November 2017

Spring is getting closer every month which means that planting season is right around the corner.

Here at Arboricultural Services Treework Ltd in Manchester and Stockport, we have put together a simple guide to tree planting so that you can be prepared, with our help, when Spring finally arrives.

Replacement and New Trees

Every year we are asked to replace old and damaged trees with new ones for our clients and we are also asked regularly to plant new trees in gardens and large commercial areas. As experts when it comes to tree planting, we understand the imperative needs certain trees have and when you should plant them throughout the year.

As trees can often outlive humans on earth and also become homes for other species, it is important that you give your trees the best start in life possible.

First Steps to Consider

You first need to choose the tree that works in your space naturally and not pick a tree that wouldn’t be healthy or able to grow. It is so vital that you choose the right tree for the right space you are working with to avoid possible future issues like the tree becoming unhealthy, cramped and with poor nutritional levels.

Then comes the planting part which also plays a huge importance in the healthy life cycle of the tree in your garden.

Planting Your Trees

Once you have chosen the tree and where you would like to plant your tree, the next steps are how to carefully plant your tree to make sure it grows healthily from the start. Following the next steps will make sure that your tree experiences reduced stress as it settles in at its new home.

1. Find where the roots flare

When you find where the roots flare from the trunk, you will be able to know how deep you have to dig in order to make sure that this area of the tree is at ground level and visible above the soil. If this area of the tree is buried, you can actually be suffocating the tree so make sure you follow this step carefully.

2. Make sure the hole is the right size

The size of the root ball and the trunk will determine the size of the hole you need to dig before planting your tree. Like in step one, you need to make sure it isn’t too deep or too shallow and try to also loosen surrounding soils for a natural flow of nutrients and water to the roots once buried.

3. Straighten your tree

Planting a tree that isn’t straight at first will lead to potentially hazardous problems in the future. A wonky tree is more likely to fall over and damage its surrounding as well as grow unhealthily and damaged. Once your tree is planted it will be hard to alter the straightness so make sure it is straight before you fill in the hole.

4. Use stakes when necessary

The tree can sometimes need supporting with stakes in its early life as it will be weak and narrow. Most larger trees don’t need stakes to stand and the tightly packed soil can often be enough but in the circumstances where you need to use stakes, you need to use robust and durable materials that are weatherproof also.

5. Keep the moisture in

It is important that your tree has access to moisture at all times and this can be achieved by carefully digging the hole and avoiding damaging the surrounding soils. The soil on top around the tree roots and trunk will need to be professionally mulched leaving around three inches of thickness and a small gap between the trunk and soil to allow moisture in and out and avoid moulding.

Get in Touch

To arrange professional tree planting at your property in Manchester, Stockport and surrounding areas, call us today on 0161 456 0989 or 01625 850 320. If you are looking to improve the overall look and feel of your woodland area and need some professional advice, just give us a call and we are more than happy to advise you on the next steps to take.