Trees are an investment in your garden’s future, but unpredictable weather can sometimes delay planting. Whether you’ve received bare-root, container, or root-ball trees, it’s crucial to store them correctly to ensure their health. This guide details the best practices for seasonal storage and preparation for planting, including specific examples of trees that might need extra care.
1. Storing Bare-Root Trees
Bare-root trees are dormant when delivered, making them susceptible to environmental stresses.
Autumn and Winter Storage:
Protect from Frost: Keep the roots damp with moist hessian, straw, or plastic in a frost-free space. If frost is likely, use the heel-in method by temporarily planting them in a trench.
Examples:
Field Maple (Acer campestre): Tolerates frost well but ensure roots don’t dry out.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna): Hardy but prone to root desiccation in dry winter winds.
Avoid Waterlogging: Waterlogging is a common risk for bare-root trees like Silver Birch (Betula pendula), which prefer well-drained soil during dormancy.
2. Storing Container Trees
Container trees can be stored all year but require specific care depending on the season.
Autumn and Winter:
Prevent Freezing: Insulate the pot with bubble wrap or hessian. Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) is frost-tolerant but can suffer from frozen roots in exposed locations.
Examples:
Ornamental Cherry (Prunus species): Can tolerate light frost but dislikes waterlogged pots.
Yew (Taxus baccata): Very hardy, but ensure it doesn’t sit in overly wet conditions.
Spring and Summer:
Protect from Heat: Keep pots shaded to prevent overheating and drying. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is particularly sensitive to drying winds and heat stress.
Watering Needs: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris) can be prone to drying out in warm conditions.
3. Storing Root-ball Trees
Root-ball trees, often wrapped in burlap, are hardy but need care to remain healthy before planting.
Seasonal Care:
Autumn and Winter: Store outdoors but insulate roots with mulch. Beech (Fagus sylvatica) is frost-hardy but vulnerable to root-ball desiccation.
Spring and Summer: Keep in partial shade and ensure consistent moisture. Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) prefers steady hydration but is less tolerant of standing water.
4. Preparing the Planting Site
Advance preparation is key:
Clear the Site: Remove weeds and debris to minimize competition for nutrients.
Dig the Hole: Pre-digging helps during cold or wet weather. Ensure the hole accommodates the tree’s root system and allows for proper drainage.
5. Seasonal Planting Considerations
Each season brings unique challenges for planting:
Autumn: Ideal for most species like Oak (Quercus robur) due to warm soil and consistent moisture. Stake trees to protect them from autumn storms.
Winter: Avoid planting during frost or waterlogging. Add mulch to insulate roots. Hardy species like Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) are better suited for winter planting.
Spring: Plant as soon as the soil is workable. Species like Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) thrive when planted early in the growing season.
Summer: If planting is unavoidable, shade the tree and water frequently. Elder (Sambucus nigra) can handle summer planting with careful watering.
More Information
At Bowhayes Trees, we stock a wide range of native and ornamental trees to suit every garden. Visit www.bowhayestrees.co.uk for expert advice and a variety of trees to order today. Let’s help your garden thrive, whatever the weather!
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