Plant a container-grown tree

Steve and Val Bradley explain how to plant a tree as part of the Green Canopy scheme

- Steve and Val Bradley

THIS year Her Majesty the Queen celebrates her Platinum Jubilee, and to celebrate this we are invited to plant a tree as part of the Green Canopy initiative. Many gardeners and non-gardeners alike will be planting trees this year, so once you have weighed up the size, shape and type of tree you wish to plant, you need to know how to do it properly so this long-lived investment will thrive.

Taking care at the planting stage will give your tree the best chance to live a long life, and good soil preparation is important. Dig the area first to remove large stones (or other debris) and perennial weeds before starting to plant. Bare-root trees are sold without soil and can be planted directly, but planting a container-grown tree involves a slightly different technique.

Depth is important

Planting depth is important, because if the tree is planted too shallowly or too deeply it may struggle to establish, especially if has not been staked. Container-grown trees are usually planted so the surface level of the compost is about 2in (5cm) below the new soil level. The reason for making sure that the pot compost is covered is because many composts are light and fluffy, often drying out quickly if they are left exposed. This means the rootball will dry out quickly, putting the tree at risk.