Taunton and South Somerset Living Dec 2022 - Jan 2023

TREES MATTER
In this edition, our regular contributor
Matt Biggs gives us advice on where to start
if you want to plant a tree...
For thousands of years, we have appreciated
trees, we have planted trees, we have written
about trees, we have even worshipped trees.
Even before we knew just how important they
are to our environment, something within us
recognized that trees matter.
Now that we know so much more about what they contribute to
our world and its wellbeing, there is no better time to plant a tree.
There are so many options that the first task must be to decide
what you want your tree for. Is it for structure within your garden,
for shade, for visual impact? Might it be for fruit, to attract birds
or just because it is your favourite tree!
There are some great books on the subject, your local nursery or
garden centre can give advice and radio and TV programmes are
full of inspiration too, so do some research and choose your tree.
Basic stuff but do look at the eventual height and spread of your
tree – you might not see it when it is fully grown but you don’t
want to cause problems for others and it is such a shame to have
to remove a tree because it was in the wrong spot.
Winter is a good time to plant, as long as the ground is frost
free and not waterlogged; it is really important not to stint on
the groundwork. Water the tree roots really well, even stand it in
a bucket for an hour and make sure the hole is big enough – it
needs to be three times as wide as the pot and the same depth.
Fork the soil in the hole so that the roots can make their way
easily as they develop, tease out the roots from the rootball and
plant in a square hole. Use mychorrizal fungi to help the roots
grow, and make sure when you place it in the hole the various
aspects of it are where you want them – branches showing their
‘best side’. When you refill the soil into the hole don’t leave any
pockets of air, firm and water well and stake the tree if need be –
all of this info is readily available to ensure that your tree has the
best possible start in life. Do not plant trees too deeply, the soil
level should be the same as it was in the pot.
You can, of course also get the kids in on the act, acorns,
conkers and tree seeds are so easily collected, pop them in a
pot, labelling them so you know what is what, water and wait! It
is so exciting to see that first green shoot and the tree and the
child can grow together, how lovely!
Whatever you plant and wherever you plant it, planting a tree is
one of the most positive things you can do, for yourself and for
future generations.
To find out more about Matt visit his website
matthewbiggs.com
THE BEST
TIME TO
PLANT A
TREE WAS
20 YEARS
AGO. THE
SECOND-
B E S T
TIME IS
N O W.”
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