Tree Planting: A Comprehensive Guide
As the world increasingly leans towards environmental consciousness, the act of planting trees has evolved into a celebrated endeavour. However, the mere act of planting a tree is just the beginning of a much bigger picture.
The Arboricultural Association's guide, 'An Introductory Guide to Young Tree Establishment,' stands as a beacon of knowledge, offering advice, ideas, and signposts for the public venturing into the world of tree planting.
The Planting Act: A Fleeting Moment in Tree Time
Arboriculturists operate within the realm of "tree time," a perspective distinct from human lifespans or political cycles.
If we consider the first 100 years of a tree's life, the act of planting itself might be likened to a mere half-hour, a minuscule 0.000058%.
While undoubtedly a critical phase, it serves as an entry point to a much more intricate and fascinating story.
Delving into the Guide’s Insights
Why Plant a Tree?
Beyond the visual appeal, trees contribute significantly to biodiversity, purify the air, and provide essential ecosystem services.
Planting a tree is one of the best things anyone can ever do. Trees do so much for us, bringing our communities environmental, social and economic benefits and generally helping society.
They are multi-functional infrastructure, doing many different things at once. Some of these benefits can be quantified and valued; others are less tangible but no less important.
With climate change mitigation gaining prominence, trees act as crucial carbon sinks.
Where to Plant a Tree?
Strategic placement considers factors such as soil quality, sunlight, and available space.
When planting a tree it is very important to consider where it is going to be located, taking into account the short, medium and particularly the long-term implications.
Trees grow! And if you want your tree to mature into an established specimen which delivers all of the wonderful benefits that trees deliver, then it needs to be positioned in the right place.
Some of the considerations apply more to planting in hard landscapes (such as streets) than soft landscapes (such as parks or gardens) but they all need to be thought about.
Urban areas benefit tremendously from strategically planted street trees, enhancing the overall urban environment.
What Tree to Plant?
Trees are multi-functional infrastructure – they do lots of things at once, to different extents – and some species will be better or worse at certain things than others.
When selecting a tree species for planting, it is therefore important to consider what the ultimate aims of the planting are. Once you know what you want to achieve through the planting, it becomes much easier to determine which species is most appropriate.
In addition, the decision about what to plant will also be influenced by the location of the planting, particularly with regard to how much space is available.
Please remember when selecting a tree species that in order to mitigate the risks of climate change and tree pests and diseases, and to maximise the environmental, social and economic benefits our urban forests bring, diversity in tree species is critical.
When considering amenity trees, ‘non-native’ species are just as important as ‘native’ species.
Considering the tree's mature size and its compatibility with the planting site is crucial.
How to Plant a Tree
Proper planting depth, mulching, and stake installation are key contributors to successful tree establishment.
In order to ensure that your tree has the best possible chance of reaching maturity, it is important to plant it properly.
Always undertake work of this nature safely and responsibly, including taking all steps to ensure that you have permission from the landowner and are certain that no underground utilities are present.
Some of the specifics around planting may vary with different tree sizes, but this guidance focuses on trees with a stem girth of around 10cm+, up to the sort of size which can be safely handled by one or two people.
It also focuses on planting in soft landscapes. In addition, this guide does not cover additional infrastructure which might be used, such as underground guying (a support mechanism), root cells, tree guards, tree grilles, root barriers or watering pipes.
If you are using any of these systems, please follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
Techniques may vary based on the species of the tree, highlighting the importance of tailored care.
Young Tree Aftercare
The years immediately after a tree has been planted are in some ways the most important in its life. This is the time when the young tree is most vulnerable – old enough to be planted out into the landscape, but young enough to still require plenty of care and attention.
One of the most important tasks for the first years after planting is watering. However, there are also plenty of other considerations.
Components of aftercare include mulching, pruning, and protecting from potential hazards.
Tree Watering
Adequate and consistent watering, especially during dry spells, is vital for the survival of young trees.
Deep watering encourages robust root development and resilience.
Empowering Through Knowledge: Bridging Professionals and the Public
The guide is available as a free download covering key areas including ‘Why plant a tree?’, ‘Where to plant a tree?’, ‘What tree to plant?’, ‘How to plant a tree’, ‘Young tree aftercare’ and ‘Tree watering’.
Free downloadable posters for each section are also available.
Available as a free download, the guide extends its reach to a non-professional audience, acting as a bridge between arboricultural professionals and the general public: CLICK HERE
While it does not replace specialised advice, it serves as an essential tool for fostering a deeper understanding of tree planting and aftercare.
Posters for Visual Reinforcement
To enhance accessibility, free downloadable posters accompany each guide section, serving as visual aids to reinforce key concepts.
This multifaceted approach ensures that the knowledge disseminated is both comprehensive and user-friendly.
Embracing the Journey of Tree Planting
In embracing the journey of tree planting, armed with the insights from this guide, individuals can not only contribute to the green legacy of our planet but also foster a profound connection with the living, breathing entities that grace our landscapes.
Let the planting be not just an act but the prologue to a story of growth, resilience, and environmental ownership.
As trees start off on their centuries-long journey, the collective efforts of those who planted them become a timeless legacy etched into the very fabric of our natural world.
