Tree Planting
Tree planting has been identified as one of the best ways to help combat climate change. Trees remove carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) from the atmosphere and store the carbon in their trunks, stems, leaves, roots and transfer this to the soil. They release oxygen as a by-product.
Trees grow over many years, so you will need to ensure that you have enough space for the variety of tree that you choose. If you don't have space for a tree, don't worry, any green plant will absorb carbon and help climate change.
Find out more information about our tree giveaways in South Ribble.
What should I consider when choosing a tree?
- size of the tree at 20-years-old
- the space will it need
- is it native? See Woodland Trust's native tree guide
- other trees of the same species growing locally to where you want to plant. If there are already trees growing locally, it shows that conditions are favourable, and your tree should survive
- spring or autumn colour
- large canopy for shade?
- evergreen or deciduous?
- whether the treeproducing flowers, fruits or nuts for human consumption or wildlife?
- ground conditions - dry, always wet, floods regularly
- soil type.
Do not plant trees in
- sites of archaeological importance
- sites with rare or protected species
- grassland that has never been ploughed
- wetlands
- heathland.
Tree planting is best done over winter (November to March) when the tree is dormant.
Planting a tree
- find a suitable spot in your garden
- make sure you are not planting under phone or power lines
- dig a hole as deep as the roots of the tree and twice as wide as the root width on each side of the hole
- dig a square hole, circular holes can lead to root girdling
- soak the root of the tree in water for a couple of minutes
- place the tree in the centre of the hole. Make sure it is planted at the right depth
- hold the tree steady as you backfill and gently use your heel to 'heel-in' your tree as you backfill the tree pit
- if you wish to support the tree you can use a garden cane or wooden post (depending on the size of the tree) and some hessian wrapping, although your tree should be fine without it unless they are on an exposed site
- now add an inch or two of mulch, if available and water in the tree
- make sure you keep the base of the tree free from grass and weeds and water periodically, especially in warm weather.