BUSHY

CENTRE LEADER

PLANTING & PRUNING GUIDE

It is preferable to plant within 1-2 days of receiving your tree. Remove shrink wrap from upper section of trees, leave black plastic and straw intac, and store in the shade until planting can occur. These trees are perishable so plant as soon as possible.

BARE ROOTED TREES & SHRUBS

1. Site Preparation
   Dig a hole large enough for the roots to spread out without distortion and deep enough to plant at the same depth as it has been at the nursery. Prune back any damaged roots to sound wood.
   
   
2. Staking
   Insert a stake slightly off center in the bottom of the hole and drive it in until secure. Place the plant in the center of the hole locating the stem 2.5cm from the stake. Ensure that the stake does not interfere with the crown of the plant.
   
   
3. Planting
   Spread the roots of the plant laterally and backfill with soil. Firm carefully to exclude air pockets, take care not to damage the roots.
   
   
4. Protecting the Tree
   Tree guards may be necessary to protect the tree from animals or machinery. Secure the tree or shrub to the stake, using a tree-tie attached to the top of the stake no more that 2.5cm from the top. Additional ties may be necessary to stop the stem rubbing on the stake.
   
   
5. Pruning
   The logic of pruning is simply that the roots have been cuts, so a balance between branches and roots must be achieved to minimize stress on the plant.
   
   
6. Prune at least one third to one half from the tree making sure which type of tree you are pruning. The tree diagram will show you the tree type – center leader or bushy. Always prune to an outside bud. It is important to prune once the trees have been planted unless it is raining, a copper spray to avoid fungal problems is desirable after pruning
   The pruning instructions above are for barerooted trees only not those grown in containers.
   
   * Never plant your tree when ground conditions are not suitable, i.e. too wet. Heel them into a holding area (sawdust, or vege patch) until conditions are suitable. Never let the bare rooted trees stand around, for any lenght of time or dry out always keep them wrapped in the damp straw until you are ready to plant.
   
   The Pruning instructions above are for bare rooted trees only, not those grown in containers.
   

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