Planting trees: 5 rules including the '3‑year trunk' tip

The article outlines five practical rules for planting trees, noting winter is a suitable time to plant dormant whips and that a roughly 6‑foot cleared area around the trunk should be kept for the first three years.

Sally Coulthard, a smallholder in Yorkshire, describes decades of planting and nurturing woodland on her farm. She and her husband planted young bare‑rooted trees (whips) at their wedding and now walk through a mature avenue created from that early planting. The piece explains seasonal tree choices and sets out practical rules for establishing young trees. It also notes ecological benefits of native broadleaf planting and why winter is often chosen for planting. Key points: - The author and her husband planted young bare‑rooted trees nearly 20 years ago; the resulting woodland now provides habitat and seasonal interest. - Winter is described as a good time to plant because whips are dormant and roots can settle while soil is still warm and moist. - Rule 1: Choose younger trees rather than mature specimens; consider final height and spread, avoid planting under existing woodland, and think about proximity to buildings. - Rule 2: Match species to site conditions; most trees dislike waterlogged ground, though willow and alder tolerate wetter soils, and give trees about 12–14 feet of spacing. - Rule 3: For the first three years keep an area of roughly 6 feet around the trunk clear of weeds and grass and use deep mulching such as fleeces, jute mats, woodchip or bark. - Rule 4 and 5: Water at planting and during dry periods (the article cites Woodland Trust guidance of about 15 gallons per week in summer for the first three years as a reference), use biodegradable tree guards to protect bark from rabbits and deer, and expect occasional thinning or removal as the wood matures. Summary: Trees support wildlife, help reduce soil erosion and absorb carbon, and the article notes evidence that trees emit chemicals (phytoncides) linked with wellbeing. Undetermined at this time.