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Planting a tree

Peanuts3Peanuts3 Posts: 759
in Plants

I'm going to bite the bullet and plant an Cercis Chinensis Avondale, as it will remind me of the American redbuds but after some research I'm thinking this may be a bit tougher. 

Am i still okay to plant it at this time of year ? The soil is very sandy so I'm thinking lots of compost and lots of watering.  Any other tips, have never planted a tree before and as it will be a 40th birthday present, I'd really like it to survive ! image

Posts

  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039

    Perfect time.

    Square hole [ yes really ], encourages roots to grow out. loosen soil around edges of hole [ same reason ], don't add compost to hole [ if soil too rich in hole, roots will not have to search for nutrients, and finally a stake that allows top of tree to move, but that anchors the roots.

    I am sure people will disagree with some of this, but I read a lot of stuff before planting trees a few years ago, and there did appear to be some evidence for the above.

    Also regular watering in the first few years.

    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • Tropical SamTropical Sam Posts: 1,488

    Punkroc is correct. The modern method is for square holes and back filling with the same soil. That encourages the roots to seek nutrients and thus will be stronger in winds as the roots will be far and wide.

    If heavy soil then planting the tree slightly higher, say 1inch, than the surround soil will help with drainage and soak water down to the roots.

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,887

    the only thing I might add to punkdoc's answer is,  given the time of year, don't plant if the ground is waterlogged or frozen.

    Devon.
  • JamesOJamesO Posts: 230

    like the other replies the square hole for a tree and make it quite wide and also pro gardeners say to loosen the soil underneath as well.  I like to add small amount of bonemeal as well

  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    You gotta love this forum for providing answers to questions I have now with results from years ago. 

    I wonder if there’s anything else to be mindful of? 

    The place I’m putting it has been under gravel and membrane for years. I’ve started digging the hole and found some concrete and old wooden posts. 

    A lot of worms too which, I’m guessing, is a good sign? 

    The nursery suggested compost in the hole but I’ve seen others say not to. 

    How wide should I loosen the soil? The Rowan I’ve bought is about six feet high. The pot isn’t massive. Should I loosen it in a wide area so that the roots can get through it easily or will they push through anyway once the tree is bigger? 


  • Balgay.HillBalgay.Hill Posts: 1,088
    Rowans are pretty tough trees, so i wouldn't worry too much.
    They are often seen growing out of cracks in rocks up here in the highlands, and even on top of boulders with little or no soil.
    Sunny Dundee
  • TheGreenManTheGreenMan Posts: 1,957
    Balgay.Hill said:
    Rowans are pretty tough trees, so i wouldn't worry too much.
    They are often seen growing out of cracks in rocks up here in the highlands, and even on top of boulders with little or no soil.
    Thank you. 
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