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Planting a gum tree in the summer heat - help needed

dilbydilby Posts: 78
in Plants
Hi everyone; last year I transplanted an 8ft eucalyptus tree in the middle of the summer, and it died soon after. I reached out on the forum where it was suggested my only options were to water thoroughly and pray, but unfortunately it never recovered. The suggestion was that I had moved it in the heat, which was a no-no (I am still learning!). 

I've just had its replacement delivered (6ft in an air pot) and am wanting to get it in the ground, but we have another wave of warmer weather at the moment due to last for a good while. I'm hoping some kind folks could give me advice for how to avoid another catastrophe.

For example, is it enough to just plant in the cool of the morning or evening or should i really be waiting for a much cooler day? I'm from Australia where our hottest day at the moment would cooler than the coolest summer day and surely they still plant trees in the summer in Aus, so just curious how to handle it sensibly!

Thank you!
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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited June 2023
    I suppose I’m confused as to why you waited until now to replace your tree … much better to plant trees in the autumn and winter … or even early spring rather than in midsummer when the weather is (usually) at it’s warmest and driest.  But we are where we are 😊 so …

    You can be reassured that a tree established in a pot has a better chance of survival after planting out than one you’ve dug up and moved … moving a tree like that will have damaged all the small fibrous roots that take in the water for your tree.  The one in the pot should have undamaged roots ready to establish themselves in the soil of its new home. 

     Firstly you  will need to prepare the site well … what is the soil like in your garden?


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • dilbydilby Posts: 78
    Dovefromabove said:
    I suppose I’m confused as to why you waited until now to replace your tree … much better to plant trees in the autumn and winter … or even early spring rather than in midsummer when the weather is (usually) at it’s warmest and driest.  But we are where we are 😊 so …

    You can be reassured that a tree established in a pot has a better chance of survival after planting out than one you’ve dug up and moved … moving a tree like that will have damaged all the small fibrous roots that take in the water for your tree.  The one in the pot should have undamaged roots ready to establish themselves in the soil of its new home. 

     Firstly you  will need to prepare the site well … what is the soil like in your garden?


    Over the winter we had a baby girl so haven't found the time, and then I went to Australia, only just got back! Also, all the places I looked at selling the gums i was after wont deliver till now anyway.

    It will be going in an area i've designated for mediterranean plants, so the soil should be suitable; gritty, bit of sand mixed through compost and soil.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Oooh congratulations!  How lovely 🥰 You’re definitely forgiven 👍 

    If you’re happy that the soil is right for the tree, I would dig the hole and fill it with water … then let it drain away. When the water has gone I would plant the tree and give it a bucket full of water. 

    After that through this summer I would water it twice a week with a bucket full of water poured gently over the root area.  

    If we get another drought you could increase the amount of water but my instinct would be, for a eucalyptus, not to increase the frequency. Also if we get a really wet summer then hold back on the watering. 

    Cross your fingers and enjoy both your family and your garden 😊 



    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • dilbydilby Posts: 78
    Dovefromabove said:
    Oooh congratulations!  How lovely 🥰 You’re definitely forgiven 👍 

    If you’re happy that the soil is right for the tree, I would dig the hole and fill it with water … then let it drain away. When the water has gone I would plant the tree and give it a bucket full of water. 

    After that through this summer I would water it twice a week with a bucket full of water poured gently over the root area.  

    If we get another drought you could increase the amount of water but my instinct would be, for a eucalyptus, not to increase the frequency. Also if we get a really wet summer then hold back on the watering. 

    Cross your fingers and enjoy both your family and your garden 😊 


    Thank you so much; and you wouldn't recommend doing it in cool of day over any other time?
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I would put it in a bigger pot for now and keep it in the shade until it’s cooler.  You can keep an eye on the watering better than in the ground.
    what is an air pot? 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • debs64debs64 Posts: 5,184
    I usually leave transplantation until early evening rather than in the midday sun. Other than that I would just say keep on top of the watering. Good luck! 
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    All I can add is make sure you give the tree a good watering the night before you plant it (or that morning if planting in the evening) to make sure the root ball is thoroughly damp. For smaller plants I would say dunk the pot in a bucket of water and leave it to soak until the air bubbles stop but that might not be practical for a tree - depends how big its pot is.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited June 2023
    @Lynhttps://majestictrees.co.uk/read-up/about-airpots.html 

    Wait until it’s cooler?!?!?  You’ll have to wait until Christmas… it’s a balmy 12C here at the moment! 🥶 My poor tomatoes! 😢 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited June 2023
    The point that @JennyJ has made above is really important for your tree.  Eucalyptus grown in air pots can be very sensitive to a change in growing conditions, as I found out a couple of years ago!  Use a dustbin or wheelie bin filled with water to soak the rootball of your tree thoroughly before planting - otherwise the centre of the rootball will remain dry and your tree won't prosper.  This guide from a specialist grower in the UK should help you:

    How To Plant Eucalyptus - Hardy Eucalyptus (hardy-eucalyptus.com)
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    I agree with @Lyn in that the safest bet would be to plant in a container until the weather is more suitable.
    You don't specify the type of Eucalyptus but you could perhaps prune it before re potting/planting to give it a better chance to establish ?
    Depending on your location and, of course, the weather over the next few months as to when you feel would be the best time to plant in the ground. The height of summer isn't really practical and you will not want to lose this new tree as well.
    Good luck  :)

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