Planting Semi-mature Specimens

The performance of any plant in the landscape, and the degree of success achieved when planting large specimens, is dependant upon a number of factors.

These factors include: the suitability of the species to the particular environment, the quality of the plant material, the season of the year, site selection and preparation, the method of planting, and the degree of aftercare.

Plant Selection

More often than not the location of a site can’t be changed so it is important to select stock that will perform in the chosen spot.  Key features of the site that impact on plant selection are soil type, aspect, sun or shade, drainage, surrounding plants, and location of hardscape and buildings.

Selecting the correct plant for a position will significantly improve the survival rate and allow the plant to thrive and will cut down on the ongoing maintenance required.  For any particular landscape position or design requirement there will likely be a plant with the right characteristics.

Plant quality is an important factor in plant selection.  High quality plants will have an immediate aesthetic effect, be more robust and vigorous and reduce maintenance.

Planting Seasons

The season of the year influences both the stages of plant growth and the ease with which particular species can be planted, however, more often than not the time of the planting is determined by the availability of the stock and the schedule determined by the Project Manager.

Deciduous trees are best planted during autumn in temperate climates such as experienced on the east coast of Australia, after leaves have coloured or begun to drop, or in the spring before bud break.

Late summer and autumn plantings can take advantage of warm soil which will encourage root growth, with shorter and cooler days decreasing transpiration rates.

Planting during spring before foliage growth begins, however, will avoid any damage as a result of cold winter weather and also allow for some root expansion before the crown growth resumes.

If it is necessary to plant out during summer, it is best to wait until spring growth has matured and ‘hardened’ thus avoiding being burnt by wind or high transpiration.

 

Planting

Before planting, ensure that the root-ball has been well watered. If the soil is poor or needs conditioning then a good-sized hole should be dug and some well-composted organic matter or improved soil mix should be blended with the existing soil and used as backfill.

The optimum hole dimensions are twice the root-ball diameter and the same depth of the root-ball

Once the tree has been positioned in the hole any stakes that are required should be placed close to the root-ball and driven into undisturbed soil at the bottom of the hole.  

Gradually fill the hole, working the soil around the root-ball. After every 75 or 100mm of soil has been placed into the hole firm the soil around the root-ball, ensuring that the tree and the stakes remain vertical. Tie the tree to the stakes, preferably with adjustable ties, ensuring that they are not tight against the trunk.

Finally, the plant should be given a good watering, ensuring that both the root-ball and backfill are thoroughly wetted. It is then suggested that a protective mulch be applied to suppress weed growth, conserve moisture and act as an insulator.

Aftercare

When planting and establishing semi-mature specimens it is imperative that the sizeable root-ball be watered well, not just the surrounding fill, particularly during the hot summer months and in dry, windy periods.  To encourage roots to seek moisture at lower levels, thereby anchoring the plant better and keeping cooler, it is best to water deeply.  A light sprinkling will only result in shallow root development where they may ‘cook’ in the hotter months.

Alpine has a wide and growing range of semi-mature trees available now.  Call our sales staff on 02 9651 0999 for any enquiries.