Quick facts
Autumn to springis the best time to plant trees
Trees add structure, height and year-round interest to a garden
Theyâre great for wildlife too, offering nesting sites, flowers for pollinators and often nutritiousfruit
Check the plant label before buying, to ensure your tree will thrive in your chosenplanting site
Getting started
Choose your tree carefully, to suit your growing conditions and the available space.See our guides to growing trees,buying trees and trees for smaller gardensfor more advice.
Treesare usually bought in pots, although some (especially fruit trees) may be available without pots (bare-root or rootballed) between autumn and springfrom specialist suppliers. All can be planted in the following way.
The best time to plant is from autumn to spring, as long as the ground isnât too wet or frozen. Containerised trees can be planted at other times, but they may need more aftercare to help them settle in. Avoid planting in hot or dry weather.
What youâll need to plant a tree:
- Bare-root or containerised tree
- âSpade and fork
- âBucket of water
- Watering can or hose
- Tree guard or spiral (optional)
- Mulch (organic matter, such aschipped bark)
- Sturdy stake, mallet and tree tie
Top tip
Before buying a tree, always check its eventual height and spread, and how well it responds to pruning, to make sure it wonât outgrow its space.
How to plant a tree in eight simple steps
Dig a hole
Make sure it's the same depth as the treeâs rootball but three times as wide. Loosen the soil around the sides of the hole with a fork if necessary.Soak the rootball
Soak thoroughly before planting â standing the tree in a bucket of water is an easy way to do this. Then remove the tree from its pot.Check the rootball
Gently loosen the roots if theyâre tightly packed, to encourage them to grow outwards into the soil.Position your tree
Place it in the hole, so the point where the roots meet the trunk is level with the soil surface.Check the level using a cane or piece of wood, and adjust if necessary. Step back and assess the tree â is it showing off its best side? If not, turn it until youâre happy with the positioning.Refill the hole
Refill around the rootball, firming down thesoil with your heelto ensurethere are no air pockets. Check thatthe stem is still upright afterwards.Add a tree guard or spiral
Fit one of these around the base of the trunkif wildlife such as rabbits visit your garden andmay want to nibble the bark.Water well and mulch
Water the tree to thoroughly soak its rootball. Then, spread a mulch of organic matter over the surface of the soil, in alayer 5â8cm (2â3in) thick.This will help to hold moisture in the soiland deter weeds.Leave a 10cm (4in) mulch-free gap around the base of the trunk. See our guide to mulching.Insert a sturdy stake
Insert at a 45 degree angle, usinga mallet to make sure itâs deeply anchored. Thenattach the trunk to the stake witha flexible tree tie.This will hold the base of the trunk and rootball steady, allowing the roots to get well established, while letting the upper part of the trunk flex and strengthen. See our guide to staking trees.
Also see our video guides:
Planting a tree in clay soil
Planting a tree in clay soil
Planting trees
Planting trees
Video guide to planting trees
Video guide to planting trees
Aftercare
Water your new tree regularly for at least a year or two, especially during dry spells.
Check the stake and tree tie annually, loosening the tie gradually as the trunk expands. Keep the stake in place for two to three years, until the tree is firmly rooted in.
Top up themulchat least once a year, to help hold moisture in the soil.
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