Describe the soil preparation and planting for trees and woody shrubs.

To include timing, site preparation (cultivation, addition of ameliorants, mycorrhiza and/or fertiliser), specification (bare root, root-ball, container-grown); planting techniques (tools, depth and spacing, staking, protection); formative pruning, mulching and watering.

SOIL AMELIORANT

MYCORRHIZA

MYCORRHIZAL FERTILISER

PLANBTING TREES AND SHRUBS Techniques for planting trees and shrubs Loosen the soil generally to eliminate compaction and improve drainage;

Improve background fertility by incorporating fertiliser, organic matter and lime;

Ideally, assess the need for lime with a soil pH test;

Improving the soil for a wide area (2-3m (6½-10ft) around the tree) is best practice;

If soils are waterlogged over winter consider installing drainage, or an alternative is to plant on a slight mound, about 25-30cm (10-12in) high and 1m (39in) in diameter;

Excess moisture can kill the finer roots, which become blackened and sour smelling;

Wet roots are more susceptible to disease, especially Phytophthora.

Dig a planting hole that is no deeper than the roots, but is up to three times the diameter of the root system;

If the sides or base of the planting hole are compacted, break the soil up with a fork before planting;

With container grown plants, the top layers of compost should be scraped away, and the point where the roots flare out should be near the soil surface;

Insert stakes as required. Short post or gate post system;

Place the plant in the planting hole;

Planting too deep is a common cause of tree death. Aim to plant at the same depth that the tree was growing in the nursery;

Refill the planting hole carefully, placing soil between and around all the roots to eliminate air pockets;

There is little evidence that adding extra fertiliser and organic matter to the planting hole helps; in fact this practice can hinder plant establishment as the organic matter decomposes and may cause the plant to sink;

There is also less incentive for the roots to grow out into the surrounding soil;

Firm the soil gently, avoiding compacting the soil into a hard mass;

Tie to support;

Apply a mulch;

Apply rabbit guards if required.

TREE PLANTING Techniques for tree planting see planting trees and shrubs

SHRUB PLANTING Techniques for shrub planting see planting trees and shrubs

PLANT STAKING

PLANT SPACING

PLANT PROTECTION

FORMATIVE PRUNING