Page 14 - Oundle Life November 2021

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TREE PLANTING
As most readers will know one of the ways
to reduce the effects of climate change is tree planting, as trees absorb carbon dioxide, so the more trees the better. Many people assume their garden is too small for trees – especially if in a modern house with a small garden. But these days there are a very good range of small trees suitable for any sized garden, both fruit trees and ornamental trees. This is particularly the case if the tree is grafted onto a dwarfing rootstock, which controls the size of the tree.
Before suggesting some suitable trees, I will
bareroot trees, which are cheaper than container grown, and a wider choice is available from nurseries or the internet.
explain the planting procedure. Firstly, select your planting position so the tree can be appreciated, will not block light into windows or is over water pipes
or drains, and will not grow over your neighbour’s garden.
Firstly, select your planting position so the tree can be appreciated
Dig the planting hole at least 15cm wider than the roots or rootball if container grown, and as deep as the pot or tree was planted at the nursery. The soil should be placed to one side. Try to keep the topsoil separate to the subsoil. If the soil is compacted fork over the bottom of the hole to allow the roots to penetrate easier.
Remove any weeds – especially
perennial weeds, by forking out or
spraying with weedkiller. If the soil
is poor add some organic matter like
manure or compost. One reason for this article being in the November edition of the magazine is that now is the time to plant dormant
Place the tree in the hole and check the depth and size is correct. If happy, remove the tree and knock in a tree stake to support the tree. If the tree is a bareroot tree the stake can
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