This step-by-step guide walks through how to plant a mature tree, including how to correctly install a Large or Extra Large Stake & Tie Kit (two stakes and a crossbar).
Mature trees are expertly grown over many years and are a great way to add instant impact to the garden.
This guide is specifically for mature trees that are supplied in pots or bags, otherwise known as containerised trees. These can be planted at any time of year provided the ground is not waterlogged or frozen.
What's in this guide
Equipment List
- Spade & trowel
- Compost & a large container for mixing compost
- Rootgrow (optional but recommended)
- Watering can or hose pipe
If your tree has a single stem (i.e. is not a bush or multi-stem) you will also need:
- Large or Extra Large Stake & Tie Kit
- Lump hammer
- Claw hammer
- Saw
Step 1: Enlist the help of a friend or family member
We always recommend that heavy mature trees are handled by at least two people, so before you start planting, make sure you’ve enlisted the help of a friend or family member to help you handle your tree safely. Installing the stakes and crossbar is also much easier with two pairs of hands.
Step 2: Prepare the planting site
Firstly, prepare the site by removing all weeds and grass ideally within a metre of your desired planting hole.
Dig a hole the same depth as the pot or rootball and about twice as wide. Digging a square hole encourages roots to grow straighter and extend out of the planting hole.
Loosen the soil in the bottom of the hole, then sprinkle some Rootgrow to help the tree to grow strong and healthy roots.
Step 3: Mix the soil with an equal proportion of compost
Mix some of the soil from the hole with an equal proportion of organic matter such as planting or homemade compost, ready for backfilling later.
Step 4: Place the tree in the hole
Remove the pot or bag from your tree, using scissors if needed, and if you’re able, gently loosen the outer roots, taking care not to break them.
Place the rootmass in the hole, ensuring the tree is upright and the top of the tree’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil. You can add or remove soil if needed.
Step 5: Install your stakes, if needed, taking wind direction into account
For mature trees with a single stem, you'll need one of our Large or Extra Large Stake & Tie Kits depending on the height of your tree. We don't recommend staking multi-stem trees or bushes—if you're planting one of these please move on to backfilling, ignoring Steps 5, 7, and 8.
Our Stake & Tie Kits come with: two stakes, a cross bar, belting, a rubber space block, four long nails, and four short nails.
Position the stakes on either side of the rootmass, slightly off centre of the stem to allow enough space for your crossbar (about an inch or two). Once the tree is staked, the stem needs to blow away from the crossbar in prevailing winds. So, at this stage, when you are positioning your stakes, you need to consider on which side of the stem your crossbar is going to end up.
Once you’ve positioned your stakes correctly, use your lump hammer to knock them into the ground until they are firm. Take care not to penetrate the rootmass.
Step 6: Backfill and remove any bamboo canes
Backfill with your soil and compost mix around the tree and stakes. Take care not to bank the soil up over the collar or graft union of the tree as this can cause rotting. Gently press the soil to firm it.
At this point, remove the bamboo cane, if the tree comes with one.
Step 7: Attach the crossbar to the stakes, removing any excess length
Attach the crossbar to the stakes, using your claw hammer and four long nails. Remove any excess length from the crossbar using your saw, if desired.
Step 8: Install your belting and spacing block
Thread your belting through the rubber space block and wrap around the stem, at a level with the crossbar. The belting should be wrapped firmly enough to support the tree but not so tight as to restrict the tree’s growth. Make sure the rubber space block is positioned correctly between the tree and crossbar, to prevent rubbing.
Attach the belting to the crossbar using your claw hammer and short nails, making sure the tree remains upright.
Step 9: Water the tree
Next, give your tree a generous soaking by pouring water directly at the base of the tree.
If it's spring or summer, continue to water well and regularly as required. If you’re planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. In winter, dormant trees don’t require any watering.
To learn more about watering, see our other video guide on How to Water Trees Correctly.
Step 10: After planting
After planting, keep the planting area free of competing weeds, grass and other plants for the first couple of growing seasons. Keep the stakes in place for about 3-5 years, after which time they can be removed, provided the tree has established well.
If you need to adjust the belting at any point, you can do so by removing the nails.
