Management of New Trees

Good Practice for Management of New Trees

The trees should be, as far as is reasonably possible, be of variety as shown on the councils Landscaping and tree planting webpages - planting guide, locally sourced and of appropriate local provenance (locally collected seed (preferably) or as defined by Forestry Commission Practice Note [1999] Using Local Stock for Planting Native Trees and Shrubs) [Local Provenance Regions 402 or 403].

Tree stakes should be used to support newly planted whips, with bio-degradable tree guards to protect saplings during establishment, where there is a potential for predation (or strimming). Where possible natural mulch materials should be used around the base of trees. Use of herbicides should be avoided where possible.

Trees should be watered during the growing season during prolonged dry periods, saturating the ground, if practicable - it is unlikely to be possible for large planting schemes. They should not be watered unnecessarily as this can promote shallow rooting.

Formative prune during winter where necessary establishes a strong central leader on trees. Trees should be assessed annually during years 3 –5 removing and reducing problematic side shoots. This work should be ongoing until the tree is considered to be established (see table below).

Any dead or dying plants should be removed and replaced during the next available planting season

Thinning and coppicing will allow trees and shrubs to develop diversity of form and different types of nesting, feeding and foraging habitat and extend the potential life of individual plants and should be considered later.

Newly planted trees and specimen shrubs / hedgerow

See more information on the Woodlands Trust website