LOCATION
- When planting your trees, allow enough room for future growth. View the tree size guide to help you determine your planting area/location.
- Be sure to clear any weeds or grasses from the planting area as newly established trees do not like competition.
- Soil must be easy draining. Ensure water does not pool in this area as this could lead to root rot and a shallow root system.
PLANTING
- Be careful not to plant in heavy clay soils as this can lead to a pulling effect, which could drown the tree (root rot).
- When digging the hole for your tree, ensure that it’s at least three times the size of your pot or bag, and 2-3 inches below base.
- When removing your tree from the bag or pot, gently tease the edge of the root ball to allow for more vigorous growth.
- When placing your tree in the hole, the top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil. Be sure not to add soil over the top of existing bag or pot level.
- On sandy or loamy soils, it is advised to add a quality compost mix, manure or premium potting mix with your backfill soil to allow for better growing conditions.
- Add water when backfilling and do not compact the soil too tightly.
- Staking of the tree must be completed with a minimum of two stakes at least 1.5m in height and 50cm in the ground (be careful not to upset the tree roots when driving in your stakes). Use a flexible webbing that is at least 50mm in diameter to tie your tree to the stake.
FERTILISING
- Fertilising should take place when the tree has come out of its dormant state (start of spring).
- A general slow-release fertiliser such as Osmocote is best suited to our trees.
- If using granule fertiliser, ensure this does not come into contact with the tree trunk.
MULCH
- Add mulch to base of tree about the diameter of dripline of foliage (50-100cm thick at the start of summer to retain water and moisture.
- When applying mulch, create a heaped mound positioning the trunk in the middle, however you must ensure mulch does not touch the trunk of the tree.
- Mulching in winter is not advisable as it can stop heat from penetrating into the root system.
WATERING
- Watering is essential in the first couple of years for newly planted trees.
- Light watering in the spring is best in drier periods.
- From the start of summer, deep soaking 1-2 time per week is essential.
- It is more important that your tree is watered at the start of summer as its still in its active growth period.
OBSERVATION
- If your tree is not receiving its water, this can be identified by curling of the leaves. Another sign is an early change in seasonal colour. If this occurs, a deep soaking will help.
- Overwatering can be observed by the leaves starting to hang or droop, and a pale colour may start to show.