Seasonality
Because of the unique climatic conditions in and around Oxford, Canterbury and other parts of the country the time of year you plant your trees will have a huge bearing on whether they survive the first few seasons.
Planting from April to mid August is optimal. This allows the tree enough time to establish small microscopic roots that it uses for the uptake of water.
If you plant too late into spring there is a stronger chance of striking hot, adverse conditions which will put the tree under stress.
Regular Watering
Regular watering is essential, especially in the first season of planting. Regular watering will allow the trees roots to establish more readily, helping the tree save valuable energy needed for leaf and shoot growth. We recommend deep weekly watering during hot dry periods in the trees first few years of establishment. Short daily watering may not penetrate down through the root ball causing shallow service roots to establish. Deep periodic watering encourages the trees roots to go down enabling it to find water during dry periods.
When planting the tree it is important to form a concave area above the root system, and not to mound the soil around the trunk.
By forming a concave reservoir above the roots you allow any rain / moisture to seep
through to the roots and not away from the roots.
Be careful not to over water!
Reduced Competition
Competition can severely compromise your tree and cause a slower establishment time.
In grassed areas where trees are establishing, it is necessary to spray an area of 1-2 m around the trunk of the tree.
Planting new trees close to large existing trees such as pines or gums can severely impede the new trees establishment. Large established trees have well developed root systems that steal away valuable moisture and nutrients. Freshly planted trees cannot compete under these situations.
Shelter from wind
In most cases shelter is essential from the hot North-Westerly winds.
The Nor-West winds coinside with the spring equinox which also happens to be the time many trees break bud.
These fresh, new leaves are highly susceptible to the hot dry Nor-West winds.
Shelter can take on many forms; from a permanent pine hedge to temporary wind cloth for the first few seasons of establishment.
Your trees establishment in exposed sites will be as good as your shelter or your choice of tree species.