How to plant a container-grown tree

Trees are one of the most important plants in your garden. And it feels great to plant one, too. Here's how...

1. Water your plant well in its pot.

2. Mark, then dig out an area four times the diameter of your tree's root ball, and one-and-a-half times its depth. Loosen the soil in the bottom of your hole then mix in some compost or manure.

3. Hammer a short stake 3ft above ground level to support your tree.

4. Ease your tree from its pot and place it in your hole next to the stake. Hold your tree upright and backfill with soil, ensuring the top of your tree's root ball is at the same height as final ground level. Firm around the tree.

5. Tie the trunk to the stake with a rubber tree strap.

6. Scatter bonemeal onto the surface, then water. Finally, mulch around the tree to a depth of 8cm/3in, and keep weeded and watered.

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