Tree Planting Advice
Expert guidance to ensure your tree gets the best possible start and thrives for generations.
Proper planting technique is crucial for long-term tree health. Follow these professional guidelines from G Trott Tree Consultancy to give your tree the best chance of establishing successfully and reaching its full potential.
Correct Planting Depth
The most common cause of tree failure is planting too deep. The root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) should be at or slightly above ground level.
Step-by-Step:
- Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball, but no deeper
- The hole should have sloping sides like a saucer, not vertical walls
- Place the tree so the root flare is visible at ground level
- Backfill with the original soil - don't add compost or amendments to the hole
- Firm the soil gently to eliminate air pockets, but don't compact heavily
Key Point: If you can't see the root flare, dig down carefully to expose it before planting. Planting too deep will cause the tree to decline over time.
Staking and Tying
Proper staking provides stability during establishment while allowing the tree to develop natural movement and taper.
Best Practices:
- Use a single stake for trees under 3m, double or triangular staking for larger specimens
- Position stakes outside the root ball to avoid damage
- Drive stakes at a 45-degree angle facing prevailing wind
- Use flexible tree ties with spacers to prevent bark damage
- Attach ties low on the stem (about 1/3 height) to allow natural movement above
- Check and loosen ties every 6 months to prevent constriction
- Remove stakes after 2-3 years once roots are established
Warning: Ties that are too tight or left on too long will girdle the stem and kill the tree. Regular inspection is essential.
Mulching
Mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, moderates soil temperature, and slowly improves soil structure.
Application Guidelines:
- Use organic mulch: wood chips, bark, or well-rotted leaf mould
- Apply in a circle 1-1.5m diameter around the tree
- Mulch depth should be 75-100mm (3-4 inches)
- Keep mulch 100-150mm away from the trunk to prevent rot
- Replenish annually as mulch decomposes
- Never pile mulch against the trunk ("mulch volcanos" are harmful)
Benefit: Proper mulching can reduce watering needs by up to 50% and significantly improve establishment success rates.
Watering Schedule During Establishment
Consistent watering during the first 2-3 years is critical. Trees need deep, infrequent watering rather than frequent shallow irrigation.
First Growing Season
- Water 2-3 times per week in dry weather
- Apply 20-30 litres per session for small trees
- 50-75 litres for larger specimens
- Water slowly to allow deep penetration
Second & Third Years
- Reduce frequency to weekly in dry periods
- Increase volume per session
- Monitor soil moisture at root depth
- Continue during drought even after establishment
Tip: Create a watering ring (shallow berm) around the planting hole to direct water to the root zone. Water in the early morning or evening to minimize evaporation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don't
- • Plant too deep
- • Add compost to the planting hole
- • Over-stake or use rigid ties
- • Create mulch volcanoes
- • Water little and often
- • Leave burlap or wire baskets on root ball
- • Plant during extreme heat or frost
✓ Do
- • Expose and position root flare correctly
- • Use native soil for backfilling
- • Allow natural stem movement
- • Keep mulch away from trunk
- • Water deeply and less frequently
- • Remove all packaging materials
- • Plant during dormant season (Nov-Mar)