8.3 Tree planting
Tree planting is fun. Trees can bring many ecological, environmental, and aesthetic benefits. Native trees that can be planted for wildlife include oak, hazel, willow, cherry, birch, hawthorn, ash, and rowan. It is most useful to plant a mixture of native species, which mirror the local woodland type. The main woodland types in Sheffield are oak/bramble and oak/birch woodland, other common species being hawthorn, hazel and ash. It is also worth remembering that certain species will grow best in shady conditions, others on wet soil. For example willow is usually found on low-lying wet ground.

When your group has decided on the best species to plant in your area, it is time to contact your local nursery or horticultural supplier to order your trees. The best trees to plant are young trees less than one metre tall, known as ‘whips’. ‘Whips’ establish themselves more easily, grow quicker and are cheaper to buy. They are also useful as they do not need stakes and are less obvious targets for vandalism.
The best time to plant is between November and March when trees are dormant for the winter and can be moved without damage. Avoid planting in waterlogged or frozen ground, as this will harm the root system at an early stage. When you are about to plant, dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots. Spread the root carefully when you put the young tree into the hole. Cover over with soil and water immediately, checking that the soil remains firm. Maintain the root moisture in trees waiting to be planted by keeping saplings in plastic bags until you are ready to plant them.

If your group decides to plant older, taller trees, normally to create a more immediate visual effect, they will need supporting with stakes and tree ties. Stakes should be driven into the ground prior to planting the tree and tree ties should always be checked so that they do not bite into the tree as it grows. The supporting stakes should be removed when the tree can stand on its own.

 

The tree can be protected from wind and grazing mammals by putting a cylindrical tree-guard round it.

However, these all add extra cost, often attract vandals and are only really necessary if there is a clear problem with grazing animals, which cannot be solved in another way, such as appropriate fencing.