Plant Care Guide

Welcome to Rammed Roots.

We're delighted you've chosen one of our plants. Whether you've purchased a tree, shrub, hedge, ornamental plant or perennial, a little care in the early stages will help it establish quickly and thrive for many years.

When Your Plants Arrive

Your plants have been carefully packed to protect them during transport.

Upon delivery, we recommend that you:

Unpack your plants as soon as possible.
Check that the compost or root ball is still moist.
Water thoroughly if required.
Keep the plants in a sheltered location if you are unable to plant them immediately.
Avoid leaving plants inside boxes or packaging for extended periods.

If your plant arrives dormant during winter, this is perfectly normal. Deciduous trees and shrubs naturally lose their leaves during the colder months and will produce fresh growth in spring.

Before Planting

Choosing the right location is one of the most important factors in ensuring your plant's long-term health.

Before planting:

Select a position suitable for the plant's light requirements.
Remove weeds and grass from the planting area.
Dig over the soil to improve drainage.
Incorporate compost or well-rotted organic matter where appropriate.
Avoid planting into frozen or waterlogged ground.

How to Plant

Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Loosen the soil at the base of the hole.
Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with soil, gently firming around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting.
Apply a layer of mulch around the base, leaving a small gap around the stem or trunk.

For larger trees, we recommend using a suitable tree stake and tie to support the plant while it establishes.

Watering

Watering is the single most important task during the first year after planting.

As a general guide:

Water deeply rather than little and often.
Check the soil before watering.
Newly planted trees may require watering two or three times each week during dry weather.
Established plants usually need less frequent watering.
Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can damage roots.

Feeding

Most plants benefit from feeding during the growing season.

We recommend:

Applying a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring.
Avoiding excessive feeding late in the year.
Refreshing mulch annually to improve soil health and retain moisture.

Mulching

Mulch offers many benefits by:

Conserving moisture.
Suppressing weeds.
Improving soil structure.
Protecting roots from temperature extremes.

Apply a 5–8 cm layer of organic mulch, keeping it clear of stems and trunks.

Pruning

Different plants require different pruning techniques.

General guidance includes:

Remove dead, damaged or diseased branches whenever they appear.
Prune flowering shrubs after flowering where appropriate.
Trim hedging regularly to encourage dense growth.
Prune fruit trees during the recommended season for that variety.

If you're unsure, we're always happy to offer advice.

Seasonal Care

Spring

Feed plants.
Apply fresh mulch.
Check for signs of new growth.
Plant container-grown trees, shrubs and perennials.

Summer

Water regularly during dry periods.
Weed around young plants.
Watch for pests and diseases.
Deadhead flowering plants where appropriate.

Autumn

An excellent time for planting trees and hedging.
Continue watering newly planted specimens if conditions are dry.
Collect fallen leaves for compost.
Prepare plants for winter.

Winter

Most deciduous plants are dormant.
Protect tender plants during severe frosts.
Avoid planting into frozen ground.
Check stakes and tree ties after strong winds.

Common Problems

Occasionally plants may show signs of stress while establishing.

These may include:

Leaf drop after planting.
Temporary wilting.
Slower growth during the first season.
Minor leaf blemishes caused by weather.

These are usually part of the natural establishment process.

If you notice significant dieback or have concerns, please contact us with photographs and we'll be happy to help.

Looking After Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants should be planted as soon as possible after delivery.

If planting must be delayed:

Keep the roots moist.
Store them in a cool, frost-free location.
Never allow the roots to dry out.
Plant within a few days wherever possible.

Looking After Container-Grown Plants

Container-grown plants are more flexible and can usually be planted throughout the year, provided the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.