Planting Guide

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1. Site selection. Trees grow best in a full-sun location protected from prevailing winds. Soil in your planting site can range from neutral to slightly acidic must be moist and well drained. 

 

2. Planting. Dig a hold hole big enough to fit the Ellepot containing the trees root system. Do not remove the paper it will biodegrade.  Make sure that the top of the Ellepot is level with the top of the hole and lightly covered with soil. Do not bury the trunk   Do not add fertiliser to trees planted in the fall.  Reserve fertilising for spring.  

 

3. Mulch each tree.  This keeps roots insulated, retains moisture, keeps weeds and competition from grass under control. Remove any sod in the mulch area and make the mulch 10-15cm deep to a radius of 2 feet from the base of new trees. Keep the mulch away from the bark the tree a minimum of 1 inch.

 

4. Staking. It is important to support young trees.  Do this with  two wooden stakes on either side. The stakes should be roughly the same height as the tree it is supporting before the are put in. The stakes should be placed in  the soil not disturbing the Ellepot itself.  12-18” from the trunk

Use plastic tree chain or another strong soft material to secure the tree. The material used to secure the tree should have enough slack to allow the tree to move in breezes but still offer support. In standard size self supporting trees the stakes can be removed after 3 seasons.  In the case of super dwarf fruit trees this staking will need to be replaced with a permanent trellis to support fruit load. (additional instructions available)

 

5. Protection. Install a tree guard around the trunk to protect your tree against winter injury or chewing damage from animals like rabbits, mice, and voles.  If larger animals like deer, porcupine, and beavers are present in your planting location consideration needs to be given to fencing off each tree or your entire planting area.  These type of animals will eat and/or chew off young trees completely. 

 

6. Water.  New trees need consistent water through fall.  And throughout their subsequent growing seasons (May to October). Extra water will be necessary during hot and dry times in summer.  A general rule of thumb is one 8L watering can per tree per week. Increase this to 8L every 3-4 days in hot dry periods.