Planting trees in containers
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Gayle Wooton
By Gayle Wooton
Published on 10/29/2008
Once planted a tree may remain in place for many decades or even centuries, so it is essential to provide it with the best possible conditions. Climate, soil type and amount of light and shelter available determine the best location for your tree. You may need to plant your tree in a container if it is a non-hardy variety.
Planting trees in containers
Containers are great for displaying trees on your patio, for tender trees that need to be brought under cover for the winter period, and for any species that prefer a different soil type to that in the rest of your garden.
Use a container that has a diameter of between one sixth and one quarter of the tree's height and a depth of at least one and a half times the tree's root ball. This provides a fairly even soil temperature and a good reserve of moisture, and also allows space for the roots to develop. Make sure that there are drainage holes to prevent water clogging.
Preparing your container
If re-using an old container, scrub the inside with water to remove any disease causing organisms. Cover all the holes with broken crocks and add a layer of at lease 1 inch deep of broken crocks or gravel. Then add loam based potting compost enriched with a slow release fertiliser. If planting a standard, insert a stake into the compost before planting.
Planting
Prepare the tree and check the planting depth. After planting you should firm the tree in well and top dress with organic or grit mulch 1- 1.5 inches deep to help retain moisture and prevent compaction of compost. then water in well using soft water or rainwater for lime-hating species. Stand the container on bricks or blocks to aid free drainage.
Use a container that has a diameter of between one sixth and one quarter of the tree's height and a depth of at least one and a half times the tree's root ball. This provides a fairly even soil temperature and a good reserve of moisture, and also allows space for the roots to develop. Make sure that there are drainage holes to prevent water clogging.
Preparing your container
If re-using an old container, scrub the inside with water to remove any disease causing organisms. Cover all the holes with broken crocks and add a layer of at lease 1 inch deep of broken crocks or gravel. Then add loam based potting compost enriched with a slow release fertiliser. If planting a standard, insert a stake into the compost before planting.
Planting
Prepare the tree and check the planting depth. After planting you should firm the tree in well and top dress with organic or grit mulch 1- 1.5 inches deep to help retain moisture and prevent compaction of compost. then water in well using soft water or rainwater for lime-hating species. Stand the container on bricks or blocks to aid free drainage.