how to care for your tree

All our trees are sown from British seed. They are specially grown for maximum root development - the best start a tree can get. They are from quality certified stock and carry an EEC Plant Passport for export requirements. We grow them in pots so that they can be transplanted throughout the year and not just "in season" as is the case for bare rooted stock. The pot also protects the root system during transit and sustains the tree while waiting to be planted out in its new home. The description of the tree you see on line and the full planting instructions below are included with every Treegift.

How to Plant Your New Tree & Help Reduce your Carbon Footprint

If you do not wish to plant your tree straight away please place it outside and keep it WATERED. In the summertime this may require several top ups daily.
All Treegifts have been especially grown as enduring gifts so the young trees have an excellent root system and have been potted on to ensure they can be planted out at any time of year (as long as the ground is not frozen). Take 10 minutes to plant your tree well, or even have a tree planting ceremony to welcome it to your home, and enjoy the results for generations to come.

Select your position.
Where do you want the tree to grow - in a border, a planter, in the lawn?
How big is a mature specimen? - don't plant too near to buildings, paths, service pipes.
Young trees will need sunlight but not drying out, don't choose a very shady or exposed spot.

1) Clear an area of a metre diameter of weeds or grass and dig your hole
2) Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole. Each Treegift has slow release fertiliser within the rootball but you may fork in extra compost or fertiliser at this stage.
3) Generously water the pot to help release the tree. Ease the tree out, gently unfurling some of the surface roots and place in the hole. Ensure, when finished, that the tree will remain at the same planting depth as it was in the pot.
4) Replace the soil, firm well and water generously. We recommend mulching to suppress weed growth and conserve moisture.
5) Water regularly during the first growing season, whilst the roots establish themselves
6) Stake the tree with a strong cane or pole, taking care not to chaff the bark with the tie.
7) If your tree is likely to be attacked by grazing animals, or by your pets you will need to protect it to the appropriate height. Plant shelters (e.g. Tubex) are available from garden stores.
8) All Treegifts will be fully hardy in the UK.