How To Plant Trees and Shrubs - Bare Root vs Potted Plants

In this video we look at the best way to plant a tree and the difference between bare root and potted plants.
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#TreePlanting #HowToPlantATree #BackyardGarden #Gardening #WildlifeGarden #JoelAshton #WildlifeGardening #BareRoot #Trees #GardenTrees #GardenIdeas #GardenInspiration #WildYourGarden #PlantingATree #WhyIsMyTreeDying #BestWayToPlantATree #MyTreeHasDied

[@keithhanssen7413]

A square hole. Now I know. Thanks again for your thorough and enlightening demonstration.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You're very welcome Keith :) Your support, as always, is really appreciated - best wishes, Joel

[@nadineb2726]

Yeah I heard square was the way to go I have a couple peach trees coming next week so I will implement the square.

[@charliensam]

What a wonderful video! Thank you so much for sharing all these great tree-planting tips. I will be following them all when I plant some fruit trees on my property this spring. 🌱🌳🐦🐝

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Michelle - you are very welcome :) Good luck with the planting, you'll be rewarded for your efforts - best wishes, Joel

[@garyskibinski1879]

I learned a great deal from you today . I’ve been planting trees and shrubs for decades ,I’ve not until today heard of the square hole . Thank you .

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks for that Gary, I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such a nice comment :) So glad it was helpful to you, there's lots more on the channel that may not teach you anything new, but be entertaining at least :) Best wishes to you and yours - Joel

[@donaldauguston9740]

Thank you, Joel. Believe it or not, I have two trees to plant this weekend. I appreciate the video very much. Take care, DA

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Really pleased I managed it in time Donald, thanks for your continued support, I'm trying my best to ensure everyone knows the best practices for their own benefit, financially too :) Best wishes - Joel

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@klaasdhaan Hi Klaas - thank you so much, I really appreciate your support - great to know my videos are reaching the Netherlands :) Best wishes to you and yours - Joel

[@bayoustate9481]

I've planted over 50 native trees in Louisiana with circular holes. So glad I watched this. Great job

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Awesome! So good to read this and I'm so glad the video was helpful, there's lots more on the channel :) Thank you and best wishes, Joel

[@Around_The_Home]

Greetings from the USA. First time I heard of the idea of making the hole square. Makes a lot of sense. I will do that from now on. I noticed that the tree had one root that looked like it wanted to grow in a circle. When I encounter that, and if the root is flexible enough, I will dig a small trench/opening in the side of the hole and gently insert the root in this opening. Hopefully, this will encourage the root to grow away from the tree and not around it, which could cause the tree to girdle itself in years to come.

[@jamestomlin5525]

I wish I was able to plant birch trees where I'm at, they're such a neat, medicinal tree. Great video!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you James, really appreciate your kind comments. I hope you enjoy the rest of the channel too :) Best wishes, Joel

[@gardeninside1367]

Very informative video and beautiful to watch!🌼

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you - your support means a lot :) Best wishes, Joel

[@nadineb2726]

Thank you

[@lvurbanfarming9001]

Very informative. Specially to a lot of beginners and even experienced gardeners. Planting bareroot seems to be a lot better. For some reason some of my bareroot seems to be more resilient from any diseases and sturdier as they grow and also they acclimate better. Thank you - Ed

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Ed - much appreciated :) Younger trees will certainly fare better as they are more able and willing to adapt to their situation and grow with it - best wishes, Joel

[@klsaunders2656]

I've always been told to soak the bare root in water beforehand if possible. It's now recommended to install steak at an angle so the top growth can move around slightly and strengthen stem without the roots rocking. Excellent advice about planting into a square hole and facing up the plant. Some videos about smaller trees would be cool as silver birches get massive.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there, thank you. It can help with soaking them but it is not always necessary, there are several gardening theories on this but as long as the root looks and feels damp and of course (with bareroot) it is planted in the winter months, this will provide enough moisture, the roots will take it from the existing soil. I do mention about the root rocking and that stakes are best but of course only for the first year so they don't rely on this support. There are other videos on the channel featuring other trees and coppice belts, but I try to make them when I am able and on client's sites when the opportunity arises - lots more to come though :) thanks for your support, best wishes - Joel

[@UkAmphibians]

Brilliant this joel Really good advice this Thankyou 🐸💚🐸

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You're very welcome, as always :) Appreciate your continued support too - best wishes as always, Joel

[@lynnrushton7458]

Square hole 👍 never thought of that! Thanks Joel 😁

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You're very welcome Lynn - thanks for your continued support, it doesn't go unnoticed :) Best wishes, Joel

[@Crina-LudmilaCristeaAuthor]

Very detailed and useful video!🤗

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you - I am glad you enjoyed this - best wishes, Joel

[@williamsclive2900]

yet another fantastic vidio ... keep up the good work joel 😊😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you - appreciated as always :)

[@SereneSoakingSounds]

💗🕊💗always a joy to watch 💗🕊💗

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you, as always :) Hope you're doing well and taking good care - best wishes, Joel

[@micksmusicchannel]

Great informative video Joel. You'd think planting a tree would be straightforward, however the square hole is excellent advice, I'd never have thought about that. Hopefully those trees will still be standing long after we're gone. Great work pal 👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Mick :) Thank you and yes, it's the little things - so pleased this was helpful. I hope it shows that it's rather simple still and the rewards that even one tree can bring is worth the effort - that's always my fear though, that new owners will purchase these client properties one day and who knows what they will do, however education and spreading the word will make a difference sooner or later :) Best wishes, as always - Joel

[@micksmusicchannel]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton That's always a worry Joel. Cutting down trees just because someone doesn't want them anymore is nothing less than vandalism. Hope you gave a great weekend. 👍

[@colinjennings8778]

The proper way to plant a tree, another informative video. Always plant the same depth as it grew in the nursery, same for any plant. I might add and I know you don’t but incase anyone is thinking about it not a good idea to add compost to the hole as it will stop the roots spreading out to find nutrients. Only thing I do different is to add some Mycorrhizal Fungi Root grow to give them a kick start. I plant 30 whips a year as there is enough granules in the packet for that quantity. I would love to plant into that ground as here you need a metal bar as the ground is stone under 1inch of soil, so when I have removed enough stone I then back fill with soil. Also I have to protect from deer with tubes.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Colin, very much :) Some great additional advice here and I really appreciate it, we have a great community here and I'm so glad you're a part of it too, this stuff is really helpful - best wishes, Joel

[@kathrynnorman2253]

As always, what an interesting video :)

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you :) Much appreciated as always! Best wishes, Joel

[@owenhollifield5201]

Another interesting video. 👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Owen, thanks so much - I do hope you're doing well and the new year has treated you good so far :) Best wishes, Joel

[@Bcc0rg]

Hi Joel, great video as always!. loads of great advice and the only thing I would add is if you are a beginner at tree planting put the steak in before the tree, it's way easier and removes the possibility of putting the seak through those precious roots. Keep up the great work.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Great advice :) Thank you, this is what the channel is all about, people sharing their own experiences and helping others, which as you no doubt already know, helps nature in turn :) Thanks for the support, it's appreciated - best wishes, Joel

[@SisterDogmata]

Brilliant tip, I'd never thought of that!

[@lisaroberts8135]

I’ve just today bought 2 common beech a holly and picking up a hazel , field maple,gelder rose and an elder tree . I’m so pleased I found your channel just in time to plant them correctly… thank you so much ! I’m planning and working to make my garden a wild life paradise! Gardening has helped me with the challenges life throws at us , I’m much more positive and even quite excited about being in my garden !

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

So good to read this Lisa - apologies for the delay but with over 200 videos on the channel now it's difficult to keep up with everyone, but I'm determined that everyone gets acknowledged :) Really good to know that you're making a wildlife paradise - if you're in the UK and need any advice at all then do drop us a line at [e-mail] - we really do have everything you need to make it happen :) Best wishes, Joel

[@lisaroberts8135]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you so much , I’m a proper novice and could really do with some guidance on the dos and don’ts of revamping my garden ! I’ll definitely be asking for advice and watching your brilliant videos! I’ve learnt so much all ready . I feel confident between this autumn and next I’ll have progressed loads …. Watch out Percy thrower !!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@lisaroberts8135 🤣🤣 You're very welcome LisaPercyRoberts! Don't forget to drop me a line if you need help, at any time - my two colleagues will answer initially but then they highlight any specific advice needed and then forward your email to me so I can help. Thanks ever so much - your support and encouragement makes a difference! Best wishes, Joel

[@453421abcdefg12345]

Ha Ha ! It would take me 2 hours to dig a hole that big, and that using a Kango, lovely to see you being able to dig by just thrusting the spade in, bare roots is definitely the way to go, I have seen so many nice large trees /shrubs with roots going round and round in even a large pot, and they never recover, even when the roots are teased out, but with bare roots, they just rocket away, especially when planting a mixed hedgerow, they are so much more cost effective, especially when you are buying 100s, they will look very nice when established. Chris B.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

That did make me laugh! Totally agree, as always, with your thoughts :) Best wishes, Joel

[@george-1961]

Another good video Joel. I was in awe of the soil there. My soil is of a very heavy clay. 6” down and it’s a nightmare to dig and always use farmyard manure mixed with top soil when planting out plants. I also never knew about round holes not being ideal when planting trees and shrubs, so thanks for that 👌🏻😉

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey George :) It's great soil, wish it could all be like this. However, all is not lost with your clay soil, a relative of mine had exactly the same back-breaking problem, but by adding sharp sand instead of top soil will help it crumble and break-up - try it :) Hope this helps too, and yes it's amazing how many round holes are dug! Best wishes - Joel

[@george-1961]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Sharp sand will be used from now on 😀👍🏻

[@klsaunders2656]

If you're digging over the whole area firdt, you can also use gypsum and organic matter as well as sharp or grit sand. I have clay soil too and my borders are now slowly getting better.

[@george-1961]

@@klsaunders2656 Thank you for the extra advice. Much appreciated .

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@klsaunders2656 Great advice :) Thank you

[@mattbking99]

Brilliant stuff, Joel! I know what you mean about the feeling of "1 x tree planted". We asked for trees as wedding presents, and, well, "We're gonna need a bigger garden..." Keep up the great work. (And where is this in Surrey???)

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Haha! Love the "we're gonna need a bigger garden", made me laugh out loud - but what an excellent gift choice that eventually gives to the world :) This is near Wonersh/Blackheath - thanks so much for your support Matt - best wishes, Joel

[@francismaloney8775]

Thank you Sir 🌹👍🇮🇪

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You are most welcome :) Thank you for your kind comment and support, it means a lot - best wishes, Joel

[@francismaloney8775]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton You're welcome, planted three Betula Jacquemontii other day, and a Sorbus Olympic Flame yesterday. Thanks again

[@PaulOutdoors]

Superb and inspirational Joel as always. Planting trees is one of the most fulfilling things that I have done and will continue to do, particularly when having collected the seed, germinated them and grown them on. Some of the acorns I collected some 20 years ago are now planted in and around "Trailcam Wood" and in some cases approaching 20ft tall with some of these trees having produced their own offspring that I started planting in November of last year. Hopefully these trees can continue to grow, thrive and grace the skyline whilst providing shelter, roosts, shade and sustenance 👍😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Paul - this sounds fantastic, growing them on just adds to the level of satisfaction no doubt at all :) Thank you from me too re your efforts - best wishes, Joel

[@PaulOutdoors]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton I truly appreciate the time, planning and effort that goes in to your wonderfully informative videos Joel that are full of Infectious enthusiasm and overflowing with your love of wildlife and nature. I put you in the same company as two of my major wildlife gardening inspirations growing up, namely Chris Baines and Geoffrey Hamilton. I can't pay you a higher compliment than that. Thank you. Paul 😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@PaulOutdoors Hi Paul, you certainly can't! 😀 stay tuned re the wonderful Mr Baines... I may have something of interest for you later in the year.... - thanks so much for your kind words, they really do make a difference :) Best wishes, as always - Joel

[@PaulOutdoors]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Now you've got me very intrigued Joel 🤔👍😊

[@tuscan440r]

I wish I had seen this video 4 years ago! I paid a fair bit for ~3.5m Red Robins, a hawthorn and a Rowan which were used primarily for screening. I've been disappointed with the growth after 4 years so this explains it, but also I think I'm not feeding them enough. I only recently took the supports away so hoping they can toughen up a bit, would hate to lose several years growth to a few mistakes! Wanting to add a native holly to it to but will look at 6ft versions rather than trying to find a 3m tall holly

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Sorry to hear that! They will pick up in growth, but as you know, take a little longer. A feed may well help them. Definitely a smaller holly rather than large, not only are they more cost-effective, they'll shoot up in no time :) Best wishes as always - Joel

[@tuscan440r]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton cheers Joel, found a seller online who sells them at 2m-2.25cm (9 years old). Do you think this is too mature? It will also be used for screening.... One day when it grows!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@tuscan440r It should be ok at that height, they're pretty slow-growing anyway hence their price! Let me know how it goes :) Best wishes - Joel

[@tuscan440r]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton ideal, thanks again. Top advice as always Joel 😀👍

[@bobthrasher8226]

Maybe a "star" shaped hole is ever better? When the roots hit the end of a "point" they are less likely to turn around. Square is better than round though.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey Bob - that's a fantastic idea :) Thank you - best wishes, Joel

[@Mark-iw8kn]

Again a lovely episode. Am I the only one who wants to know the song of the intro? 😁 Can someone help me?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

I can help you Mark! It's called "Delicate Attention" by BertySolo - thanks so much for your kind words, really makes a difference - best wishes to you and yours and thanks again for your support - Joel

[@Jojo-qd6gi]

Hi Joel, just wondering if you recommend using tree guards and, if so, what type? We're planning a new hedge, saplings only about 2ft tall, mixed "traditional" (UK) trees, rabbits and sheep about... Many thanks

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Jojo - sorry for the delay, am just finding time to catch up with everyone after working away on jobs. But yes, if there are deer etc then we do use guards, but we use the biodegradable ones, they're readily available now and I'd highly recommend them. Hope this helps, and great work in creating another vital habitat! Best wishes, Joel

[@Sblatus]

When you push the stick next to the tree doesn’t it squash the roots? I’m afraid of doing that

[@tracy419]

Yikes. I would love to put a hedgerow in if we get some property soon, but at 5 or 6 trees/bushes per yard and square holes for at least a few hundred feet? Not sure I'll live that long😂

[@jaqmackie]

What about pruning Joel? I heard that we shouldn’t prune in summer when the sap is running. As they will bleed too much. I planted 5 silver birch and need to remove a number of branches low down. Is this correct? Thanks for your videos, love them.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there Jaque - the sap running can happen more in the Spring when the tree is coming into life and pushing this sap around to feed all the new leaves etc. Re pruning, I would say that it would actually be better in winter when the tree is in it's dormancy, particularly if they are larger branches. You may not have seen it, but I have done a video on coppicing that you might find helpful : kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4rClHumgr6ihqc Apologies if it's a repeat for you but I hope it explains more and that you can resist until winter :) Best wishes and thank you for your support - Joel

[@jaqmackie]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks heaps, I’ll hold off to winter only a couple of months away.

[@NorthernCitrusParrot]

Hi Joel. Did you say don't coppice Alder - or just don't coppice when they're older? Thanks.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Good point! Easily misconstrued... but definitely when they're "older" :) Hope that helps a bit more - best wishes, Joel

[@restorationlandscape61]

Where on Earth do you buy an angled spade? In 38 years of landscaping, I've never seen one.

[@edwilson5416]

Hi Joel. Can I ask a question about hedge pruning please? Last October I planted a new beech hedge from root ball saplings. Its doing well now and most plants are up to the top of the 2 1/2 ft canes I staked againt. What pruning (if any) should I be doing now? I'm a bit confused by contrasting advice online, some of which says wait until the lead shoot is at the desired height first, others which say you need to trim the top regularly to encourage more side growth lower down.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Ed - just back home and catching up with comments, so apologies for the delay. Ok, this advice is from what I do personally (and it works!): I leave the main leading stem to reach the desired height before trimming. This will then promote lateral growth. If the hedge wasn't beech and you were looking to create denser growth lower down, I would recommend pruning back hard to 6 inches above the ground, but given the growth rate of beech I would advise against this as it would be some time before the hedge reached it's ultimate height. I hope this helps Ed, here if you need further advice - best wishes, Joel

[@edwilson5416]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thank you Joel

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@edwilson5416 You're welcome Ed, here if you need any other help

[@jamesgrant7201]

What would the best biodegradable/non plastic option be re tree ties?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi James, you can buy "Natural Tree Ties" that are fully biodegradeable and better than the string type as they will graze against the tree - we re-use a lot of our tree ties on jobs but if you want something that bio-degrades after single use I'd recommend the natural tree ties - hope this helps, best wishes - Joel

[@jamesgrant7201]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thankyou

[@DrRock2009]

You could use 16mm rebar as a stake instead. As for tree guards: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJuaaa2pgMepr5o

[@davidrandall6087]

Totally unrelated. But if Joel had an onlyfans. I'd subscribe

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

It's been suggested a few times David! I'm glad you enjoyed the video :) Best wishes, Joel

[@Aesroc]

Jeez, the sound quality on this kinda killed the video.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Completely? Trying to bring videos as and when I'm working, and to relay information that I think will be helpful. I wish KZbin was my day job but it wouldn't get so much planting done! ;) Best wishes - Joel

[@polutanka]

The video is perfectly watchable/listenable. Some people just love to complain.

[@Aesroc]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton sorry didn't mean to complain, around the 7 minute mark with headphones on. Had to turn it off, the background noise was really off putting. Just some feedback, it's free content, so I'm not complaining. You make some awesome vids, cheers.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@Aesroc No worries at all Marc, I really appreciate you letting me know this, it's just that I can't always be prepared, so many client works on at the moment and sometimes I just prop the phone up at an opprtune time so that I can share info like this - I didn't have the proper microphone with muffler that day. Thank you again for being so gracious :) Lots more to come - best wishes, Joel

[@at1the1beginning]

How NOT to plant a tree actually. Round or square hole: doesn't make a difference. You say a round hole makes the roots go round and round, but you yourself are actually bending a large root almost completely around the hole to fit...Contradiction right there. Don't rough up the bottom because this will cause the tree to sink in time making suffocation/drowning more likely. Don't rely on the trunk (dis)coloration for planting depth. More likely than not it was planted too deep in the nursery already. Instead find the point where the trunk widens into the roots: the root flare.This needs to be abbove soil level. Better planted too high than too low and yes this includes roots above ground. They'll die and the tree will just grow new ones. No big deal. Don't add compost, manure or fertellizer. Only what came out goes back in. They don't need it. Mulching on top is enough and better for establishment. Don't tramp the soil down, you'll only compact it...Use water and let the soil settle naturally through gravity (mudding in). Don't stake so high. The top needs to be able to move in the wind and this movement must be allowed to reach to the root flare to stimulate thickening and root growth.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Roy - wish you'd watched the whole video as there are contradictions to your comments right in there. I have been planting trees via this method and according to my advice in this video for over 17 years now and have not had one fail, ever. No clients - and these include acre sites of many trees, have ever had reason to call me back to replant or replace them. I am not sure where in the world you are, maybe it's different practice there. I of course don't agree with what you have said above, but you are entitled to your opinion. Best wishes -Joel

[@lvurbanfarming9001]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thank you Joel. Actually I planted all my trees the same way as you. Newly planted trees needs to be stake high due to high winds or even a simple wind. Like around my area. Vegas to be exact. If its not stake high and right. A simple wind will simply snap a newly planted tree in half. Thank you for sharing your years of knowledge its appreciated 🙂

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@lvurbanfarming9001 Thank you Ed - really appreciate your support, happy to share if it means more habitats for nature :) Best wishes, Joel

[@klsaunders2656]

You can cut off the large root if required as the fibrous roots are the main feeding roots.

[@at1the1beginning]

​@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton 17 years of experience doesn't excuse bad planting practices, which these are and have been so in the trade for decades. Recent horticultural/scientific research suggests the points I stated for the quickest establishment and best long term health/survival. Biggest causes of tree deaths in landscapes are: 1) planting too deep: either improper measuring at planting time or by not finding the - or even knowing what - a root flare is OR by adding organic material to the planting hole/backfill which will inevitably decompost/oxidize resulting in the tree sinking. This leads to either water collecting in the resulting bowl shape and in both situations to roots suffocating. 2) underwatering in the first growing season (pruning at planting time to 'balance out' the crown and roots doesn't help btw - in fact the opposite is likely true for reasons I'll state if asked) 3) staking too high for too long for reasons above 4) long term: NOT BAREROOTING to correct root deficiencies at planting time, of which circling ones are the most severe which in time will girdle the tree. Young plants are more adaptable ofcourse as are different species. This isn't my mere opnion. These are facts supported from scientific studies done in the field. True, the studies are rather recent (and sparse compared to other related subjects such as agriculture) and not (yet) done long term, but the data suggest these points for the quickest and best establishment. Besides, just because former clients haven't called you regarding failures, doesn't mean there haven't been any. To some people it just isn't worth it. From a mathematical chance point of view this also seems unlikely.