Tree Planting

Expert advice for a lifetime of growth.

At Big Heart Tree Care, we believe every garden deserves a tree. Whether your space is urban or rural, a sun-drenched terrace or a shaded sanctuary, there is a perfect species for you. A well-chosen tree is more than just a plant; it is a living feature that provides beauty and interest for generations.

Before selecting your specimen, we recommend considering the following professional factors to ensure your tree thrives.

Soil quality is the foundation of tree health. In urban areas or new builds, soil can often be shallow, compacted, or contain hidden rubble.

• • Physical Inspection: Dig a $30\text{cm}$ pilot hole to check for debris (bricks/rubble) and drainage. If water fills the hole and remains, the soil may be waterlogged.

  • Soil Type: Note if your soil is sandy, clay-heavy, or excessively dry.

  • pH Levels: Use a simple pH tester from a hardware store. Selecting a tree compatible with your soil’s acidity or alkalinity is vital for long-term survival.

Look beyond the soil to the micro-climate of your garden:

• • Exposure: Identify frost pockets (low points between slopes) or areas with high wind exposure.

  • Context: Is your garden coastal, waterside, or heavily shaded?

  • Local Success: Observe neighboring gardens. What species are thriving? Are there local outbreaks of pests or diseases affecting specific trees like Ash or Elm?

What do you want your tree to achieve? Defining its role helps narrow your search:

• • Functional: Creating a windbreak, reducing noise, or providing privacy (screening).

  • Practical: Providing summer shade or harvesting fruit.

  • Ecological: Encouraging local wildlife and pollinators.

  • Aesthetic: Serving as a stunning focal point.

Why settle for the ordinary when you can choose a specimen with year-round interest?

• Form: Select from upright, slender, vase-shaped, or pendulous (weeping) habits.

• Structure: Choose between traditional single-stem or contemporary multi-stem forms.

• Characteristics: Consider bark texture, variegated leaf patterns, vibrant autumn colors, or seasonal flowers.

• Sustainability: While native trees are excellent for rural settings, some non-native (exotic) species are more resilient to the “heat island” effect of urban environments and shifting global climates.

While a larger tree provides an “instant garden,” it requires more intensive post-planting aftercare and a higher budget.

• Access: Ensure there is a clear path to bring a large specimen into your garden.

• Utilities: Avoid planting large species near overhead power lines or telecommunication poles. Utility companies have legal rights to prune trees that interfere with infrastructure.

• Proximity: Consider the proximity to drainage pipes and the potential impact of shade or roots on your neighbors.

Selecting the right tree can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Arborscape Service connects you with an Arboricultural Consultant who will survey your site and design a bespoke planting plan tailored to your vision—whether you are planting one tree or one hundred.

Ready to grow? Email Big Heart Tree Care today for more details on our consultancy and sourcing services.