How to plant a tree or shrub?
- Remove plants from containers
- Tease out and spread the roots with your fingers
- Dig a planting hole that is no deeper than the roots, but is up to three times the diameter of the root system. NB. A common cause of problems is when a plant or tree is planted too deeply or too shallow. Soil should not touch the bark or stem.
- If the sides or base of the planting hole are compacted, break the soil up with a fork before planting
- With container grown plants, the top layers of compost should be scraped away, and the point where the roots flare out should be near the soil surface
- Place the plant in the planting hole
- Refill the planting hole carefully, placing soil between and around all the roots to eliminate air pockets
- Firm the soil gently, avoiding compacting the soil into a hard mass.
- Water in generously especially in the warmer, drier months.