
Planting trees and shrubs
Planting Trees and Shrubs
Healthy planting is about more than putting a plant in the ground. The right tree or shrub can add privacy, structure, shade, and year round colour, but only when it is chosen carefully and planted correctly. We provide a complete planting service for gardens and outdoor spaces, focusing on long term performance, tidy finishes, and minimal disruption.
Whether you are creating a new border, replacing tired plants, or starting fresh after building work, we help you make confident choices. Our team works with your space, soil, and light levels to give your plants the best possible start, so they establish quickly and thrive.
Planning and Plant Selection
Every successful planting job starts with a simple plan. We look at your goals, for example screening a view, softening a fence line, adding blossom, or forming a low maintenance framework. Then we match plant options to the conditions on site, including sun and shade patterns, exposure to wind, drainage, and available rooting space.
We can recommend a balanced mix of evergreens and deciduous varieties, along with flowering shrubs and ornamental trees to extend interest across the seasons. If you already have plants on site, we can assess their condition, advise on the best placement, and confirm whether they are suitable for transplanting.
If you need broader outdoor improvements alongside planting, you can explore our landscaping and gardening options and combine services into one well coordinated visit.
Soil Preparation and Site Setup
Good soil preparation is what makes planting last. Before planting, we clear the area of weeds, old roots, rubble, or compacted turf where needed. We then prepare the ground to suit the plant, improving structure and drainage and creating the right depth and width for strong root development.
Depending on your site, preparation may include:
- Ground loosening to relieve compaction and help water move through the soil evenly
- Organic enrichment to improve fertility and moisture holding capacity
- Positioning to ensure correct spacing, mature size allowances, and neat lines for hedging
- Mulch readiness so plants are protected from temperature swings and weed pressure
We also take care around existing lawns, paths, and beds to keep edges clean and avoid unnecessary mess. If the area needs more extensive preparation, ask us about related soil preparation services that can be carried out before planting begins.
Professional Planting and Finishing
Correct planting depth and support
Planting at the right depth is critical. Trees planted too deep often struggle, while shallow planting can lead to drying out and instability. We set each tree or shrub at the correct level, spread roots properly, and backfill in stages so there are no hidden air pockets.
For larger trees or exposed locations, we can install appropriate staking and ties to support the trunk while allowing natural movement. This reduces the risk of rocking, which can damage new roots and slow establishment.
Mulching, watering, and aftercare guidance
After planting, we water thoroughly and apply mulch where appropriate to reduce weeds and conserve moisture. We also explain how to water during the first season, which is often the difference between a plant that copes and a plant that thrives. You will get practical guidance on watering frequency, signs of stress, and when to feed, based on the plant type and the time of year.
If you would like ongoing help, we can schedule follow up visits and coordinate planting with other garden maintenance services so your new trees and shrubs are supported as they settle in.
What We Can Plant
We plant a wide range of trees and shrubs for residential and commercial properties, from single feature trees to full border schemes. Common requests include:
- Hedging for privacy, boundaries, and wind protection
- Specimen trees to create a focal point and add height
- Flowering shrubs for seasonal colour and pollinator friendly planting
- Evergreens for year round structure and screening
- Foundation planting to soften walls, patios, and paved areas
Our Process
- Site review to understand conditions and confirm your goals
- Plant choices based on soil, light, space, and desired maintenance level
- Preparation including clearing, digging, and soil improvement
- Planting with correct spacing, depth, and support where needed
- Finishing including watering, mulching, and a clear aftercare plan
If you are ready to improve your outdoor space with well chosen trees and shrubs, we can help you plan, prepare, and plant with care, leaving you with a cleaner site and a garden that grows stronger each season.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant trees and shrubs?
Most trees and shrubs establish best in autumn or spring when the soil is workable and temperatures are mild. Container grown plants can be planted most of the year if watering is reliable. We will advise based on your plant choices and site conditions.
Do you prepare the soil before planting?
Yes, we clear weeds and debris, loosen compacted ground, and improve the planting area as needed. Proper preparation helps roots spread, improves drainage, and reduces early stress. This is one of the biggest factors in long term success.
How often should new trees and shrubs be watered after planting?
Water deeply right after planting, then keep the root zone consistently moist during the first growing season. Frequency depends on weather and soil type, but most new plants need extra watering during dry spells. We provide simple aftercare guidance tailored to what we plant and where it is placed.