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Before you dig

Root Bound Plants

Get a clean sharp knife or sharp spade and cut off about 25-50 mm (1 -2 inches) off the base of the root ball and also cut vertical slits 25 mm deep (1 inch) in the root ball, around the circumference. Clean sharp cuts encourage new roots to grow from the ball.

Bag lift

Removing bags from trees

  • Before removing the bag from the tree lean the tree over and with a sharp knife cut across the bottom of bag and 150mm up each side.
  • Loosen the bottom of the bag from the roots.
  • Position the tree at its best aspect before placing in the hole.
  • Using the bag handles, place bag in prepared hole after making sure that the hole is correct depth. The existing soil level in the bag should match the soil level of the garden or lawn. (No more than 50mm below if required for watering).
  • Complete cuts up both sides of the bag and remove the 2 halves.
  • Lightly trim/tip prune roots that are circling the bag.
  • Backfill, fertilise and water thoroughly. Ensure filling is firm.

Up to 150 Litre size bags can be manoeuvred by hand (elderly people are exempt). If possible, water the ground (concrete grass etc.) as a lubricant, then take the two handles that are closest together and drag left, right, left, right in a zigzag fashion. You will be surprised how easy it is.

Most trees and shrubs can be planted successfully at any time of the year, provided they are planted correctly and cared for during establishment.

1. Choose the Right Planting Site

Good drainage is essential for healthy root growth.

If your soil is heavy clay or poorly drained, create a raised mound approximately 1.5 metres wide and 20–30 cm high (larger for trees over 100 L). This can be formed using existing soil or imported loamy soil.

Avoid planting into a deep hole in heavy clay soils. The hole can act like a sump, trapping water around the roots and causing them to become waterlogged. If you’re unsure about drainage, dig the hole and fill it with water before planting. If water remains after several hours, improve drainage or plant on a raised mound instead.

2. Prepare the Plant

Water the tree thoroughly several hours before planting so the entire root ball is moist. Planting with a dry or partially dry root ball can damage roots and slow establishment.

It’s also beneficial to water the planting area the day before planting, particularly during dry weather.

Remove all packaging, labels and ties before planting.

3. Dig the Hole

Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper than the height of the root ball.

Avoid smooth-sided holes, particularly in clay soils. Roughening the sides encourages roots to grow into the surrounding soil rather than circling within the planting hole.

Always check for underground services before digging.

4. Planting

Carefully remove the bag and gently loosen any circling or matted roots around the sides and base of the root ball.

Position the tree so the top of the root ball sits level with, or slightly above, the surrounding soil (approximately 10–20 mm). Planting too deeply is one of the most common causes of poor establishment.

Backfill using the excavated soil, firming it gently around the root ball to remove air pockets without heavily compacting the soil.

Create a shallow watering basin around the tree to help direct water to the roots.

5. Watering

Water the tree thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

As a guide, apply at least 20 litres of water to a 25 L tree, increasing the amount for larger bag sizes.

Continue watering deeply as required during the establishment period, particularly throughout the first summer. Deep, infrequent watering encourages a stronger, deeper root system than frequent light watering.

6. Fertilising

If required, apply a quality controlled-release fertiliser formulated for trees and shrubs according to the manufacturer’s directions. Lightly incorporate it into the soil surface around the tree and water it in well.

7. Staking

Most trees establish stronger trunks and root systems without staking, as natural movement encourages better growth.

If staking is necessary in windy or exposed locations, use two stakes positioned outside the root ball and secure the trunk with soft, flexible tree ties. Remove stakes once the tree is established, generally after 6–12 months.

8. Mulching

Apply a 50–100 mm layer of coarse organic mulch around the base of the tree to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature and improve soil health as it breaks down.

Keep mulch 50–100 mm away from the trunk to prevent collar rot and other moisture-related problems.

In frost-prone areas, leaving bare, moist soil immediately around the base of the tree during winter can help reduce frost damage, as the soil absorbs heat during the day and releases it overnight.

Tips for Success
  • Plant as soon as possible after purchasing your tree.
  • Avoid planting too deeply.
  • Ensure the root ball never dries out during establishment.
  • Water deeply rather than lightly and frequently.
  • Monitor the tree regularly during its first 12 months and adjust watering according to rainfall and weather conditions.