A great tree starts with great planting. Here are five planting habits that set every tree up to thrive, with worked examples.
Habit 1: Plant at grade
Set the root flare at or just above soil level. This is the simple move that keeps the trunk dry and the roots happy. Example: Magnolia 'Little Gem'.
Habit 2: Build in drainage
Olives and other Mediterranean trees love free-draining soil. A quick drainage check before planting sets them up for decades of strong growth. Example: Olea europaea.
Habit 3: Native-friendly feeding
Australian Proteaceae like Banksia thrive on low-phosphorus, native-formulated fertiliser. Match the feed to the species and they reward you with flower and form. Example: Banksia integrifolia.
Habit 4: Summer planting made easy
Summer planting is a great way to get trees going - water morning and evening for the first two weeks, mulch deeply, and the roots settle in beautifully. Spring, autumn and winter also work well. Example: Lagerstroemia Natchez Crepe Myrtle.
Habit 5: Match tree to light
Japanese Maples love filtered light and a sheltered spot - position them where they'll glow rather than bake. Example: Acer palmatum.
The simple recipe
Dig wide, plant at grade, backfill with native soil, water deeply, mulch out to the dripline. Match species to climate and site, and the tree does the rest.
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