Preparation, preparation, preparation!
Want to know our handy hints and tips on planting trees and hedging? Here are a few to give your young trees the best start in their new environment:
Fit the tree species to your conditions (we can help advise if you’re uncertain):
e.g.
- Heavy ground? Probably not pine! – Oak would be more suitable
- Alluvial soul/ river edge? – Alder would be an excellent choice
Think about what might eat your trees:
e.g.
- Voles and other small rodents (who like productive ground with a thick sward of grass) – we recommend small vole tubes/ guards which wrap around the tree
- Rabbits and hares – plastic spiral guards are best for individual trees, or fencing can be effective (so long as nothing gets in, as then it won’t be able to get out and will eat whatever is in there!)
- Roe deer (fallow and red deer), sheep – shrub shelters will provide more of an environment for the tree to grow in, or fencing, as above
- Giraffes (we’re only joking! They’re not much of a threat around here!)
Read our ‘Sapling Protection‘ blog for some ideas.
Ground preparation
To remove weed competition and provide the best environment for the young trees:
- Dig over the ground or
- Turn the turf over (for soil mineralisation, to liberate nitrogen)
Make a small hole and plant the cell grown tree, ensuring good soil to soil contact (so there’s no air pockets and the roots can grow into the ground) and ‘heel in’ well. Plant so that the tree compost is level with the ground. Slow release fertilizer or additional compost isn’t compulsory for native trees but can help the trees to establish.
Depending on the time of year and local forecast/ conditions, you may need to water your young trees in and stop the roots from drying out.
Have a read of our ‘When is the Best Time to Plant Trees’ info here.
And look out for updates with photos and step by steps from Beechgrove itself in the Autumn/ Winter!
