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Bare Root Planting Guide and Tips
Ground Preparation
Ground preparation is very important to the success of your planting. Where practical, remove all perennial weeds by hand digging or rotovating. Or, spray off vegetation with a Glyphosate weedkiller (e.g. Roundup) and rotovate or hand dig to a workable soil.
Storage of Plants Prior to Planting
We recommend that you plant as soon as possible after delivery. Planting in extremes of weather (very cold, wet or windy) is not ideal so you may wish to delay. If so, pay attention to storage. Ideally, ‘heal in’ in a light, free draining soil. If this is not possible, leave the original packaging on the plants and store in a cool, shady position away from the risk of frosts. Ensure you retain moisture to the roots. Check from time to time and do not let them dry out.
Spacing
Hedges are usually planted in either single or double staggered rows. There may be variations according to species, but as a guide allow 3 plants per metre for a single row. A double staggered row will make a thicker stock (or people proof) hedge. Allow 5 plants per metre as shown below.
X…X…X…X...X…X…X
X...X…X…X…X…X
Planting
Choose a day when the soil is not too wet and is not frozen. The wrapping should not be removed until immediately before planting. Damaged roots should be cut back cleanly with a sharp knife or secateurs. The hole should be large enough to accommodate the spread of roots and deep enough to plant at the same depth as growing in the nursery. Consider protection from rabbits, deer, farm stock etc and use rabbit spirals or tree shelters. These are available to buy either through the Botanica web-site or directly from the nursery.
Aftercare
Local conditions will vary but as a minimum, newly planted trees, shrubs and hedging should be irrigated following any 4 week period without appreciable rainfall. Irrigate every 2 weeks at the rate of 5 to 10 litres per small transplant. Over watering is wasteful and may cause slower root growth and leaching of nutrients from the soil. You may consider installing a simple irrigation system and we can advise on your requirements. Mulches of bark / compost etc or polymulch sheeting will greatly reduce the need for watering. Most importantly, keep the area around the plants free of weeds and grass. The easiest way is to use a polymulch sheet. This will increase success and improve growth rates by up to 40% - happy planting!
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