How to Plant a Tree the Right Way

𝘉𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘦-𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘳𝘣𝘰𝘳 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩!

Spring is a great time of the year for planting trees and doing it correctly will have a positive impact for year to come!

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢: 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽

1. Dig the Hole

Start by digging a hole twice as wide as the root ball and slightly shallower than the root ball. Place the excavated soil on a heap beside the hole. Use a fork or pick to roughen the bottom & sides of the hole to enable the tree’s roots to penetrate the soil easier. (This is especially important when working in poorly drained & compact soil, like clay)

2. Get the Tree Ready for Planting

Be gentle when removing the container from your tree, making sure to protect the foliage. Lay the tree on its side with the container end near the planting hole. Hit / press down the bottom and sides of the container until the root ball is loosened. Slide the pot off the root ball and gently lower the tree into the hole.

3. Get the Orientation & Position right

Once the tree is in the hole, stand back and make sure it’s standing upright & that the preferred side is facing the front. Tilt the root ball until the tree is straight, then backfill firmly under and around the root ball.

4. Add some Compost

If your garden soil is hard (compact clay) or retains little moisture (very sandy), you can amend the excavated soil with organic matter, by thoroughly mixing in 1 part of good quality compost to 3 parts of soil.

5. Feed the Roots

Boost new root growth by mixing in a product (like Atlantic Fertilisers Bio Rock Root Builder – an organic plant starter that will supply nutrients for up to three months) – with the new soil mix (mentioned above).

6. Don't plant too Deep

Make very sure not to plant your tree too deep: Remember to always make sure that no part of the main stem of your tree is covered by soil. The base of the trunk should be exactly on the same level as the surrounding soil & roots should barely be covered with soil. Planting too deep & covering the trunk/main stem with soil will cause problems like rotting. If necessary: adjust the hole depth by lifting the tree out of the hole (lift it by the root ball, not by the trunk) and adjust the soil level in the planting hole.

7. Fill Air Pockets

Pack down the soil as you backfill. Using the handle of your shovel / the heel of your foot, press down firmly to fill any large air pockets in the soil. Don’t wait until the planting is finished - press down every few shovels of soil.

8. Staking

Most newly planted trees will benefit from proper staking to stabilize them in the soil for the first few years. Remove the nursery stake that came with the tree and replace with a suitable, sturdy tree stake/s and tie the tree loosely with tree ties (never with wire). The stakes should be placed outside of the root ball.

9. Watering

Create a wide soil basin around the planted tree & water deeply after planting. Keep on monitoring the soil around the tree for the first two years. Newly planted trees should never dry out completely for long periods.

10. Mulch to Protect

Cover the entire planting area with a thin layer of mulch or organic material, but keep it a few centimetres away from the base of the trunk (it can cause rot if pressing against the trunk). The mulch will reduce surface evaporation of water and will slow the growth of weeds or grass around the trunk.

It brings us Tree-mendous pleasure to encourage every gardener to plant a tree this month! Because “leafing” a legacy is what it’s all about.

Each tree planted is a promise for a healthier planet, a stronger biodiversity, and a greener future. Let’s ensure we have a thriving environment for generations to come.

𝐿𝑒𝑡'𝑠 𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔!