Tree planting

Posts

• robairdmacraignil Posts: 782

  October 2023

  I think a newly planted tree will take longer to get established in its new planting spot if there are existing trees very close to it to compete with it. The existing trees would also offer some shelter to the new tree so maybe it might have less chance of getting blown over. I have planted trees close to existing ones and they have got going without a problem but if the existing trees are to the south of your new tree then they may shade it considerably so it will be slower growing. 

  
  

  I have fairly damp soil here so water for new planting is not usually a problem but you should be aware that the existing trees will dry out the ground faster and so make water shortage a potential problem for your new tree particularly when the roots are only starting to settle after planting. Branches from the existing trees may also impact on the upward growth of your trees so you may need to trim them back. I believe you are allowed trim back whatever is growing into your property from a neighbour's tree but it might be nice to tell them if you are doing that just to stay on good terms. I think I read somewhere that although you are entitled to cut back whatever is growing into your property you are supposed to offer the cut material back to the tree owner.

  Happy gardening!
  

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• Allotment Boy Posts: 6,774

  October 2023

  I agree with the points made, but the existing trees may be making the ground very dry. 
  For general tree planting advice go to the RHS website. The modern trend is to reccomend NOT enricing the bottom of the planting hole,  DO dig a square hole twice as wide as deep,  if you need to add compost to poor soil mix it into all the soil around but mostly add as a mulch on top. 

  AB Still learning
  
  

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• Fairygirl Posts: 55,117

  October 2023

  Do you know what the other trees are @jess69395? They may get much bigger than they presently are, which also makes it harder to establish anything else. How much harder that will be is largely down to your conditions -mainly  your climate, and also the direction of prevailing weather, plus the soil condition. 
  In a wetter area, with your potential trees facing west round to north, it could be reasonably moist, as rain would get in to the ground more easily and wouldn't dry out so quickly, but if your site is south facing, and you're in a very dry part of the country, that's completely different. 
  If you can post a photo of the site, that will help with ideas, but it might be better to consider something else rather than trees if the site doesn't suit well. Possibly things like budddleias which can cope with varying conditions and soil.
  It always comes down to your conditions. 

  It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
  
  
  
  I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...

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• Joyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933

  October 2023

  jess69395 said:

  Hi, 
  I'm new here and looking for some advice about planting trees please. I have a large border that frames my garden. The aspect from our house looks out on a fence that separates our house from our neighbours. Our neighbour has two large trees that are planted very close to the fence on their side and overhang slightly. I would like to plant some trees (I'm thinking a plum) on our side of the fence but I don't know what the impact would be of planting them so closely to another large established tree with a fence separating them? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 
  Thank you
  Jess
  
  I would dig a couple of test pits, at least e metre deep, where you are thinking of planting your plum tree. If the roots from your neighbours trees are already invading on your side of the fence you are wasting your time trying to grow fruit trees in that location. 

  
  

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• jess69395 Posts: 3

  October 2023 edited October 2023

  Thank you all so much for the advice. I think I need to do some testing of the area and soil first. The border with the grey fence is East facing and the other is South facing. 

  I will post a picture of the border. I’m really keen to revamp it and I don’t know whether I can work with what I already have or whether I should start from scratch. I’m keen for some colour in all seasons. Any ideas would be very welcome!

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