Best way to to plant a tree

August 30, 2021

Planting trees is a great way to add some instant impact to any space, follow our step by step guide to ensure your success.

The diameter of the hole should be no less than 3 times the size of the root ball. This reduces soil compaction and helps the roots to spread quickly.

  • Generally the depth should be no greater than that of the root ball
  • The base of the hole should be loosened to allow root penetration
  • The shape of the hole is important
  • The hole should taper like a wide rimmed bowl

In clay soils

The side of the hole should be broken to avoid constricting the root ball

Heavy soil 

If planting on heavy soil or waterlogged sites, trees can be planted on a slight mound to avoid water logging.

Before you plant your tree

Before planting, thoroughly soak the tree in a bucket of water or, even better, dilute seaweed extract. A tube stock tree that is ready for planting should need no pruning or teasing.

If the tree has congested roots delicately tease them out or slice vertically with secateurs to remove any spiral roots. Check the bottom of the tube for matted roots, these can be sliced off with minimal disturbance to the tree, preventing root girdling.

Inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi can greatly improve a tree's uptake of nutrients. It is worth applying 5g of MycoGold below the root ball before planting.

Ensure the root ball is at the correct depth and centred in the hole. If back fill is clay, ensure clods are broken down to avoid large air pockets that will dry out the root ball. Try to use soil from the site — sand as backfill in clay creates a bucket effect that can lead to waterlogging.

The addition of a small amount of compost is beneficial but add no more than a third and combine well with the soil. Back fill and thoroughly firm down.

The hole needs to be thoroughly watered.  This eliminates large air pockets. Creating a basin of soil around the plant helps keep the water around the root ball and mitigates runoff caused by hydrophobic soil or sloping sites.  Hand watering is best for establishment.  Again dilute seaweed extract is beneficial.

Steps on how to plant a tree

Step 1: Dig hole shape

Dig a round, tapering hole three times the size of the root ball.

Step 2: Hole depth check

Check the hole is no deeper than the top of the root ball.

Step 3:Root ball check

Check the root ball for matted or spiralling roots.

Step 1-3 on tree planting

Mulching and fertilising

Fertiliser is unnecessary for initial tree establishment on soil that is not nutrient deficient. Fertiliser is best applied a month or so after planting, this avoids the danger of root burning and promotes deep root growth.

Mulch is crucial to keeping moisture in and preventing weed competition. Be careful to keep it at about 5cm deep and clear of the tree trunk.

Staking of trees

If you plant tube stock trees with a good strong central leader in well prepared soil you should not stake them. Staking is for stabilising advanced trees — it should not be used as a crutch as this leads to structurally weak specimens.

Step 4-6 on tree planting

Step 1: Add soil life

Add mycorrhizal fungi below the root ball before planting.

Step 2: Back fill

Ensure the root ball is centred at the correct depth as you back-fill the hole.

Step 3: Water in

Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets around the root ball.