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Planting Guidelines
How to prepare the ground and give your new plant the
best chance for growth . . .
Timing
Container-grown plants can be planted at any time but
must be kept well watered. Late September to the end
of April is ideal. Bare root plants should be planted
between November and March.
Care
of Plants Before Planting
Keep the soil within the pot of a container-grown plant
moist prior to planting. If you intend to store bare-rooted
plants, it is a good idea to dig them into a vegetable
garden or similar as a temporary measure, making sure
that all roots are covered with friable moist soil.
If you are planting one of Nicholsons’ own bare-rooted
plants, you should note that these are supplied in special
co-extruded bags. These plants should be kept securely
tied in their bags until they are ready to be planted.
Plants in their bags should be stored away from direct
sunlight, frost and wind, and the roots should not be
allowed to dry out. Ideally, dip the roots before planting,
and carry out planting within a few days of purchase
or seek further advice.
The
Hole
Dig the hole as large as possible, ensuring that the
roots or root ball of the plant will fit well into the
hole with 15-20cm on each side. Typically, the hole
will need to be one-and-a-half times the size of the
roots or root ball, and this applies especially to depth.
It is important to dig over the bottom of the hole as
this will aid drainage and assist good root establishment.
The Soil
Prepare your soil well. Cultivate to a fine tilth (maximum
clod size should be less than 40mm). Check for compaction
at the base of the hole, ensuring you can dig freely
to 450mm. If there is compaction, loosen the soil. If
you are unsure about the suitability of your soil type
to the species you are hoping to plant, please don’t
hesitate to contact us. A good planting medium such
as T.P.M.C. should be dug in to the base of the hole,
as this will encourage deep root growth. If the tree
is a bare root example, a suitable stake should be driven
well into the hole prior to back filling.
Fertiliser
Depending upon the plant species and the condition of
your soil, you may wish to consider mixing in very well
rotted manure (approximately 20% of the soil volume)
to improve structure and fertility. Alternatively use
a fertiliser like Growmore in the summer or a slow release
fertiliser such as ALS or Enmag in the winter.
Planting
Position the tree and adjust its depth in the hole.
The final depth of the tree must be at the same depth
as it was in the container or just above the start of
the stem base.
Back filling should be done with a mixture of soil taken
from the hole and some planting medium. If a watering
tube is being fitted, it should be included before the
plant is placed within the hole (see Watering leaflet).
If an irrigation pipe is being used, then it should
be installed prior to back-filling (see later in this
leaflet). The soil should be added steadily in 50mm
layers and well firmed. This can be done by treading
the soil with your feet making sure the tree remains
straight.
Staking
If the tree is bare root this should be done prior to
planting. With container grown or root balled trees,
it may be difficult to position the stake close to the
main trunk so two stakes should be used with a cross
rail and the tree attached with a tree tie. Stakes are
only a short-term measure and should be removed by the
third season. This will allow the roots to anchor and
support the tree naturally. Providing the tree stands
upright in calm weather, do not worry if it bends in
the wind.
Mulching
To complete the planting a mulch should be spread 75mm
deep around the base of the tree to retain the moisture
after planting and suppress weeds. Allow a 50mm gap
between the trunk and the mulch.
Top Dressing
Top dress the tree with fish, Blood and Bone in March
at the rate of 3oz per square yard and mulch annually
to ensure maximum growth and quick establishment.
Watering
Water in well, but do not saturate. Water is the most
essential factor for any tree in its first season. Please
see our watering guide for more information.
Aftercare
Immediately after planting make sure the plant is soaked
thoroughly. Water onto the root ball area in particular,
as well as the surrounding soil.
All Subsequent Watering
Check the root ball and surrounding soil by gently digging
into the soil to a depth of 8-10cm, or deeper if necessary.
If the root ball is wet or damp from previous watering
there is no need to apply more water. If the root ball
below the surface has dried out, then water only enough
to ensure the root ball is wet.
Check:
To avoid plant damage or failure, check the plant frequently,
every other day or even daily, depending upon weather
conditions.
How much water do I give?
It is impossible to advise on how much water to give,
as the situation will vary for each situation, depending
upon the plant itself, the soil, the site conditions,
and the weather in your garden. All these factors are
unique. The answer is to keep checking the plant regularly.
If the root ball and surrounding soil are wet, then
do not water. If they are dry, then you need to redress
this. If you are unsure then please call and speak to
one of our experts.
Don’t Waterlog
The plant will not tolerate sitting in water-saturated
ground. Air in the soil is as vital as the water.
Don’t be fooled by the rain
Summer rain very often does not soak deeply into the
ground but simply wets the surface and then evaporates,
sometimes not even reaching the root ball. Occasionally
the underlying soil can be very dry but the soil surface
appears wet, especially after rain. The answer is to
dig 25cm (10”) carefully into the root ball and
surrounding soil to see if the conditions around the
roots are moist or dry. In winter, when conditions are
cold and windy, evergreens should also be regularly
checked. See our leaflet on Watering
Guidelines for further advice.
Contacts
If you would like further advice on planting, please
check out our interactive diagram by following this
link, or contact Nicholson Nurseries,
either by telephone or by using the email links on the
Contacts page.
It is also possible to request a site visit. Nicholsons
staff are happy to provide this service throughout Oxfordshire
and the surrounding counties, and regularly make calls
in Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire,
Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire.
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