Mid autumn to early winter is one of the best times to plant trees and large shrubs. Cool weather and moist soil help roots establish before the heat of summer arrives.
Planting a tree may seem simple, but choosing the right tree and planting it properly can make all the difference for years to come.
Before You Choose a Tree, Ask Yourself:
What type of soil do I have?
How much sun will the spot receive?
Is the area exposed to strong winds?
Do I want an evergreen or deciduous tree?
What purpose will the tree serve?
summer shade, winter light, autumn colour, spring flowers, privacy screening.
How big will it grow? Height matters!
How close is it to buildings, gutters, or waterways?
Roots, falling limbs, flammability, and leaves in gutters can all become issues later if the wrong tree is planted in the wrong spot.
Buying the right tree for your garden is vital. A little planning now can help avoid neighbour disputes, costly arborist bills, and future maintenance headaches.
For larger blocks or acreage, think about whether you want native species that encourage birds and beneficial insects and consider fire ratings or potentially invasive species.
Research What Grows Best in Your Area
Before buying your tree, it’s worth doing a little homework.
Take some time to research which trees and shrubs grow well in your local area and conditions. You can:
Ask at your local nursery 🌱
Look at what is thriving in nearby gardens 🏡
Check council or community planting guides
Talk to neighbours or local gardeners 👩🌾
Choosing plants suited to your climate, soil, and rainfall will give them the best chance of success and reduce future maintenance problems.
Choosing the Right Spot
Once you’ve selected your tree, spend a bit of time really looking at the planting position from all angles before you start digging.
If planting multiple trees, allow enough spacing so they won’t compete for sunlight, water and nutrients.
Planting Tips for Success
A good rule of thumb is:
Dig the hole at least twice as wide and twice as deep as the pot or bag.
If using an auger, loosen the sides of the hole so roots can spread easily.
Depending on your soil type, consider mixing compost, soil improver, quality potting mix, or well-rotted manure into the existing soil for a healthy start. 🌿
When planting:
Handle roots gently
Remove bags or pots carefully
Backfill soil firmly to remove air pockets
Leave the top slightly below ground level so water can pool around the roots
Water thoroughly after planting and continue watering during hot periods, especially through the first few summers. Even native trees usually need some summer watering while establishing.
Adding a seaweed tonic such as Seasol can also help reduce transplant stress.
Spring and autumn are generally the best times to fertilise.
Mulch and Support
Mulch around the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent collar rot.
Staking Trees in Windy SW Conditions
In the South West, strong winds can easily damage or loosen newly planted trees before their roots become established.
Staking young trees is often a good idea, especially in exposed or coastal areas.
A few simple tips:
- Use 2–3 sturdy stakes placed outside the root ball.
- Tie the tree loosely using soft tree ties or old stockings to avoid damaging the trunk
Allow the tree to move slightly — gentle movement encourages stronger root growth. - For larger trees, three stakes in a triangle formation provide excellent support
- Regularly check ties and stakes to ensure they are not rubbing against the trunk
Most trees only need staking for the first 12–24 months. Once established, remove the stakes so the tree can develop natural strength and stability.
Don’t Forget Protection!
Rabbits and kangaroos can quickly damage young trees. Protect trunks with loose chicken wire guards and secure larger guards firmly into the ground if needed.
And remember — if you don’t currently have rabbits… they may still arrive one day! 🐰
Final Thought
A well-chosen and well-planted tree will reward you for decades with shade, beauty, habitat, and seasonal colour.
Take your time choosing the right tree for the right place — your future garden will thank you! 🌿