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Transplanting Trees
1st
January 2005
Weather-
wise January can be a funny peculiar month.
There is no telling what will be thrown at us
but it is frequently a period of calm before
the storm. February is often the time to batten
down the hatches with lashing rain and beating
snow is commonplace in N.Ireland.
If
this month settles down it will be a great opportunity
to plant and transplant trees.
 There
are a dozen golden rules to follow for successful
planting:
1.
When digging up a tree avoid damaging
the roots especially the fine, fibrous roots.
2. Keep as much soil on the
roots as possible.
3. Remove broken roots using
sharp secateurs.
4.  Don’t
allow the roots to dry out. If necessary heel
the tree roots into wet sand or peat until you
are ready to plant.
5. Plant at the same depth
as previously grown. There will be a mark on
the plant stem.
6. The planting hole should
be larger than the root spread.
7.  Fork
up the base of the planting hole to allow water
to drain away.
8. Dispose of the subsoil replacing
the topsoil around the roots.
9. If a tree stake is necessary
for support drive it into the planting pit before
placing the plant.
10. Incorporate bone meal and
well rotted, farmyard manure with the planting
soil.
11. Firm the soil around the
roots to eliminate air pockets.
12.  Water
well after planting to settle the soil. Continue
watering as necessary throughout the first growing
season.
A well planted tree will give you a lifetime
of pleasure.
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