Community orchard pathway: planting

Part two of guide created with Manchester Fruit Trees. There’s 4 sections: planning; planting; caring; using.

Preparing for planting

You will need people, plants, tools, mulch and maybe protection. Usually this will be in winter when the plant's roots are dormant.

Make plans for a planting day and publicise it widely with posters, emails, social media posts and sharing with the stakeholder groups. For the safety of people you will need a risk assessment and and public liability insurance.

Many of the plants can be supplied by us or other local nurseries like Beardsworths.

Probably within your group you have enough spades for planting. We’ve produced a simple video about how to plant a tree.

Trees and bushes get growing quicker if they are mulched with a layer of organic matter. The best thing to use is woodchip because it encourages mycorrhizal growth as well as feeding the soil. [link]. Often local tree surgeons or the council are happy to deliver this for free.  

Your plants may well need protection from rabbits, deer or human vandalism. So you might want to ensure the trees are protected with a cage of mesh supported by two or three stakes, and supported with ties (we use old cycle inner tubes).

Planting day

Lots of people like planting trees, so you shouldn’t struggle to attract people. This should be a fun and safe event. Everybody should be shown how best to plant the trees and use the tools safely. You can mark out the site with slalom poles or stakes. Working in pairs is a good way to spread out the work and for people to meet other volunteers. Drinks and snacks for the volunteers are always appreciated. Try to stage some happy pictures of happy people with happy trees.

Basic advice on how to plant a tree is in our simple video.

Planting the tree is easy bit! Share plans and ideas with volunteers about what is ahead…

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