We are now in the rootball season of the year and below is some useful information and tips on planting and caring for your rootballs.

Soil Preparation before delivery.

Dig a planting hole that is no deeper than the roots, but is up to three times the diameter of the root system if the sides or base of the planting hole are compacted; spike the soil with a fork before planting. Do not dig over the base as the disturbed soil will settle – resulting in the tree sinking too deep after planting.

A tree or shrub should never be planted deeper than the original soil level.

If you need to improve the soil condition you can add garden compost, Farmyard manure, Rose, Tree and shrub compost or Bonemeal, if using Bonemeal mix well with the soil or compost and water in before planting.

Once you have brought your Root Ball plants.

Water thoroughly before planting, you can keep without planting for 24 hours but they must be protected from drying winds.  With bare-root trees, always soak the roots before planting.

Planting of Root Ball Plants and Trees.

Do not remove the hessian sack, this will rot away over time but just loosen around the stem of the plant.

Place the tree / shrub in the planting hole and refill the hole carefully, replacing soil between and around all the roots to eliminate air pockets.

Water again after planting.

Trees can be staked to help anchor the roots whilst allowing the trunk to flex in the wind.

Aftercare.

Aftercare is more important with specimen plants and trees as they can take longer to establish.

Watering: Drought stress is common with newly planted trees, particularly when specimens have a large root-ball.  Dry, windy conditions even in the Winter are especially likely to lead to water shortages so correct watering is essential.

Evergreen root ball plants often defoliate or the leaves will turn yellow when planted, just increase the watering and they will re sprout in the Spring.

Weeding: Keep a vegetation-free circle around the tree to avoid competition for water from weeds,

lawns and other plants.

Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the tree /shrub in late winter, which will help to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Make sure you leave a collar of 10cm around the stem of the tree to

prevent the mulch causing the bark to rot.

More information.

The success rate for planting root balls is high, but not as high as pot grown hedging plants. The success rate will increase if they are planted into their final position before spring and as soon after delivery /collection as possible. We can not stress the importance of keeping large evergreen plants thoroughly watered after planting.

Large root balls (1m and taller) may be inclined to defoliate or suffer from yellowing of the leaves during their first bout of hot weather. This is simply the plant reacting to the shock of the temperature change and they just need a good watering to see them through.