Root Balling Trees Starts around the end of October start of November

It is a great way to save a few hundreds on your tree planting scheme, and did you know? root balls are better to plant as they need less watering than pot grown.

Planting the trees You must keep the hessian / wire around the root ball. If you remove this you are taking away all the lovely home grown soil and more importantly the fibrous roots will be disturbed and knocked off, this could potentially harm the health of the tree. Should you need to nip the wire as it is close to the stem of the tree then this can be done

Site preparation Eliminate weeds and loosen the soil to improve drainage and compaction. Dig a hole to a depth to allow planting at the same level as the nursery line and up to 3 times the diameter. Break up the soil with a fork at the bottom and sides of the hole before planting. Remove any debris, stones or clods of earth etc. Improve fertility by incorporating organic matter and a suitable fertiliser into the soil. If waterlogged over winter consider plating on a slight mound as excess moisture can kill finer roots and cause disease and root rot.

Staking

If your new tree needs staking, you must remove the nursery stakes, and find two or three stakes (wooden or metal). Place your hand on the trunk and see where it needs to be steadied. Use a soft material, like canvas strapping or tree staking straps, to attach the stakes.

For most trees the stake should be one-third of the height of the tree. This anchors the roots and allows the stem to sway and thicken .For tress with long or flexible stems use long, vertical stakes, cutting it lower in the second year.

There should be a gap of 2.5-3cm (about an inch) between the stem and the stake.

Stakes should be inserted on the side of the prevailing wind so that the tree is blown away from the stake

Watering and Aftercare

Water well and regular for the first growing season. Drought stress is common with newly planted trees and shrubs. Even in a cool damp summer the rain rarely replenishes the soil moisture fully. The soil may be dry around the roots even when the surface appears moist. Windy conditions are especially likely to lead to water shortages with dull lifeless foliage an indication or drought stress. Irrigate regularly to prevent damage. Keep the diameter around the plant free from weeds as they will intercept the water before it has chance to get to the planted roots.