Tree Planting

Professional Tree Planting Services

Planting a tree is one of the best things you can do for your garden and for the environment. But the wrong tree in the wrong place causes problems for decades — roots lifting paving, branches blocking light, canopies outgrowing the space, or species simply failing because the soil or conditions don't suit them.

We take the guesswork out of tree planting. With over 20 years of experience working with trees across Hertfordshire and North London, we know which species thrive in local conditions, how big they'll actually get, and where to position them for the best results. We plant a wide variety of native and ornamental species across our service area, matched to soil, site, and the client's design intent. We handle everything from species selection through to planting and aftercare.

Choosing the Right Tree

Getting the species right is the single most important decision. We assess your site and consider:

• Available space — the mature height and spread of the tree, not just its size when planted. A tree that looks perfect at 8ft may reach 60ft in 30 years.
• Soil conditions — Hertfordshire has a mix of heavy London clay, chalky soils on the Chiltern slopes around Chesham, and lighter sandy soils. Each supports different species. We assess your soil before recommending anything.
• Proximity to buildings — certain species (particularly willows, poplars, and oaks) have extensive root systems that can affect foundations on clay soils. We follow NHBC guidelines on safe planting distances.
• Aspect and light — some trees need full sun, others tolerate shade. North-facing gardens need different species to south-facing ones.
• Purpose — screening and privacy, shade, wildlife habitat, seasonal blossom, autumn colour, or fruit. We match the tree to what you actually want from it.

Native Species We Recommend

For Hertfordshire gardens, native species are hard to beat. They support local wildlife, are adapted to our climate and soils, and generally require less maintenance than exotic alternatives. Species we frequently plant include:

• Silver birch (Betula pendula) — elegant, fast-growing, light canopy. Excellent for smaller gardens as it casts dappled rather than dense shade.
• Field maple (Acer campestre) — compact native tree with outstanding autumn colour. Tolerates clay soils and exposed sites well.
• Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) — beautiful spring blossom and autumn berries that birds love. Stays relatively compact at 8–12 metres.
• Wild cherry (Prunus avium) — stunning white blossom in April. A medium-sized tree that works well as a focal point.
• English oak (Quercus robur) — the ultimate long-term investment, supporting over 2,000 species of wildlife. Only suitable for larger gardens given its eventual size.
• Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) — thrives on Hertfordshire's heavy clay soils where beech would struggle. Makes an excellent specimen tree or can be pleached for screening.

We also work with ornamental and non-native species where appropriate — particularly for smaller gardens where compact cultivars or specific design requirements are needed.

The Planting Process

Site Preparation

We prepare the planting pit to at least twice the width of the root ball and no deeper than the root collar. On compacted or poorly drained sites, we break up the base and sides of the pit and improve drainage where necessary. We don't add compost to the planting hole — research consistently shows trees establish better in unamended native soil.

Planting

The tree is positioned so the root flare sits at or just above ground level. We backfill with the excavated soil, firming gently to eliminate air pockets. Bare-root trees are spread carefully to avoid circling roots. Container-grown trees have any circling roots teased out or cut before planting.

Staking and Protection

Most newly planted trees need staking for the first two to three years while root systems establish. We use low-stake systems with flexible ties that allow the trunk to move in the wind — this encourages stronger root development than rigid staking. Where rabbits or deer are present, we fit spiral guards or mesh protectors.

Mulching

A generous layer of composted bark or wood chip mulch (from our own tree surgery work) is applied around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk. This suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and improves soil structure as it breaks down — giving the tree the best possible start.

Planting Season

The optimal planting window runs from November to March, when deciduous trees are dormant and can be planted bare-root. This is also the most cost-effective option, as bare-root trees are significantly cheaper than container-grown specimens and generally establish more successfully.

Container-grown trees can be planted outside this window, but they require much more careful watering through their first summer. We always advise dormant-season planting where timing allows.

Replacement Planting After Felling

When a tree is removed — whether due to disease, storm damage, or because it's outgrown its space — planting a replacement is often the right thing to do. In some cases, local councils require replacement planting as a condition of granting consent to fell a tree with a Tree Preservation Order.

We manage the whole process: removing the old tree, grinding the stump, allowing the site to settle, and then planting a carefully chosen replacement species that won't create the same problems as its predecessor.

Aftercare

The first two years after planting are critical. We provide written aftercare instructions with every tree we plant, covering watering frequency, mulch maintenance, stake checking, and what to watch for. We also offer an aftercare service where we visit quarterly to check the tree's health, adjust ties, and top up mulch.

Areas We Cover

We provide tree planting services across our full 30-mile service area from our base in Watford, including Wembley, Rickmansworth, Harrow, Bushey, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, and all surrounding areas.