Planting instructions

                                                                                      Click here for planting instructions

To ensure optimal regrowth of newly planted trees, it is advisable to keep an eye on a few things In case of problems, doubt or complex planting situations, it is always advisable to call in an expert company. Van den Berk Nurseries can be of assistance.

Location and type
Ensure that the design leaves enough room for the tree, both above and below the ground. Make sure the tree or shrub selected fits in with the location. Analyze the soil type and select a suitable tree type. Take other factors into account as well, such as wind sensitivity, resistance against hard surfaces, salt, wintery conditions etc. The book 'Van den Berk on Trees' can answer all your questions. Using a search system with symbols, the characteristics of 880 roadside trees can be found.

The soil type is extremely important
Analyze the soil to rule out interfering layers and compacted soil. Especially in new housing developments, the soil can be extremely compacted as a result of heavy traffic, which means the soil is not aerated enough and water cannot drain away (disrupted air/water ratio). This soil is not suitable for planting, as the roots will suffocate or rot away. Rotting can also be caused by a high groundwater level. In wet areas, rotting is a factor to take into account. The last thing to check is whether the pH (KCL) is not too high or too low. The perfect pH for the average roadside tree is around 5.5.
Whenever there are no problems and the soil is right, the trees can be planted. Make sure the planting holes are large enough and loosen the soil at the bottom of the planting holes, preferably up to a meter deep.

Causes of problems
Luckily, most trees thrive after planting, but in some cases a tree can have problems with regrowth. There are two main causes for problems, which are both related to moisture. As is well known, there is a natural balance between the crown and the root system of a tree. When a tree is dug up, this balance is disturbed, as the tree loses part of its roots. If the outdoor temperature is high, the foliage will evaporate more water than the roots can supply the tree with, causing dehydration. This problem can be easily solved by pruning the crown after replanting, which restores the balance.
The most common cause for problems is insufficient irrigation of a newly planted tree. A tree does need some help to get started. The roots do not yet reach further than the root ball, which means the plant has fewer possibilities to draw food and water from the soil. To prevent the tree or shrub from dehydrating, the root ball should be kept moist. Moist, not wet, which can cause the roots to rot, which is also a reason why trees succumb. It is better to regularly give a lot of water in one go than to water a bit every day. It is impossible to say how much water a tree needs; this differs per tree. The weather, the climate, the type and size of tree and its location are all important factors.
It is important to analyze these factors, which requires some experience. In case of doubt, the moistness of the root ball can be checked by digging a small hole right next to the root ball.