Dig a hole twice as wide as the size of the root-system, and just deep enough so that when the root-system rests on the bottom of the hole the levels of the surrounding ground and top of the root-system are the same.

NB. in wet, heavy or clay soils, it is desirable that the root-system is planted up to 15cms above the surrounding soil level and the excavated soil is mounded up to the newly created level to encourage rooting into an area less likely to suffer water-logging.

Remove the container from pot grown plants, but in the case of root-balled plants leave the hessian and wire packaging intact below the ground to maintain the integrity of the root-ball, and to give the plant a better start with less disturbance – the fabric and wire will rot away in due course. You should pull back any fabric and wire at the surface after planting to give the plant unobstructed access to surface water.

In case of tree planting, use stakes and tree-ties to give the new tree support until it becomes established. The stake should be driven into firm ground to the outside of the planting pit. Do not drive the stake into the root-system as this will damage the roots. Check and adjust tree-ties regularly to accommodate growth.

Back fill the hole with a mixture of one part compost and two parts soil, making sure that the plant is firmly held in by the soil. Watering immediately after planting will remove air pockets; this will reduce the risk of disease, as well as giving the plant a drink.

The roots of your plant need air and water so check soil conditions regularly. During the first growing season ensure that the plant does not dry out. However, do not over water as this will also damage the plant. Do not over feed in the first year as this will result in too much canopy growth for the new roots to support.

Keep the area around the plant free from weeds by mulching with bark or compost to a depth of 5cms.