Planting instructions for cocos rootballed trees

Place the tree upright in tree pit

When planting a cocos rootballed tree, it is crucial to keep the tree upright in the tree pit. Ensuring the tree is vertical helps it grow straight and strong, establishing a solid foundation. An upright tree prevents leaning and promotes balanced growth, which is essential for stability, especially in windy conditions.

Cut the meshwire around rootball in 3-4 places:

To facilitate the removal of the cocos material, carefully cut the mesh wire surrounding the rootball in three to four places. This step helps to loosen the cocos, making it easier to handle in the next step.

Pull back wire and cocos from the top:

Gently pull back the wire and the cocos material from the top of the rootball. Exposing the top of the rootball helps the tree acclimate quickly, allowing for better water and nutrient absorption right from the start.

Leave wire and cocos at the bottom of pit:

The wire and cocos material should remain at the bottom of the tree pit. This setup supports the rootball and maintains its integrity while the tree establishes itself. Leaving these materials at the bottom helps protect the rootball during the critical early stages of growth and prevents it from shifting or settling improperly.

Backfill pit for 1/3 with soil:

Begin filling the tree pit by backfilling it one-third of the way with soil. This initial layer stabilizes the rootball and sets the stage for proper root development. Using high-quality soil for backfilling ensures that the tree receives the necessary nutrients and provides a solid base for the roots to expand into.

Compact soil firmly:

Firmly compact the soil after backfilling one-third of the pit. Compacted soil removes air pockets and provides solid support for the tree, promoting strong root anchorage. Ensuring there are no air pockets around the roots is vital for preventing root desiccation and encouraging proper root-to-soil contact, which is crucial for water uptake.

Important: Watering the tree

Make sure you water the trees right away after planting, the trees have been on the road a couple of days before arrival at their final destination and will need water directly. Although it might seem straightforward, improper watering is one of the most common mistakes made when planting trees. Adequate and consistent watering ensures that the tree establishes a strong root system and grows healthily. To help you get it right, we have created a detailed watering guide and video. Follow the instructions on our watering page to ensure your tree receives the right amount of water.

Steps for Watering Newly Planted Trees:

1. Initial Watering:

   • Immediately after planting, water the tree thoroughly. This helps settle the soil around the roots and eliminates air pockets.
   • Ensure the water reaches the root ball and the surrounding soil.

2. Frequency:

   • For the first few weeks, water the tree daily if there is no rainfall.
   • After the initial period, reduce the frequency to 2-3 times per week.
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3. Amount:

   • Check the soil moisture regularly by using a soil sample drill.
   • Water deeply, ensuring the soil is moist at least 15-20 cm deep.
   • Avoid shallow watering, as it only wets the surface and doesn’t reach the roots effectively.
   • It's crucial to strike a balance: the tree should not receive too little or too much water. Too little water can stress the tree and hinder growth, while too much water can lead to root rot and poor oxygenation. It is important to check the soil moisture regularly by using a soil sample drill.

4. Adjusting for Weather:

   • In hot, dry weather, increase the watering frequency.
   • During rainy periods, reduce watering but ensure the soil remains moist.

End result with drainage:

Ensure the final setup includes proper drainage. Adequate drainage prevents waterlogging and ensures the tree receives the right amount of moisture. Poor drainage can lead to root rot and other water-related issues, so it's essential to create a well-drained environment for the tree to thrive.

End result with raised ridge:

Create a raised ridge around the planting area. This ridge helps direct water to the root zone and prevents runoff, maximizing water availability for the tree. A raised ridge acts as a mini-dam, ensuring that water is retained around the tree's base, which is especially beneficial during dry periods.