Tree planting and aftercare

IMPORTED POST FROM OLD BLOG. ORIGINAL DATE: 02/12/2007

On Saturday I went on a Tree planting course with BTCV in Ashford. (British Trust of Conservation Volunteers)

It was a really good day and if anyone is interested in Tree Planting and Aftercare, I recommend it! It's good to think about what trees go where, and why and what size to plant! The 'whips' have a greater chance of survival btw, and stakes should be up to 1/3 of the tree only - not too tall. It's important for a tree to develop its' own strength being blown around by the wind.
The reason a lot of planted trees do not survive or reach their full potential is from the lack of aftercare. How many of us have seen poor old trees restricted by tree shelters that were not removed?
We are more likely to replant by layering, we think, but may buy some new little chestnuts to grow sometime.

Tracy