Planting a containerised tree

Step 1
Choose your site carefully taking into consideration the proximity of buildings, walls and foundations that could be damaged by developing roots. If in doubt seek expert advice before planting. Make sure the tree you intend to plant will not out grow its position and that it is suitable for your soil. Water your tree thoroughly and allow the water to really soak in.

Step 2
Dig out an area that is 3-4 times the diameter of the pot that the tree is growing in and at least twice the depth. Loosen the soil at the base of the hole and on the sides so that the roots can grow into it easily. Mix in Rose, Tree & Shrub Compost into the soil in the base of the hole and also with the soil you have dug out. Add some Bone Meal to the soil to help it form a good solid root system quickly that will anchor the tree and support its growth.

Step 3
Gently tip the tree over so that it is lying on the ground and ease the pot off. Take care not to damage the roots. Using your fingers, or a hand fork, carefully untangle some of the roots on the edge of the root ball, this will encourage them to start to grow out into the soil instead of round and round as they have been in the pot.

Step 4
Fix a stake firmly in the hole; off centre and preferably on the opposite side of the normal prevailing wind, this will support the tree as it develops. There are several ways to stake a tree, either use a short stake set at an angle of 45 degrees into the direction of the wind and tie the tree to this, or use two short stakes opposite each other and strap the tree to these. Low stakes allow the tree to bend with the wind and encourages a strong anchorage.

Step 5
Add some of the soil/compost and Bone Meal mix until the bottom of the hole is covered. Place the root ball of the tree into this mixture and lay a cane over the hole to check the level of the tree. It should be planted at the same depth that it was in the pot. If it is too low, add more soil and compost, if it is too high remove some until it is at the right level.

Step 6
Fill in around the root ball with the soil/compost/Bone Meal mixture and firm down with your feet. Water well and allow the soil to settle for about a week. Where the soil has sunk around the trunk, fill in with more compost and soil mixture until it is level. Mulch around the base of the tree with an appropriate mulch such as Chipped Bark or Mini Chipped Bark. Tie the tree to the stakes using rubber tree ties and adjust until they grip the trunk. Check regularly and loosen the ties as the tree grows.