Why plant trees?		How do you plant trees?
	When should you plant trees?		How do you care for newly planted trees?
	What do you need for tree planting?		Further information (links to...)

Why plant trees?

• Historically Britain was almost entirely covered with woodland.
• Over the centuries this has declined to under 12 per cent of land area as human demand for land for agriculture, housing and industry has increased.
• Britain is one of the least wooded countries in Europe – the European average is 36 per cent.
• Only a small fraction of ancient woodland remains (woodland thought to have existed before 1600) comprising about 2 per cent of the total land cover.
• 50 per cent of the ancient woodland that survived in the 1930s has since been lost or damaged

As a result of this decline, many species that rely on woodland habitats are under threat. Planting new woodland, particularly adjacent to existing woodland, eases the pressure on these species and encourages new wildlife to an area.

In addition, the benefits of woodland for people cannot be underestimated. It is a highly valued resource for many who visit for recreation and relaxation.

When should you plant trees?

Trees are best planted between November and March, but avoid planting when the ground is frozen. During the winter months trees are dormant and not actively growing. Deciduous trees have lost their leaves and evergreens will be growing more slowly.

If an actively growing tree is dug up and replanted in the summer months it is much more likely to suffer drought stress. This is because growing trees need a lot of water. Established trees have huge roots systems with tiny hair-like roots that absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Newly planted trees will not have such large or extensive root systems and their hair-like roots are easily damaged during planting.

What do you need for tree planting?

Tree planting takes place in the colder wetter months, so it makes sense to equip yourself with warm, waterproof clothing. Wellingtons or other waterproof footwear are also a good idea as the ground can be muddy and slippery. If you are attending a Woodland Trust planting event, we would ask you to bring your own spade if possible. Saplings will be provided.

How do you plant trees?

1. Use native species
   Trees used for woodland creation should be native species whose seed has been collected from sustainably managed sites. Native tree species are most closely associated with our native wildlife and provide the most suitable habitat for them. In the case of new sites adjacent to ancient woodland, allowing an element of natural regeneration would be the most appropriate approach.
2. Choose small saplings
   The most cost-effective way of planting trees in large numbers is to use bare-rooted saplings. Small trees generally establish better than larger ones, so it is generally wise to use trees no taller than 90-120cm. On large scale planting schemes the Woodland Trust generally uses trees 30-45cm in height. On smaller schemes, or in situations where more robust saplings are required (such as a school playing field), it is worth spending a bit more and using 60-90cm stock.
3. Protect roots until the moment of planting
   If planting bare-rooted trees it is very important to keep their roots damp and not to unwrap any protective covering until just before planting.
4. Dig an appropriate hole
   Planting technique depends on the size of the tree; slit-like trenches are dug for smaller trees and individual holes for larger ones. Whichever technique is used, the hole should be several centimetres wider and deeper than the spread out roots of the tree to be planted.
5. Plant at the correct depth
   The tree should be planted at the same depth as it originally grew (look for the soil mark on the stem) so all the roots are covered. The hole should then be refilled with soil and firmed with the heel, so that even with a strong tug the tree cannot be uprooted. If a turf of grass has to be removed beforehand it is a good idea to place this upside down at the bottom of the hole. It will provide the tree with nutrients as the turf rots down.
6. To stake or not to stake?
   Supportive stakes are not normally needed for trees under 1.5m, unless they have been planted in an environment prone to strong winds. If stakes are used, they should come from a sustainable source (ie avoid bamboo canes).
7. Spacing trees
   If you are planting one or two specimen trees, obtain guidance from the supplier as to appropriate spacing for that species. To create a broadleaf wood, space about 3m apart. Remember that some thinning of trees may be required in a decade or two to produce the desired woodland structure.

How do you care for newly planted trees?

1. Protect from browsers (eg deer and rabbits)
   Either supply each individual tree with a biodegradable protective guard or use appropriate fencing around groups of trees.
2. Protect from competition
   Watering newly planted trees at a large planting site is not viable, nor is it a sustainable option in terms of water conservation. Hence it is important to reduce competition for water from weeds growing around the base of each tree.
   
   This may be done using a mulch of manure, grass clippings or composted bark, or a mulch mat. Non-residual herbicides, such as glyphosate, can be used on large scale planting sites, but organic options are preferable. Maintaining a weed free circle, one metre in diameter, around each tree is the key to ensuring survival and rapid growth of the trees and is particularly important for the first three years after planting.

Further information (links to...)

Native tree shop - The Woodland Trust's native tree shop, supplying a range of native trees and shrubs in partnership with Alba Trees.
Community Woodland network - The network supports community groups that are actively engaged or want to become engaged in managing existing or new woodlands.

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October 2003