Reaching new heights with trees

15 Jul, 2022

Whether you’re wanting a large assortment of trees to screen the neighbours or a busy road, a large feature tree in the middle of the lawn to offer shade on hot summer days, or a small Japanese maple adding brilliant colour in autumn, there's a tree for every garden.

Preparation

Always lift tree by the root ball. Keep roots moist until planting by submerging the roots in a bucket of water immediately upon removing the tree from the ground. Ideally plant the tree on the same day. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the diameter of the root ball with sloping sides to allow for proper root growth.



Planting

Be sure to cover the top-most roots with 4-6cm of soil. If the tree has a graft, then this must be above the soil line. Backfill with a 50:50 mix of your existing soil and Kings Compost, along with a handful of Kings Sheep Pellets to add organic matter and provide slow-release nutrients. Firm the soil gently to fill large air spaces and water deeply.



Care

Insert one stake either side of the tree, being careful not to damage the root ball. Use a tree tie to secure the tree to the stakes. Water newly established trees regularly, especially during the hotter months. Apply Kings Sheep Pellets around the base of the tree during the growing season to help improve the soil and provide a natural source of slow-release nutrients.

Screening Trees

These are large trees that are best used in the city to add some privacy - either as manicured tall hedges or planted in specific areas to protect the property from nosy neighbours. We recommend trying olives, pittosporums, puka trees, titoki, ficus tuffi, and michelias.

Feature Trees

Feature trees are planted in specific places in the garden to draw attention. These often have colourful flowers, leaves, and shapes or have a large spread to offer shade in an otherwise sparse area. We recommend trees such as camellias, magnolias, flowering cherries, crepe myrtle, palms, robinia ‘mop tops', cercis, jacarandas, pohutukawa, and albizia.

Trees for Smaller Gardens

Smaller gardens in urban areas can also have planted trees without losing much garden space. The best trees for smaller spaces are Japanese maple, dwarf citrus, and eucalyptus 'baby blue'.

Tree Planting Essentials

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