Planting bare rooted stock
- Remove grass and weeds from the planting area in advance to minimise competition for moisture and nutrients; starting with a clean base will reduce time-consuming weeding later.
- Look for the soil mark at the base of the main stem just above the highest roots; this is where the soil level was in the nursery bed and should therefore be the new soil level when planted.
- Ensure good contact between the roots and the soil, avoiding voids and air pockets between the roots. On poor soils it is worth mixing bulky compost with the soil that you back-fill with, but remember to mix the compost in to improve the soil rather than as a replacement; whenever possible work with the soil you have rather than trying to replace it as this can lead to more problems in the long term. If you wish to add a product containing “beneficial” soil fungal mycorrhizae be sure to follow the instructions on the packet and ensure direct contact with the roots.
- Bare-rooted hedging, depending on the size of the stock and the effect required, may be planted at various different densities (ask a member of our sales team for guidance if required). A new hedge planted with smaller stock would normally be planted between four and six plants per metre in a double, staggered, “zig-zag” row in order to produce a dense hedge, whereas larger stock may only require a single row.
- Trim back the tips of hedging stock to encourage side-branching lower down, leading to a bushier hedge with better density and fewer gaps.
- For advice regarding support and rabbit guards, if they’re required, and possible alternatives, please ask a member of our sales team.