Untitled Document

10 STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL PLANTING
& ESTABLISHMENT OF YOUR NEW PLANTS

The successful growing of most plants depends on careful attention to:

Correct handling of the plants both before and during planting;
Ground preparation;
Aftercare and maintenance

If in doubt - ASK - our Helpline is open Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm; or leave a message on our 24 hour answering machine; or fax us.

CONTAINER GROWN PLANTS	ALL PLANTS	BAREROOT PLANTS
1. Ensure containers are moist, not wet and kept in a cool but frost free position and ideally out of the wind, which will both dry the plants and may cause them to fall over.	1. Pre-planting Container grown plants Bare root plants DO NOT REMOVE HESSIAN OR NETTING FROM ROOTBALLED TREES	1. If it is not possible to plant your new plants immediately - unpack the plants, inspect the roots - they should be moist, not dry. If dry, stand in water for 2 hours. Repack the roots in the bag, leaving the heads open and store out of direct sunlight in a frost free, cool shed or garage. Keep the roots moist at all times OR 'heal in' - plant in a shallow trench covering the roots with moist soil - firmed down to eliminate air pockets.
2.	2. Ground Preparation Prepare site for planting by digging over well and removing weeds - especially the roots of perennial weeds. Remove large stones/hardcore etc.	2.
3. Ensure compost in container is well watered - do not disturb root ball.	3. Water Plants Container grown plants Bare root plants	3. Unwrap roots and soak for 2 hours in water. Prune off any damaged roots.
4. Dig a hole slightly bigger than the container - approximately 1/3 bigger in all directions.	4. Dig A Hole 'Planting Pit' Container grown plants Bare root plants	4. Make the pit large enough to accommodate all roots without being curled up.
5.	5. Add Compost & Fertilisers With the soil excavated from the pit mix 2 parts of this soil to 1 part compost/organic matter, well rotted farmyard manure, garden compost, spent mushroom compost or a proprietary planting compost PLUS a general slow release fertiliser, such as bonemeal at the Manufacturers recommended rate.	5.
6. Use the soil/compost mix to fill the base of the hole. Carefully remove the container and without disturbing the roots place centrally in the hole. Fill the rest of the hole with remaining prepared soil and firm gently to exclude any air pockets. Ensure that when planted, the plant is to a depth no deeper than the soil mark on the stem.	6. Place Plant in Hole/Pit Container grown plants Bare root plants	6. Try the plant in the hole. Ensure that when planted, the plant is to a depth no deeper than the soil mark on the stem. Fill the rest of the hole with remaining prepared soil and firm gently to exclude any air pockets.
7.	7. Staking Trees will need a form of support either a cane for a small tree or stake 50/75mm(2/3") thick driven into the ground at least 450mm(18"). The stake should reach to just below the lower branches of the tree. Position this on the prevailing wind side to reduce the chance of damage from the trunk rubbing against the stake. Insert the stake as close as possible to the trunk, but do not drive the stake through the rootball - if necessary insert the stake at an angle. Use plastic or rubber tree ties with spacers to hold the tree firmly away from the stake. Check ties regularly to prevent the tree being strangled.	7.
8.	8. Water Water new plant well - even if the soil is moist, a good watering helps to settle the soil and eliminate small air pockets. A length of perforated pipe can be buried into the hole/planting pit to aid watering directly to the roots - but beware not to overwater. Never allow newly planted plants to dry out. - see over for further guide.	8.
9.	9. Mulch 1metre (36/39") diameter around the base of new plants must be kept weed & grass free. These compete for water and nutrients and restrict the development of the plant. A generous mulch of rotted compost, bark mulch, spent mushroom compost, wet straw or even grass cuttings are effective.	9.
10.	10. Fertilisers A dressing of general fertiliser - such as Rooster or Growmore, applied at the manufacturers recommended rates in late spring, will help your plants development.	10.

PLANT GUARANTEE
We hope you will gain many years of pleasure from your new plants. if you are not entirely satisfied with your plants on receipt, please return them to us within 7 days for a full refund of the price of the plants. If, after following the our planting and care guide you plants fail, we will:

In the case of 'container grown' (deciduous and evergreen) plants purchased in leaf - that die within 60 days from the date they leave the nursery, we will either replace with plants of the same size, subject to availability OR refund the price paid for the plants.

In the case of deciduous 'bare root' plants or 'container grown' plants purchased during the dormant season - that fail to come into leaf during the first growing season after planting - we will either replace the plants, with plants of the purchased size, subject to availability, during the next bare root season OR refund the price paid for the plants - providing we have been notified of any failures by 31st May. Allow for up to 10% failure of plants from bare root stock.

In the case of evergreen 'bare root' plants - If you are not entirely satisfied with the plants on receipt, please return them to us within 7 days. We will refund the price paid for the plants. After 7 days we regret we cannot entertain any claims should the plants fail. Allow for up to 10% failure of plants from bare root stock.

Our replacement/refund guarantee does not cover:
Plants that have not been planted and cared for according to this guide;
That have been subjected to adverse weather conditions;
That have been attacked by rodents, animals or disease, subjected to strimmer or lawn mower damage - or similar;
That have died due to disease
That have been vandalized
That have been subjected to drought or water logging or adverse cultural conditions.

Plant descriptions - While we make every effort to ensure plant descriptions and specifications are correct we cannot be held responsible for any unfortunate errors - we will refund the cost of the plant only.

Refunds will only cover the cost of the plants - no other costs will be refunded.

No payment will be made for consequential losses or damage.

The above guarantee does not affect your Statutory Rights.

WATER CONTROL

Water control is the major factor governing successful transplanting.

It is very difficult to advise on the exact quantity of water to give - application rates vary according to species, soil, site and prevailing weather conditions. One rule however, can be given - a newly planted tree/plant must not be
allowed to dry out during the first two years after planting. Do not wait until you see leaves wilt - you are probably too late! Equally, be careful excessive water can also be fatal, and cause the tree to wilt.

Year 1

After planting - water in - see our Planting Guide - thereafter:
A monitored watering regime should commence around the end of March/early April and continue until the end of October - depending on weather conditions. Once the worst of the winter has passed and spring is on the way the sap will start to rise - water will now be essential. Evergreen trees/plants may need watering earlier in the year as they loose moisture more quickly especially in drying winds.
Apply the water slowly around the plant to avoid excessive run-off or into the underground irrigation tube, if supplied. Never put the hose on and leave it running.
The following rates should be used as a guide - Apply once per week when there has been no appreciable rain for 7 days.

Tree & Specimen Shrub up to 4m : 6 gallons (30L) once a week (for larger Trees please see our leaflet on Care of Semi-Mature Trees).
Shrub : 2 gallons (10L) once per week
Perennial : 1 gallon (5L) once per week

Apply the rate twice a week

During extended periods of very high temperatures
If there have been drying winds,
If you garden on a light sandy soil.

Year 2 & 3

Less artificial watering will be required, as the tree will have established its root system. It may need watering in periods of prolonged hot weather or in drying winds - application rates as in Year 1 - but not on a continuous basis.

All plants should be kept free from weeds and grass for a 1m diameter around their base for 3/5 years.

If in doubt ring us!