Tree Planting: A Complete Guide to Planting Trees in the UK

Introduction

Planting a tree is one of the most rewarding things you can do for your garden, your community, and the planet. Whether you’re planting a fruit tree in your allotment, a native oak in a field, or a small ornamental tree in your garden, trees bring beauty, biodiversity, and long-lasting benefits.

But to give your tree the best start, it’s important to plant it correctly — at the right time, in the right spot, with the right care.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to plant a tree in the UK, including when to plant, choosing the right tree, preparing your soil, planting depth, staking, watering, and aftercare — everything you need to create a thriving, long-lasting tree.

Quick Summary: How to Plant a Tree in the UK

1. When to Plant a Tree in the UK

Avoid planting in frozen ground, waterlogged soil, or during heatwaves.

2. Choosing the Right Tree

Consider:

• 🌳 Size at maturity — don’t plant a giant oak in a tiny garden
• 🌼 Purpose — shade, fruit, flowers, privacy, wildlife, climate action
• 🌱 Soil type — clay, loam, sandy, pH
• ☀️ Light and space — full sun or part shade?
• 💧 Moisture — dry site or boggy area?

🌿 Great Trees for UK Gardens:

For rewilding or native hedging, choose oak, hazel, hawthorn, blackthorn, field maple.

3. Tools You’ll Need

• Spade or digging fork
• Bucket of water (for soaking)
• Hammer or mallet (for staking)
• Tree stake(s) and tie
• Mulch (woodchip, composted bark, or leaf mould)
• Secateurs (to trim roots or shoots if needed)
• Tree guard (to protect against rabbits/deer)

4. How to Plant a Tree: Step-by-Step Guide

🕳 Step 1: Dig the Planting Hole

• Dig a hole twice as wide as the rootball
• Depth should match the height of the roots or soil mark on stem
• Loosen sides and base with a fork to aid drainage

💦 Step 2: Soak the Roots

• For bare-root trees, soak in water for 1–2 hours before planting
• For container trees, water thoroughly before removing from the pot

🌱 Step 3: Position the Tree

• Place in the hole with the graft or root collar at soil level
• The top of the rootball should be level with the surrounding soil
• Rotate to get the best shape facing outward

🪨 Step 4: Backfill

• Use the original soil (no need for fertiliser in the hole)
• Firm gently in layers to avoid air pockets
• Avoid burying the trunk or stem

💧 Step 5: Water In

• Give a deep watering after planting
• Helps settle the soil and eliminate air gaps

5. Should You Stake Your Tree?

✅ How to stake:

• Use a single stake (shorter than the trunk)
• Place just off-centre from the tree
• Use a soft tree tie in a figure-of-eight
• Remove after 12–18 months

6. Mulching and Weed Control

🌿 Why mulch?

• Retains moisture
• Suppresses weeds
• Regulates soil temperature
• Adds nutrients as it breaks down

🪵 Best materials:

• Woodchip
• Bark
• Leaf mould
• Well-rotted compost

Spread 5–10 cm thick, leaving a gap around the base to prevent rot.

7. Watering Schedule

💡 Use a watering ring or pipe around the base to direct water to roots.

8. Ongoing Tree Care

• Check stakes/ties every few months (don’t let them dig in)
• Remove weeds from base regularly
• Prune only to remove damaged or crossing branches
• Watch for pests like aphids or fungal diseases
• Refresh mulch annually

9. Benefits of Planting Trees

🌍 Environmental:

• Absorb carbon dioxide
• Cool cities and reduce flooding
• Improve air and water quality

🐝 Wildlife:

• Provide habitat and food for birds, insects, mammals
• Native trees support UK biodiversity

🧑‍🌾 Personal:

• Add beauty, structure, and privacy to gardens
• Provide fruit or nuts
• Offer shade, windbreak, and noise reduction

10. Common Tree Planting Mistakes

🚫 Planting too deep — causes rot and weak growth
🚫 Watering too little in the first year
🚫 Leaving tree ties on too long
🚫 Not mulching — weeds outcompete young trees
🚫 Choosing the wrong tree for your soil or space
🚫 Breaking roots when pulling out of containers
🚫 Ignoring aftercare — early years are critical

Conclusion

Planting a tree is one of the most powerful actions you can take for your garden, the environment, and future generations. With the right preparation, tree selection, and care, your new tree will grow strong, live long, and reward you with beauty, shade, habitat, and value for years to come.

Whether you’re greening up your back garden or creating a mini orchard on your allotment, this guide gives you everything you need to get started and succeed.

Top 10 FAQs About Tree Planting in the UK

1. When is the best time to plant a tree?

From late autumn to early spring — ideally November to March.

2. How deep should I plant a tree?

Plant at the same depth as it was grown in the nursery — don’t bury the trunk.

3. Should I use compost when planting?

Only to improve poor soil — but don’t replace the soil in the hole entirely.

4. How often should I water a new tree?

Weekly during dry periods in the first 2 years.

5. Do all trees need staking?

Not all — but tall or bare-root trees benefit from staking.

6. Can I plant a tree in clay soil?

Yes — but improve drainage and choose clay-tolerant species.

7. Should I mulch around a newly planted tree?

Yes — mulch 5–10 cm deep, but keep away from the trunk.

8. How close can I plant a tree to a house or wall?

Allow space for the mature canopy and root spread — typically 5–10 m, depending on species.

9. Can I plant trees on my allotment?

Yes — especially dwarf fruit trees or trained espaliers, if permitted.

10. What’s the best tree for wildlife?

Native species like rowan, hawthorn, oak, hazel, and crab apple are fantastic for biodiversity.