Preparation and Planning for Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs should be planted as early as possible in the development of the garden so that they can be growing while the rest of the operations are going on. They can be planted at any time during their dormancy period, which extends from autumn through to early spring. Garden centres offer trees and shrubs in containers for planting during the summer months, but these need careful maintenance after plant­ing. With trees especially, I would hesitate about their purchase in containers unless their foliage is bright and green and the roots not pot-bound. The ground that they are to occupy should be well prepared as it must be remembered that each tree or shrub will occupy the same piece of land for many years to come. I prefer planting to take place during the autumn, for the soil will not have become cold and the tree or shrub has an opportunity to make some root growth before the winter sets in. Late planting causes all kinds of problems as the ground is cold and the bitter winds of early spring shrivel the emerging buds and hamper growth.

All that is required for planting is a hole of sufficient size to accommodate all the roots without cramping them. It should also be of sufficient depth to allow the shrub or tree to settle to where it was in the nursery row. This can be quite clearly determined by looking for the stain at the base of the trunk or main stem caused by the previous soil level. Any damaged or broken roots should be trimmed back with seca­teurs and the plant stood in the hole. If it is a tree that will require a stake, then this is knocked in before the hole is filled so that damage to the roots does not occur. The hole is filled with crumbly soil, the tree or shrub being worked up and down so that all the nooks and crannies between the roots are filled with particles and no troublesome air pockets occur.

The soil surface is then firmed down and if it is a tree that has been planted, then this is attached to a stake with proper tree ties, or else with a short length of garden hose through which twine is threaded, the hose preventing the stake, tree and twine from rubbing one another when tied. In country districts where rabbits may be troublesome, wire netting, sacking or specially manufac­tured tape can be wrapped around the trunks to prevent the bark being stripped.