our living site
Green Corridors
118 Cotter Road,
Weston, ACT, 2611,
Australia.
Ph: +61 (0)2 6287 7283
Fax: +61 (0)2 6287 7283
Web: Green
Corridors
Email: Green
Corridors
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Introduction Many trees die when they are planted because the roots are damaged getting the plant out of the bag or the roots dry out too quickly after they are planted. The soil around Canberra can be very hard and at Green Corridors, we use machinery to dig holes for planting our trees. Other people use water to soften the soil which allows you to dig the holes for your trees with a shovel. This is a really wasteful technique and environmentally unfriendly but sometimes very necessary if you don't have the correct tools on hand. |
Water is the key to tree survival. Optimally, it is very important to plant your trees into holes filled with water. This maybe messy, however it is the best way to plant trees and shrubs. The holes you dig should not be too deep. However, if lavish supplies of water are not available, do not be frightened to drench the soil. It takes a great deal of effort, especially when watered by bucket, but the results are equally as good.
If you find it hard to plant shade and shelter trees and shrubs by taking them out of their bags, then you can leave the sides on the root ball so that it doesn't collapse when planting it.
The following diagrams show you how to plant:
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Figure 1
Before digging holes to plant terees and shrubs, wet the soil with water from a hose or bucket. If it has been raining the soil may be soft enough to dig. |
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Figure 2
Sometimes it is easier to lay out the drip pipe where you want to plant the trees and shrubs. Put wooded stakes in the ground where each tree is to be planted. When you have punched in your drippers, turn on the tap and wet the soil until it is soft enough to dig. |
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Figure 3
Dig the hole for the new trees in moist soil. Make sure the hole is a little bit deeper than the potted tree. A post hole shovel is good for digging holes. |
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Figure 4
When you are ready to plant, put your trees next to the holes and fill the hole with water from a hose or bucket. |
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Figure 5
When taking the bag off the plant lay it on its side. Cut the plastic around the bottom and along one side as shown. |
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Figure 6
Peel the plastic off the bottom of the bag and with your fingers hold the plastic on both sides of the split along the side of the bag. This will hold the soil together while you place the plant in the hole filled with water. |
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Figure 7
While holding the bag with one hand, begin to push the soil into the water with the other to hold the plant upright. Remove the plastic bag as the plant becomes steady. If the plant is too low push soil under it. |
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Figure 8
If you are having problems with your plantings, then don't take all the bag off the tree. This only applies to shade and shelter trees and shrubs. Lay the plant on its side and cut around the top and the bottom of the bag. Cut slots in the plastic sides to allow the roots to grow through after planting. |
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Figure 9
Remove the top and bottom pieces of plastic leaving the sides to hold the root ball together while planting. Do not remove this plastic while planting the tree or shrub. If the plastic can not be removed after planting, the roots will grow through the side slits. |
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Figure 10
Put the plant in the hole filled with water and hold it with one hand and push the soil into the water around the plant with the other hand. If the plant is too low, push soil under it to raise it. If the plastic side can be torn away without damaging the plant, then do so. Otherwise leave it and the roots will grow through the side slits. |
The method of planting shown in this fact sheet keeps the root zone wet during the planting process. The plant has the most opportunity to survive following these directions.
During the hotter months of the year, plant your trees towards the end of the day. The night period that follows helps the plant to adjust to its new environment.
If you have sufficient water available then water the trees every second day with a hose of bucket. If you have a drip system, turn it on for half a day on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week for the first year. (approx. 100 litres per week per tree) this watering programme is for shade and shelter trees and shrubs.
If you are watering fruit trees turn the drip system on for the whole day on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week. (approx. 400 litres per week per tree)