A simple, practical guide to getting trees and hedges off to the right start — from choosing the planting moment to watering, staking and the first season of aftercare.
Planting, step by step
Open each stage for a concise checklist you can use on site or share with a client.
For most bare-root deciduous trees and hedging, planting is best carried out while plants are dormant. Container-grown plants offer more flexibility, but the ground should be workable and watering must be available.
Before digging, check mature dimensions, overhead and underground constraints, soil condition, drainage, exposure and access. Avoid planting into waterlogged or frozen ground.
Remove competing grass and weeds. Loosen the soil in and around the planting area without creating a loose pocket that can later settle. Improve poor soil only where appropriate to the plant and site.
Place the plant so the root flare / original soil level sits at the appropriate finished level. Do not bury the stem or trunk. For bare-root plants, spread roots naturally rather than folding them into a tight hole.
Backfill with the excavated soil where suitable, working it around the roots to remove large air pockets. Firm gently rather than compacting the soil heavily.
Water immediately after planting so the root zone is thoroughly wetted. Continue monitoring moisture closely through the first growing season, especially during warm, dry or windy weather.
Use an appropriate support system where the site, plant size or exposure requires it. Check ties regularly and adjust them as the tree grows. Consider guards or other protection where browsing, mowing or mechanical damage is a risk.
Apply a suitable organic mulch around the planting area, keeping it clear of the trunk or stems. Keep the area weed-free and inspect regularly for drought stress, damage and establishment issues.
Build your planting plan
Use the guide below to create a quick first-season care plan.
Before plantingConfirm position, mature size, soil and drainage.
On planting dayPrepare roots, plant at the right level, firm and water.
First seasonKeep weeds down and monitor moisture consistently.
AftercareInspect supports, ties, guards, mulch and new growth.
Important: this is a general planting guide, not a site-specific specification. Final planting method should take account of the individual species, root condition, soil, exposure, drainage, season and local conditions.