Before Planting
Your tree has been sealed in packaging for the past couple of days. When it arrives, place it in a light and airy spot (out of direct sunlight) and set the pot on a saucer of water for up to two days.
This helps it rehydrate and acclimatise to its new surroundings.
Planting Your Tree
Dig the right hole
Make a square hole with straight sides, about twice the width of the pot. A square hole helps roots grow
outward instead of spiralling.
Loosen the base
Break up the soil at the bottom of the hole to encourage root penetration.
Position the tree
Keep the top of the root ball level with or slightly above the surrounding ground.
Backfill and firm
Refill the hole with topsoil, gently firming it in to remove air pockets and give stability.
Mulch and weed control
Keep a 1m circle around the tree base free from grass and weeds. Apply around 5cm of mulch each spring, but
keep the mulch from touching the tree stem.
Supporting Your Tree
Your tree will benefit from some support while it establishes a strong root system, especially if planted in an exposed or windy site.
Staking
You can keep the original bamboo cane or replace it with a larger stake for added support in the first year.
The stake should be positioned on the windward side of the tree, driven firmly into the ground outside the
root ball. For most small trees, one stake at around two-thirds of the tree’s height is ideal.
Tree ties
Use a flexible tree tie to attach the stem to the stake. The tie should be firm enough to keep the tree upright
but loose enough to allow gentle movement. This movement encourages a strong trunk. Check the tie regularly,
especially after strong winds, and loosen or adjust as the tree grows to prevent rubbing or constriction.
Tree guards
If your tree is planted in an area with rabbits, deer or strimmers, fit a tree guard or spiral protector
around the lower stem. This helps prevent bark damage and protects the young tree while it’s establishing.
Ensure guards are well ventilated and don’t trap moisture, as dampness can encourage disease.
Keep the support system in place for the first one to two years, then remove the stake and ties once the tree is strong enough to stand on its own.
Watering
Right after planting
Water your tree thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. This helps remove air pockets
and ensures good root-to-soil contact.
During establishment (first 2 years)
Trees need regular watering, especially during dry spells or warm, windy weather. As a general guide, give your
tree a deep soak once or twice a week rather than frequent light sprinklings – this encourages deep root growth.
Aim for around 10–20 litres per watering, depending on tree size and soil type. Sandy soils may need more frequent watering, while heavier clay soils retain moisture for longer.
Checking moisture
Before watering, check the soil a few inches below the surface – it should feel slightly damp but not waterlogged.
Overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering, especially in poorly drained areas.
Mulching
Maintaining a 5cm layer of mulch around the base of the tree (but not touching the stem) helps retain moisture,
suppress weeds and keep roots cool in summer and insulated in winter.
Feeding
First year
Avoid strong fertilisers right after planting. Let the tree settle and focus on root establishment first.
From the second spring onwards
Apply a slow or controlled-release fertiliser in early spring to support strong, healthy growth. A balanced
fertiliser with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK such as 10-10-10) works well for most trees.
Organic options
If you prefer a natural approach, well-rotted compost or manure, lightly worked into the soil around the base,
provides a gentle, steady nutrient boost.
Annual routine
Each spring, renew your mulch layer and top up fertiliser to maintain soil health and encourage robust root
and canopy development.
With the right care in these early years, your tree will establish quickly and reward you with healthy, vigorous growth for decades to come.
A Little Attention Goes a Long Way
A little attention in the early months goes a long way. With regular watering, feeding and a watchful eye, your tree will reward you for generations to come.
We’d love to see how your tree settles in – send us a photo or tag us on social media.
