows beautifully for decades to come and becomes a gift for future generations.

Tools and materials:

Spade and fork
Compost
Bonemeal or super phosphate and root builder
Watering can or hosepipe
Mulch (bark chips, leaves or compost)
2 stakes and soft tree ties

Pick your spot

Choose a sunny location with enough space for the tree’s mature size. Avoid planting too close to walls, paving or pipes.

Dig the hole

Dig a hole as deep as the rootball and about twice as wide. Loosen the base and sides with a fork so the roots can spread easily.

Prepare your soil

Mix 1 part compost with 3 parts soil. Add a handful of bonemeal or super phosphate and root builder to give roots a nutrient boost and help the tree to get established quickly.

Place your tree

Remove the tree from its nursery container, gently tease out the roots and place it in the hole. Make sure the soil level matches the level it was in the bag – don’t bury the trunk.

Backfill and firm

Fill the hole with your soil mix, pressing down gently as you go so there are no air pockets. Ensure the tree stands up straight.

Stake your tree

It’s always a good idea to stake your tree until the roots have taken hold. Place two stakes outside the rootball and tie to the trunk loosely with soft ties. The tree should still be able to move slightly. The stakes should remain for about a year.

Build a watering basin

Shape the soil into a shallow circular wall around the base of the tree to trap water where the roots need it most.

Water thoroughly

Soak the root zone deeply so moisture penetrates to the bottom of the rootball.

Mulch

Add a 5-8 cm layer of mulch inside the basin to lock in moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Aftercare

Watering: Deep water 2–3 times a week for the first two weeks, then weekly. Adjust for rainfall.
Feeding: Apply an organic fertiliser every 10–12 weeks during the growing season.
Pruning: Only remove dead or damaged branches in the first year.
Stakes: Remove after 12 months once the tree is stable.

Planting a tree the right way is that simple, so don’t skip any steps.

It’s do day for planting trees.