How to Plant a Tree
Planting a tree and watching it grow over the years is fulfilling and satisfying. Follow our steps below to get your tree off to a good start.
YOU WILL NEED
- A tree sapling
- A spade and fork
- Water
- A tree guard (optional)
- Mulch (organic matter like chipped bark, optional)
1. Buy a Local Tree Species
Visit the TreeTrekk Shop or your nearest garden centre, then buy a tree that grows locally.
Do your own research, ensure that you do not affect the local ecology.
2. Find a Place to Plant
We strongly recommend reading the Tree Council's Tree Planting Guide.
Only plant trees on private land with the landowners permission. Do not plant trees beneath power-lines, or that will obscure road signs. Ensure your tree's species aligns with the local woodland. More information can be found at the Woodland Trust
3. Dig a Hole
Dig a hole three times as wide as the tree's ball of roots and the same depth. Loosen the soil around the hole with a fork.
4. Soak Tree Roots
Soak the tree's roots completely, then loosen the root ball to encourage roots to grow into the soil.
5. Place Tree in Hole
Place the root ball in the hole so that the point where the roots meet the trunk is level with the surface.
Planting too deep can cause the stem to rot, but if too shallow then the roots will die above the surface.
6. Refill the Hole
Refill the hole ensuring there are no air pockets around the roots. Compact the soil around the tree making sure the stem remains upright.
7. Add Tree Guard
Using a tree guard can help to protect the tree from wildlife that may want to nibble the bark.
