Planting a New Tree In Your Backyard

Many of us have dreamed about buying a new property with a well-established tree in the yard one day. It’s where the kids can hang their tyre swing, the birds can chirp, and the family can get some much-needed shelter and shade from the sweltering sun during a break from backyard cricket. 

But, sometimes, you end up purchasing a property without a tree. So, what do you do? You plant your own – and here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Choose a Tree

Whether you’re looking for evergreen trees, native trees, or ones that grow quickly and provide ample protection, you’re probably going to start researching different varieties to see which ones will suit your property’s layout the best.

We recommend contacting tree care or lawn care expert or talking to a local nursery team to determine the best tree types based on your yard size and climate. There are plenty of beautiful varieties from which to choose, such as maple, crab apple, Pohutukawa, and Puriri.

Some trees are better suited to larger sections than others, with the likes of the Puriri in the North Island being capable of growing up to 20 metres tall.

Step 2: Get Ready to Plant

When you’re planting a large tree to be a feature in your backyard (or front yard!), it’s essential to take your time to plan. Think about possible obstructions and obstacles and the distance from your home to where the tree is.

Some trees have complicated root structures that can impact pipes, drains, and even concrete. If you’re unsure about where the best place to plant a tree is, consult tree care experts near you. They can help you choose the right spot to ensure that even when mature, your tree works with your home, rather than against it. 

Part of the ‘get ready to plant’ process also involves looking at the elements of the area you’ve chosen to plant. For example, does the get enough sun and shade? Is the area underneath where you’ll be planting free of cables, wires, and pipes?

Step 3: Start Planting!

After choosing a tree type that best suits your property type and preferences, it’s now time to plant. Now, unlike other plants you can throw in your garden without a second thought, trees require a bit more care.

Consider purchasing a plant tonic to help reduce the risk of your tree experiencing transplant shock. You then need to dig a hole at least twice as deep and wide as the tree’s root ball.

Start filling the hole with a peat moss-type product, with added nutrients such as gypsum and blood and bone. These are available from your local nursery and are known to assist with plant growth and root growth and ensure the tree gets enough nitrogen.

When you have the hole partly filled, take your tree from the container you purchased it in and loosen the root ball (gently!). You can then put it in the hole you’ve just dug with the root ball top at ground level.

If you find that it’s too high or too low, add or remove the peat moss until it’s flush with the earth. You can then fill the rest of the hole with a garden mix and top it off with a mulch and feed product for root protection and moisture retention.

Step 4: Give the Tree Support

A kind word to your tree won’t go astray, but we’re talking about giving your tree physical support. It’s likely still too young to look after itself.

Without damaging the roots, stake the tree into place so that it has something to anchor itself against in winds. Remember, the roots haven’t yet established themselves, so there’s nothing else to prevent it from falling over. 

Simply place three stakes evenly around the tree, making sure they are outside of the root ball and tie them to the tree with webbing or ties. If you live somewhere windy, like Wellington, use windbreak to give the tree some protection for the first few years of its life.

Step 5: Look After Your Tree

Trees may look completely self-sufficient, but they do need our help from time to time. Whether you have a new or old tree, don’t forget to fertilise them each spring and autumn with fertiliser. Mulch around the base may also be appropriate twice-yearly.

Start Planting Today

If you’re hoping for a tree to be fully grown for a tyre swing by the time your kids start bringing your grandkids to visit, now’s the time to start planting.

Do your research on trees you like, talk to experts, and nourish your tree as if its life depended on it (which quite often does). Before you know it, your new tree can be thriving and providing you with a wide range of benefits in the years to come.