Preparing the Site for Planting

It is important to prepare your site thoroughly well in advance of planting so that the soil has a chance to settle, and you can minimise any delay between buying and planting your tree.

Method

1. Remove all plant growth from the site to reduce the competition for nutrients and water in the soil. Never plant a tree where one has been before; if you have no choice, then you must replace the soil to a depth and width of 60-90 cm (24-36in).
2. Double dig the soil, incorporating organic matter in the lower trench. Most trees need a greater depth of soil than any other type of plant, and so it is essential to work the soil deeply before planting, to at least 45 cm (18 in), although some trees will require a greater depth, up to 1 m (3 ft).
3. Dig the planting hole, which should be between two and four times the width of the tree's root ball.
4. Mix the soil with well-rotted organic matter and if planting in spring, some slow-release fertilizer.
5. Fork over the base and sides of the hole to break up the surrounding soil so that the tree roots may grow into it more easily. This is vital in heavy, sticky soils.
6. If preparing the hole in advance, backfill the hole loosely until ready to plant the tree so that the soil stays warm.