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Thank you for selecting trees from Allwood trees. The following planting guide is designed so your tree is planted to accepted horticultural standards and assists with the long term successful growth of your tree.

Preparation:
Prepare a hole at least 1.5 to 2.0 times the size of the container. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole and backfill the bottom of the hole with good soil and compost. If the soil conditions are heavy (clay) it may be best to mound up the site slightly to stop water ponding around the trunk.

Planting:
Remove the tree or plant from its container. A bag is easily removed by cutting down two sides with a sharp knife. Remove boxes by splitting the ends – the four sides and bottom are then easily separated from the root ball. Try not to disturb the root ball. Roots should only be lightly teased out, or not at all. Backfill hole with good soil and compost flush with the top of the root ball only. Do not build soil up higher than planted around stem. The finished height for the tree or plant should be flush with the existing ground level, or if the surrounding soil level is being built up, flush with the new ground level height.

Staking:
This is essential. Drive two stakes into the ground close to the tree but avoiding the root ball. Secure tree firmly using tree tie. Stakes and ties should be left holding tree for at least one to two years after planting until roots are established. Ties should be checked regularly during growing season to ensure they are not cutting into the tree. For very large trees three stakes or waratahs may be required for stakes.

Watering:
Water immediately after planting and at least three times a week with at least three buckets of water. Mulch of pea straw around the trunk – but not touching the trunk – will help to retain moisture. Increased watering is essential during dry spells and days of high wind.

Refrain from watering deciduous trees as soon as the leaves start dropping in autumn and cease during whole dormant period. Resume during spring when buds start to burst.

Mulching:
On a hot day one square metre of bare soil can lose up to 2 litres of water a day. Cover the root zone area with 75mm to 100mm of either a bark mulch, or pea straw. (Don’t use lawn clippings) This will assist with water retention and also reduce weeds.

Fertilizer:
Allwood Trees recommends Nitrophoska Blue as an all purpose fertliser. Yates also produce the “Thrive” range of garden fertilizers that are excellent for a range of trees and shrubs.