A beginner’s guide to tree planting: what, how, where when and why

Tree planting is one way we can all come together to make a big impact on mitigating the effects of climate change. But don’t reach for the spade just yet; before you get started, it’s important to understand the reasons we plant trees and how to maximise their potential by planting the right tree in the right place at the right time.

Why plant trees?

As well as being spectacular additions to a garden or open space, trees provide numerous environmental benefits.

Trees are central to ecosystems, providing habitats and food for countless wildlife. They also absorb carbon from the atmosphere and reduce pollution by filtering and trapping pollutants. Their root systems help to prevent surface erosion from heavy rain and reduce the risk of flooding. They even help to combat heat waves, lowering temperatures through shade, heat storage and processes such as evapotranspiration.

And trees are great for communities too – planting trees offers a wealth of opportunities for local neighbourhoods, via the production of green jobs, social connectivity and benefits to mental health. That’s why Hampshire Countryside Service is undertaking the Hampshire Forest Partnership project, aiming to grow a network of trees across the county with the support of local communities.

Feeling inspired? Read on to find out more about how you can do your part – by planting your own tree at home or joining us at one of our planting events.

What should I plant and where?

When choosing a young sapling to plant there are a variety of factors to consider:

• Is the tree a UK native? This is important as you want your tree to thrive in UK conditions.
• What other trees are growing in your local area? These will help to indicate if the type of tree you’re planting will do well.
• What soil type do you have in your garden? Ensure it can support the growth of your chosen tree by using easy and inexpensive at-home soil testing.
• Consider how it’ll look when fully grown – how much space and light it will need? To what height is it likely to grow?
• Check the surrounding environment to prevent overcrowding and ensure that buildings, pipework, walls and other infrastructure won’t be affected.

When should I plant trees?

The best time of year to plant trees is from November to February. Trees are most dormant during this period, so planting at this point in the year will reduce stress and set it up to flourish in springtime.

How do I plant a tree?

Before planting

1. Make sure you have all the necessary tools: a spade, a border fork, secateurs, and water.
2. If the tree is in a normal pot, loosen the roots and pull them out so that they’re spreading (see the video below for more information). Avoid this step by keeping the tree in a root trainer for the first few years of its life before planting.
3. If the roots are exposed, ensure they’ve been kept in water so the root hairs don’t dry up.
4. You can also put mycorrhiza (a type of special fungi) on the roots to encourage root growth. It will help establish the tree’s root system, even when soil quality is poor.
5. Prepare the hole. Dig a hole wider than the tree, but probably shallower than you expect as the tree will sink after planting. Fork the sides well to help the tree roots grip and add a little organic material (ideally manure or compost made of garden waste that hasn’t been rotted).
6. If you’re planting the tree when the ground isn’t already moist add some water to make sure the ground’s soft and damp.

Planting the tree

1. Place the tree in the hole.
2. Backfill carefully, making sure not to smother the plant with organic matter, and distribute soil around all the roots to eliminate air pockets.
3. Firm down the soil with your heel and brush compost away from main stem.

Aftercare

Water the tree every day if the ground is drier, but be careful not to overwater. Keep an eye out for signs of distress, including dead or flaking bark, paler leaves and fungus growing on the tree.

Top tips

• Bark chippings can protect roots and add decoration for the first few years of life.
• When you dig the hole, put soil onto hessian rather than directly onto grass to keep the soil contained and help with clean up.
• Stakes can help support larger trees or help train a leader (the highest point of the plant), but natural movement is needed, so only use them sparingly. Canes also work with smaller trees.
• You can also use a sheath to protect the tree trunk from pests and other animals.

Have a tree-ific time planting!

Now that you’ve planted your tree, it’s time to watch it grow.

Send us photos of your planted trees on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up to our newsletter for more information on getting involved with Hampshire Countryside Service’s tree planting and tips on supporting nature recovery.