Are you considering new woodland or hedge planting?
Cheviot Trees have a long and proven history as specialist growers of cell grown plants for woodland creation / hedge planting projects.
There are many important aspects to take into consideration when planning your project:
- Site Selection - Points to consider:
- Exposure: Will it survive? Is protection needed? Salt spray?
- Site moisture: Choose species to suit.
- Ground conditions: Preparation, avoid rocks and gravel.
Pretreatment - Helpful tasks to do:
- Loosen soil compaction: Subsoil-plough if possible. Topsoil-cultivate where necessary.
- Pre planting herbicide: Grass,weeds - round up. Broadleaf, dock, thistle spray or remove.
- Pre planting fencing: Maintain fencing etc., erect new fencing if required.
Species Choice - What is already visibly doing well in the area? Take into consideration:-
- Climate Moisture content Speed of growth required Is it for shelter? Other objectives - wildlife
Plant Size - This must take into consideration site exposure:-
Biggest will not always do best! Plants are available in 20-60cm sizes, according to species. Very often smaller sizes suffer less check at planting.
Planting Density varies according to species and desired effect:-
Is it matching an existing hedge? Normal spacing is single row @ 4/m, or zig zag, staggered @ 6/m.
Densities for woodland creation can vary depending on the planting objective.
Planting - Ensure all plants are fully wet before planting:-
- Do not leave unprotected plants exposed to wind and sun while awaiting planting.
- Prepare suitably loosened hole of adequate size to accommodate the root plug.
- Be alert, avoid compaction and smearing in heavy soils insert the plant and firm down around it with your heel while ensuring the plant remains upright.
- After firming in, make sure the root plug is covered by at least 3cms of soil otherwise it will dry out and become loose in the planting hole.
Weed Control and Aftercare: Post planting options for weed control are:
- Herbicides - residual.
- Manual weeding.
- Plastic mulch.
- Organic mulch.
These may be selected to suit your objectives and site conditions and effective weed control is essential for successful plant growth.
Periodically inspect for signs of stress, vermin damage, insect invasion or disease. Where appropriate, act on these. Top up weed control each winter for first 3 to 4 years.
Ongoing Maintenance - As well as normal aftercare remember to check for:-
- New weed growth.
- Wear and tear on shelters, stakes and ties.
- Fence breakage.
- Plant damage.
- Remedy and replace these where necessary.
TREE PLANTING GRANTS, ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE
You may wish to consider applying for grant aid to assist with the cost of your project. In Scotland and England the main source of funding for woodland creation/restocking is through the Forestry Commission and in Wales this is administered by Natural Resource Wales.
Other sources of funding for smaller, specific schemes relating to hedgerows, environmentally sensitive areas and wetland management may also be available through bodies such as Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural England and regional authorities. A forestry consultant can guide you through the process of woodland design and grant applications. Cheviot Trees can provide local contacts in your area.
Contact us for more information.