Squirrels are also a terrible pest when trees get to about 20ft tall but there is no protection available.Family owned and operated nursery since 2019. Ask us for advice on the most appropriate guards for your trees or hedge. Rabbits, deer, sheep, cattle and horses can all potentially damage trees. Non proprietary materials such as baler twine will cut into the bark and should not be used. They should be checked at the end of each growing season for adjustment as the trunk thickens.

These are designed and manufactured with the correct amount of give to hold the tree firm without strangling it. 2 x 1.65 Tree stake and cross rail with 38mm cushion spacer and 1m of 38mm strapping.Īlways use our recommended tree ties or strapping. 150/175 1.2m square stake and a buckle tie and spacer.40/60, 60/80, 80/100 whips - Unless rabbit/deer problem no need to stake.Flexing in the wind, higher up the trunk, is not necessarily a problem if the roots are firm.īellow is list of the correct system to use to secure your trees. The purpose of the stakes is to anchor the roots. Check, particularly after windy weather, that stakes are still solidly in the ground keeping the base of the trunk firm. Roots not firmly in contact with the soil are unable to take up moisture and nutrients, resulting in die back or death of the tree. If trees are not correctly secured they will rock in the planting pit. Each time you mow, the grass will grow back more vigorously and strimming invariably leads to lacerated trunks. Mowing or strimming is NOT an answer to the problem.Weed killer needs to be applied each year for the first 3 years, preferably when the tree is dormant, or just once before applying a mulch mat.

Organic weed killers usually do not kill roots.

Weed killer is very effective, however it is harmful to the environment.

Be careful not to allow the woodchip to touch the stem as it can cause rot. After clearing the ground around the tree, firmly fit the mat by tucking the edges into the soil and put a thick layer of bark mulch on top of this.

Mulch mats are an effective way to stop grass and weeds, although they will require a careful eye to make sure they continue to work.

It is vital that for at least 3 years after planting your tree or hedge has a circle or strip one metre wide completely free of grass. When trees are first establishing, the grass roots would be at the same level as the tree roots and are far more efficient at taking up water and thus choke the tree. One of the most common causes of lack of water is competition from grass.

In hot dry spells give the equivalent of 2 bucketfuls every three days. It is essential throughout the spring and summer, to give a heavy enough watering to enable the water to penetrate right down to the deepest root level of the tree. The main reason that plants die within 12 months of having been planted is lack of water. Acers will bleed sap if pruned too early.įor the continued healthy growth of your trees, shrubs or hedging it is vital that you follow the advice below. What time of year should I prune? Prune in winter (November to January) when the plant is dormant. Ideally do this when the shoots are young, as the removal of mature stems may weaken the tree. You can also remove shoots growing in unwanted directions, to encourage a good structure. Remove dead or damaged branches in late autumn or winter when the tree is dormant. Does not require any routine pruning, but take out any noticeable dieback.

Skeeters broom dwarf japanese maple