Tree replanting conditions
The decision notice will have specified the species, size, and location for the replanting. It is your responsibility to make sure the tree is planted during the replanting season, which runs annually from October to March.
Once you have planted, email planningtreeteam@bcpcouncil.gov.uk and include:
- your case reference number
- a photo of the tree
- the location of the tree
- a photo of the tree species tag or receipt
Replanting
When planting the tree:
- position it to avoid overhead cables or underground utilities such as drains
- the base of the pit should be broken up to a depth of 15cm to aid drainage
- place any turf in the bottom of the pit but chop it up first
- position the tree so that the stake is on the windward side
- for bare rooted trees, spread the roots naturally in the pit, do not bend or cut them to fit
- with container grown trees, remember to remove the container if not biodegradable
- the backfill should be of a suitable material to allow for drainage and root, if you are planting a bare root tree, it is essential that the roots are prevented from drying out at all times (it takes less than 30 minutes for roots to be killed when exposed to the air, less in windy conditions)
It is crucial that the plant is planted no more deeply than it was in its original container or in the ground (bar root stock) the soil level must be the same as the original container.
Stalking and planting pit size
Nail ties to the stake (never to the tree) after fitting spacers to prevent the stem rubbing on the stake.
Where vandalism is not a problem use a short stake with a single tie. This will encourage the tree to make good root and stem growth quickly because it will be able to sway a bit.
Where vandalism is a problem, a taller stake should be used with two or three ties. The top tie should be within 5cm of the top of the stake.
The stake should be driven into the undisturbed ground at the base of the pit.
It is important to prepare a large enough hole for the size of the tree you are planting.
| Size of plant | Overall height (m) | Girth at 1cm from ground level (cm) | Suggested pit size (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 2.5-3.0 | 6-8 | 1 x 1 x 0.5 deep |
| Standard | 2.5-3.0 | 8-10 | 1 x 1 x 0.5 deep |
| Selected standard | 3.0-3.5 | 10-12 | 1 x 1 x 0.75 deep |
| Heavy standard | 3.5-4.25 | 12-14 | 1 x 1 x 0.75 deep |
Aftercare
This aspect is often overlooked or ignored and is one of the main reasons why newly planted trees struggle or fail completely.
As a result special attention should be paid to all aspects of aftercare.
Weed control
The control of weeds and grass is essential as it reduces competition for nutrients and moisture. This is especially so for regularly mown lawns as these are extremely competitive.
A minimum turf free area of 1m² is required, however the less competition that the tree has the better it will establish.
Weed control can be achieved by hand, herbicide application (be sure to read and follow the manufacturers instructions), mulching (for example, wood chip) or by using a plant mat, preferably a biodegradable one.
Watering
Newly planted trees generally require watering during dry periods particularly in the first summer after planting.
Stake and ties
These should be checked periodically to make sure they are not too tight or too loose.
After 2 to 4 years when a tree should be established, short stakes can be removed. If a longer stake has been used, it should be gradually reduced in height over several years as the stem increases in girth before final removal.
All ties and stakes should be checked at least once a year to avoid tight tree ties damaging the stems and to replace any ties that have frayed or broken.