HOW TO PLANT A TREE
The success or failure of trees and shrubs to grow and produce the desired effect depends on planting and routine care.
When to plant
The best times for planting are the periods between September – October just before the rains, during the rains Dec – March, and from April – May (just after the rains). If you are going to plant before or after the rains, then water must be available.
Routine Care
For trees and shrubs to establish well they need regular watering, feeding and weeding. The more food and water you give the tree the faster it will grow
Pruning
Most trees and shrubs need very little pruning. However if you are pruning remember these simple principles: remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches, cutting back to healthy growth; remove the entire branch if that makes for a well-balanced framework; take out weak or straggly and any crossing or congested stems; cut out any rubbing stems which could encourage disease. Make all cuts clean and neat.
How to Plant
1.Dig and prepare the hole
Water the plant well before you start. Planting holes should be 1m deep, and 1m square. Add as much manure, and/or compost as you can and where there is heavy soils add some river sand. Add termidan to the soil as this will deter termites.
2.Checking the planting depth
Getting the correct planting depth is one of the most important elements of planting trees and shrubs. If the tree is planted too deeply, its roots may become deprived of oxygen, which may halt their growth or even kill them. On the other hand if the tree is planted too shallow, the roots may dry out. Remove the plant from the container, put plant in the hole. Make sure that the top of the root ball is level with surface of the ground. Back fill the hole until the soil around the plant is flush with the ground level.
3.Back fill and firm the soil
When refilling the hole sprinkle a generous handful of compost, manure, or any other natural fertiliser around the roots. This will encourage root development and healthy growth. When filling in around the roots make sure there are no air pockets by gently treading the soil every couple of inches until the soil reaches surface level.
4.Water in
Give your new tree a good drink of water to help it recover from planting. Do not allow the roots to dry out at any time.
5.Mulching
After watering in put a good mulch of compost, leaves or grass around the plant. This will help to conserve the moisture and add humus to the soil. Keep mulch away from trunk.
What does he plant who plants a tree?
He plants the friend of sun and sky;
He plants the flag of breezes free;
The shaft of beauty, towering high;
He plants a home to heaven anigh
For song and mother-croon of bird
In hushed and happy twilight heard –
The treble of heaven’s harmony
These things he plants who plants a tree.
– Henry Cuyler Bunner, The Heart of the Tree