Resources

How to Plant Your Tree

Proper planting is the single most important thing you can do to give your tree a long and healthy life. Follow these guidelines for the best results.

Bareroot Trees (November – March)

Bareroot trees should be planted as soon as possible after delivery. If planting is delayed, heel the roots into moist soil or keep them in a cool, sheltered spot with roots covered and damp. Never allow roots to dry out.

• Dig a hole at least twice the width of the root spread and deep enough so the tree sits at the same depth it was growing at previously (look for the soil mark on the trunk)
• Break up the soil at the base and sides of the hole to help roots penetrate
• Position the tree, spread the roots evenly, and backfill with the original soil — do not add compost to the planting hole as this can discourage roots from growing outward
• Firm the soil gently around the roots, avoiding air pockets
• Stake using a short stake (roughly one-third the height of the tree) angled at 45 degrees into the prevailing wind, secured with a flexible tree tie
• Water thoroughly — at least 20 litres — and apply a mulch of bark or compost around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk

Container-Grown Trees (Year-Round)

Container trees can be planted at any time of year, though autumn and winter remain ideal as the tree is dormant and rain will help with establishment.

• Water the tree well in its container before planting
• Dig a hole at least twice the width of the container and the same depth
• Carefully remove the tree from its pot and tease out any circling roots
• Plant at the same depth as it sat in the container — the top of the rootball should be level with the surrounding soil
• Backfill, firm, stake and water as above
• Water regularly during the first two growing seasons, especially during dry spells — a deep soak once or twice a week is better than light daily watering

Rootballed Trees

Rootballed specimens arrive with their roots wrapped in hessian and wire. Plant as you would a bareroot tree, but leave both the hessian and wire in place — the hessian will break down naturally in the soil, and the wire should remain as it helps hold the rootball together during establishment.

Aftercare

The first two years are critical. Water deeply during dry periods, keep the area around the base free of grass and weeds (a 1m diameter mulched circle is ideal), check and loosen ties regularly, and remove the stake after two growing seasons when the tree is established.

How to Order

We accept orders by phone, email and through our contact form. When ordering, please state the species, quantity and size required, along with your delivery postcode if you'd like a delivery quote.

It would be greatly appreciated if customers, when ordering, would kindly state whether they would like us to send alternatives in the event of any selection being out of stock. Orders are accepted subject to the plants being unsold on receipt of the order.

For the latest pricing and availability, download our catalogue or contact us directly — stock levels change throughout the season and we're always happy to confirm what's currently available.

Stakes, Guards & Accessories

We stock a full range of tree sundries to support your planting. Items available include bamboo canes (3ft–12ft), tree stakes (210–240cm), tree ties, strimmer guards, rabbit guards (spiral), biodegradable spiral guards, Ilex guards, weld mesh tree guards (1.2m and 1.8m), Tubex tree shelters (1.2m), Tubex shrub shelters (0.75m), tree shelter stakes, and tree strapping. Please contact us for current pricing.