Treatment of plants prior to planting
Bare rooted plant material can be kept in polythene bags for several days until planted, ensuring that the roots remain damp and that they are not subject to direct sunlight nor exposed to frost. If their is a prolonged period from receipt of goods to planting it is advisable to remove bags and the plants be heeled into a peat soil mix. Containerised stock should be stood down onto ground in a sheltered area from direct sun and strong winds.

Preparing to plant
Position the plants still in there respective containers on the prepared area in accordance with the design or as per landscape drawings.

Planting
The size of the planting excavation should be of sufficiently over sized to accommodate the spread of roots for bare rooted or the pot / root balled plants. If the sides of the hole become smeared during digging, particularly on clay soils this should be scarified prior to planting. The bare rooted plants should not be planted any deeper than that of the soil line that appears just above the roots container or root balled stock should be planted approximately 3cm to 5cm below the existing soil level.

Back-filling
Whilst back-filling around the plant the soil should be lightly firmed ensuring contact to the roots, if the soil is heavy or very sandy it may be advisable to add compost or well rotted manure to the back-fill.

For large specimens its advisable to back-fill in layers and firmed so that the plant is held more securely.

Support and protection
Any plants exceeding 1mt in height should be supported by stakes, over head or underground wires and to be in proportion to plant size. Ensuring that that the stem does not become damaged by chafing and that there is room for growth.

Protection from animals may be required i.e. rabbit guards tree shelters or a permanent wire fence against cattle.

Pruning
After planting any damaged branches or shoots should be removed. Sometimes trees benefit from crown reduction to stimulate more compact and neater growth and keep the head to root ratio uniform, but do not prune the central leader if it is intended to cultivate to its full stature.