| How lonely and desolate would our countryside and landscape be without Trees? They are part of evolution itself and a very important contributor to the whole process of reducing the growing global carbon footprint.
There are arguably fewer natural treasures in our environment than the beauty, majesty and pleasure that one can derive from the blazing colour and grandeur of our tree lined avenues, gardens, recreational parks & arboretums. From palest yellows to real leafy greens and rich reds to golden browns and the truly wonderful and mesmerising shimmering and fluttering of their many different shaped and sized leaves that bring both light and shade to their many different settings.
At Brett Valley Maintenance Services, we have been specialising in recommending and planting Trees of all heights and rootball sizes for over 20 years now and we take great pride in our independently developed and tested methods of the planting process and of the ongoing maintenance programme that should follow.
Contact us today to discuss your thoughts and plans however small or large your concept may be …we’d be very happy to come along and discuss them with you personally.
Tree Planting Specification:
Our Supplier(s):
Our Tree stocks are sourced exclusively from established and trusted nurseries that specialise in the production of trees and are able to provide our customers with a ‘’no quibble’’ two year guarantee against any defect which results in the death of the tree. Our circle of supplier (s) is therefore small and this helps us to also enjoy better and stronger working relationships.
The Tree Location:
The appropriate tree will always be used given the soil conditions, weather aspect and risk assessment from disease. If we are working to a planting plan we will always query the type of tree if there are any concerns and give reasons.
The Timing:
Trees will be planted at the appropriate time. Open ground in the dormant season (November to February) Container and air pot trees can be planted any time with a restriction to adverse weather conditions.
The Planting Pits/Holes:
The tree pits or “planting holes” will be excavated to a size that is both large and deep enough to accommodate the tree at the correct planting level, leaving around 15cms of free space around the perimeter. The base of the pit will also be broken up to allow for maximum root penetration.
Contrary to popular belief, our pit or planting hole will always be dug square as research has shown that in certain conditions, that a circular dug tree pit does not actually encourage the root system to push out.
We are currently using the OMEX-Biomex Starter system. This system helps to ensure survival of trees, shrubs and flowers at a very early stage. We apply this at the time of planting the tree(s) adding essential mycorrhiza into the pit, which is a friendly funghi that helps to increase nutrient uptake and enhances the root systems. See “The Compost” section for a more detailed explanation.
The Compost:
It is absolutely vital that the compost used for the planting and establishment of the tree be applied to a strict specification. As a rule, we find that a minimum of 40 litres would be used per tree up to a maximum of 50% of the total planting volume when mixed with existing soil. This will vary according to species. We have developed our own product for this purpose- Enviro Mulch Blended Horticultural Coir –STSI (Specialist Tree & Shrub Soil Improver). We also apply a specialist spray coating of liquid Mycorrhizal Fungi which are most typically found in most of our established woodland eco-systems. Mycorrhizas are symbiotic relationships between certain fungi and the roots of plants/trees/ shrubs. As with most mutual relationships, each partner grows better in association with the other than it would individually. The fine fungal threads which are generated by the fungus (called hyphae) either penetrate or entomb the host species roots. The fungus helps the plant/tree/ shrub to extract nutrients and water from the soil, and also protects its host against harmful organisms. In return, and in common with lichens, the fungus receives sugars via the plant's photosynthesis.
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The Mulch Mats:
In their formative growing years, it is vitally important to ensure that the base of the tree(s) are kept clean and to achieve this we strongly recommend installation of our tree mulch mats. These mats are purpose built to allow water and nutrient feeds to pass through and to suppress unwanted and unsightly weed growth at the tree (s) base. It has been shown in recent studies of tree growth rates that there can be up to a 50% increase in growth over a ten-year period on a tree which is kept free from growing matter.
However, this is not always possible and in these extreme cases it is therefore important that the base of the tree should be kept clean by hand, or using suitable chemical herbicides.
Our tree mulching mats are sourced only from trusted suppliers producing natural and/or organic material in their products such as hemp, linseed, straw and coconut fibre and/or a combination of each. Dependent on specimen size and type we will apply either 450gms/m2 or 750gms/m2 mats. Equally important is the fact that they are also 100% bio-degradable with an expected lifespan of up to 2 years given the soil condition, tree location and climate prevailing, but long enough for tree root system establishment.
Tree Staking:
An appropriate number of tree stakes will be used dependant on the specimen involved and relation to its size.
The Tree Stake Position:
The tree stake(s) will always be sited away from any used building or facing the prevailing wind, depending on the chosen location.
The Tree Ties:
The trees will be tied using appropriate tree ties, at least one tie per tree. The tie will have a spacer to prevent the tree rubbing against the stake. More than one tie will be used if the tree requires straightening. The tie with always be secured at the top of the stake and a galvanised or aluminium roofing nail placed beneath the strap to prevent the tie from slipping down. This method allows adjustment in the straps, which should be carried out twice yearly as part of the ongoing maintenance.
Pruning:
Pruning will be carried out as required prior to planting. The type of pruning depends on the tree species and the form to which it is to be grown. Subsequent pruning should be carried out as required for the first five years, which creates the mature form of the tree. Pruning to a semi-mature or mature tree will be carried out using a recognised tree surgeon that has the appropriate qualifications and insurances.
Tree Protection:
We apply industry approved and preferred protective products to all of our newly planted trees to try to reduce the potential attack from rabbits and associated vermin species as well as from domestic pets. SPECIAL NOTE: If the location (s) of the planted tree(s) are such that they will require the use of a grass strimmer or that they may be subjected to more extreme forms of damage such as vandalism we will need to discuss specific products/scheme of protection.
General Working Hygiene:
We will always remove resultant and unwanted spoil and debris (mainly vegetative and prunings) from the site following completion of planting or any maintenance to the tree (s). This procedure helps prevent pest and disease problems.
Watering:
No living plant will survive without watering, and although our correct planting procedures will reduce the tree(s) water requirements it is still most important to have the means to water if required. The most important time to check moisture levels is during the early spring, when the tree(s) are beginning to form their buds. Trees must never be allowed to dry out.
Feeding:
We are happy to advise and/or supply our client(s) with appropriate post planting feeding product on a self -administered basis or incorporate our recommendations within an annual maintenance agreement. |
