Taking care of your plants

OVERVIEW

A robust native tree with a strong rounded crown, deeply ribbed leaves and warm yellow autumn colour, equally useful as a specimen or a formal hedge.

 Key characteristics:

• Tolerates heavy clay soils
• Strong native specimen tree
• Excellent for formal hedging

• Ideal for: Large gardens, heavier soils, screening and formal or native hedging
• Seasonal interest: Spring foliage; autumn colour; winter seed clusters
• Flower colour: Yellow and green catkins; April–May
• Fruit colour and season: Small nutlets held in papery clusters; autumn
• Foliage autumn colour: Ribbed green leaves turning yellow to brown in autumn; clipped hedges may retain some leaves in winter

PLANTING ADVICE

Water the tree thoroughly before planting. Carefully remove it from the pot and dig a hole around twice the width of the rootball, but no deeper. Set the tree so the top of the rootball is level with the surrounding soil, backfill with the excavated soil mixed with organic matter where appropriate, firm gently and water well.

• Support / Staking : Stake at planting if the site is exposed or the rootball is not stable. Use a short stake positioned at about 45° and secure the trunk with a flexible tree tie, leaving room for movement. Check the tie regularly and remove the stake after one to two growing seasons once the roots are established.

CARE

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first two growing seasons, especially in dry or windy weather. Aim the water at the root zone rather than the trunk. A 5–8cm mulch will help retain moisture, but keep it clear of the stem.
• Feeding: Apply a general-purpose, slow-release fertiliser in spring if growth is weak or the soil is poor. Avoid overfeeding, which can encourage soft growth. Renew an organic mulch in spring to support soil structure and moisture retention.
• Pruning: As a tree, prune only to remove dead, damaged or crossing branches from late summer to midwinter. As a hedge, trim once in mid- to late summer.
• Ongoing care: Keep a weed-free circle around the base while the tree establishes and maintain a 5–8cm mulch, leaving a gap around the trunk. Check stakes and ties at least twice a year. Water during prolonged dry spells and inspect periodically for damaged, crossing or diseased branches.
• Safety: Not intended for consumption. Fallen leaves, blossom and fruit may create a temporary slip hazard on hard surfaces; clear them as required. Supervise children and pets around newly planted and staked trees. Do not allow any part of the plant to be eaten.