"The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit."

Nelson Henderson

Trees are a vital part of our planet's ecosystem, providing clean air, shade, and many other benefits. They also play an essential role in combating climate change by absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, with deforestation and urbanisation on the rise, the world's tree population is rapidly declining. That's why tree planting has become more critical than ever. Whether you're a homeowner looking to improve your landscape, a farmer looking to restore degraded land, or an environmentalist looking to make a difference, tree planting is a simple and effective way to contribute to the health of our planet. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits of tree planting, the best practices for planting and caring for trees, and the different types best suited for different environments. So, let's dive in and discover the power of tree planting!

Planting Tips

First, trees are a long-term investment. When you plant a tree, you're investing in your property and its value–now and in the future. You'll want to ensure the soil drainage is good where you plan planting. Otherwise, it will cause problems for root health and soil nutrition over time because of poor drainage conditions.

What is the best way to ensure this happens? Ensure all three aspects–soil drainage/aeration/nutrition–are covered before planting anything. Nutrients can be provided through soil conditioners, as well as fertilisers. Nowadays, when it comes to that, we consider things such as lifestyle and time consumption, from slow release fertiliser that goes up to 12 months to the type of fertiliser that can be installed and forgotten. It will do its job and requires low maintenance. A great example of this type of fertiliser is Treerings!

Treerings is a game-changer in the fertilising industry. Treerings provide precision fertiliser placement, optimising the nutrition of trees or shrubs to enhance their growth and stimulate flowering. It is unique, compact design allows it to maintain its structure for up to 12 months, slowly breaking down into the soil naturally. You only need to fertilise your trees/shrubs once per year!

Watering Tips

• Watering frequency depends on the type of tree. Some trees need to be watered more often than others. It all depends on how much water they can store in their root system and how much sunlight they receive.
• Over-watering can cause roots to grow in the wrong direction or even rot from under the plant's trunk if there needs to be more drainage around where you're planting your trees. On the flip side of that coin, if you don't provide enough moisture for them, they'll die out before we establish them appropriately!
• Soil type matters too! If your soil is sandy or very dry, it will require more frequent watering than loamy soil with more moisture. It is also very helpful to incorporate soil conditioners such as TerraCottem®.

TerraCottem® soil conditioner offers a holistic approach to plant growth. This effective mixture of more than 20 components works in a synergetic way to significantly improve soil quality, water and nutrient retention for healthier plant growth. Not sure which TerraCottem to choose for your project? Check this out.

Want to prevent water runoff?

Meet Greenwell! Designed and produced to meet the needs and specifications of the commercial urban tree specialist. Greenwell directs water and nutrients to the root zone, preventing water runoff and promoting more profound root growth. 

The Importance of Proper Soil Drainage

Soil drainage is an essential consideration for tree health. It can make or break your tree planting experience. Soil drainage refers to the ability of water to move through a particular type of soil and out into the ground below it. If there is not enough drainage in your garden bed and you plant a tree there, chances are it will only survive short due to poor root health and growth issues caused by standing water around its roots.

It's also worth noting that certain types of trees prefer certain types of soil--and vice versa--so keep this in mind when deciding where to place a particular species.

Tree Stakes, Ties and Guards

Tree stakes and ties are designed to hold the tree in place while it grows. The stakes should be placed at least 5 feet apart, depending on how tall you want your tree to grow and how much room is available for it.

Tree Coach® is the first tree staking solution manufactured from recycled kerbside waste that enhances tree growth as nature intended with GrowFlex Technology™, replacing traditional tree staking.

Tree ties are crucial in supporting young trees by tying them to their stakes. This helps distribute the tree's weight evenly, preventing it from toppling due to strong winds or other external factors. By securing the sapling in place, tree ties promote healthy growth and development, ensuring the tree can thrive in its new environment.

Protecting your plants, trees, and shrubs is essential. We've all seen what happens when animals get a taste for young seedling or tender new growth. Not only will they eat that plant, but they also tend to destroy the plant's roots. This means there won't be any healthy new growth for years! Good thing that tree guards provide plant protection. Tree guards are simple devices covering the lower portions of young trees and shrubs to prevent browsing animals from eating them. Many types of tree guards are available: plastic sleeve tree, biodegradable, or fabric. However, you'll need one with good longevity, that lasts at least 12 months in the open field, through various weather conditions (especially wind damage).

The Naturguard Bio tree guards offer protection to plants and saplings for the first year. It will fully degrade into the environment over 2 to 3 years. They will naturally biodegrade in home compost into carbon dioxide, water and biomass within approximately 24 weeks. 

Mulch for Better Soil Drainage & Root Health

Mulch is a great way to help prevent soil erosion, retain soil moisture and keep the ground cool in summer and warm in winter. It can be made from various materials, including wood chips, bark mulch or newspaper. The most common way of applying mulch is by spreading it evenly over the surface of your garden beds so that it covers all exposed areas of soil but doesn't pile up against plants or shrubs.

Looking for a better root management system? The Root Director is a revolutionary product designed to help you manage tree roots and prevent damage to surrounding infrastructure. This unique product is made from high-quality materials and is built to last, providing a long-lasting solution to root management.

Call us today!

You can plant a tree with the best intentions, but your efforts will only be well-spent if you learn how to care for it properly. The tips in this article will help you get started on a beautiful new addition to your yard or garden. We hope you have learned something about tree planting today. If you require assistance, call us at 1300 866 367.