Here at Branching Out, we don’t just cut down trees — we also offer a tree planting service.
Planting trees and shrubs might sound easy, but it can be very expensive if you get it wrong. To give your tree the best start in life, we recommend that you talk to one of our qualified experts.
Planting trees needs plenty of research and some time spent on preparation. Before you head down to the nearest garden centre, please read the following advice.
The recommended time for tree planting is over autumn and winter, between October and April.
You need to ensure that the ground is not waterlogged, as saturated soil has no air spaces and the tree roots can rot before they have a chance to grow.
While some tree varieties can handle boggy conditions, others do not like poorly drained or heavy ground. Frozen ground is also to be avoided, especially if you are unable to dig a hole in the icy soil.
While trees in containers can be planted all-year round, they are easier to look after over autumn and winter as they require less water.
You will find that bare-root and rootballed trees are only available to purchase in autumn and winter. These should be planted immediately, or at least put into the ground temporarily to stop the roots drying out.
Here is a helpful tree planting checklist to help you decide which species is right for your garden:
Drought is the biggest danger to a newly-planted tree. While water can sit on the surface, it may not reach down to the roots.
Windy weather can also dry out a young tree, so a regular watering regime needs to be adopted to prevent serious damage.
You also need to be aware that too much water on poorly drained soil, such as clay, can also threaten a tree’s health.
You can check the dampness of the ground by digging a small hole next to the rootball before watering.
Do not be tempted to add fertiliser to the soil straight after planting, leave this until the year after. Check if your tree uses root boosting mycorrhizal fungi, which can be suppressed by fertilisers.
If you are looking for professional tree planting service, look no further than Branching Out.
We cover North Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, including Hitchin, Letchworth, Stevenage, Royston, Biggleswade, Bedford, Flitwick, Luton and the surrounding villages.
Expect the highest possible standards from our garden experts. Contact us today to arrange a FREE, no obligation quote.