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Ensure that the roots of the trees do not dry out. Store the trees in their protective packaging in a cool place out of sunlight until you can plant them.
If the tree is to be planted in weed free cultivated ground dig a hole about a spades width square
and plant the tree to a depth about one inch deeper than the root collar. Firm in well but do not
excessively compact the soil. If the soil is moist there is no need to water in.
If the tree is to be planted into weedy ground that is not damp screef an area about two spade
widths square. Screefing is the removal of the turf and the top half to one inch of ground. It is not
appropriate for poorly drained ground. Then proceed as above. An alternative method is to dig a
hole about a spades width square and several inches deep. Remove the plug of earth intact and replace in the hole upside down so the turf is at the bottom. Plant the tree on top of this and it will
benefit from the release of nutrients from the rotting turf below it.
On poorly drained damp ground cut out a turf with soil beneath two spade widths wide and place
on the ground upside down so the turf is on the bottom with 6 inches of soil on top. Plant the tree
on top of this on the raised planting position created.
After planting it is essential to maintain a weed free area around the young tree. Weeds compete
with the newly planted tree for water nutrients and light. Failure to weed will drastically reduce the
rate of growth of the tree and may result in its death. Apply a weed suppressing mulch, hand weed
or apply herbicide around the tree. Forestry Commission advice is to maintain a weed free area of
one square metre around the tree. Where the weeds are tall this area may have to be increased.
Strimming is not recommended. Many trees are killed by strimming and mown grass can use as
much water as uncut grass. If you are spraying herbicide around the tree protect the tree from contact with the chemical by placing a container over it. Spraying is much easier if the trees are
protected by tree shelters.
Fertiliser is only required on less fertile ground. Sprinkle fertiliser on the surface of the ground after
planting. Do not overdose and try to keep it off the stem and foliage of the tree to avoid scorching.
Water the tree during dry periods during the first growing season.
On weedy sites the trees may be vulnerable to damage by voles. Voles strip the bark from the
bottom six inches of young trees. The trees may be protected by vole guards.
Where rabbits are present and the planting site is not protected by rabbit fencing 60cm height
shelters should be used. These also protect against voles and herbicide.
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