← Back to the Knowledge Base
🌳 Tree planting
Planting saplings in public spaces, at the edge of a forest, or on private land to increase green cover, reduce soil erosion, and capture carbon.
When should you do this?
October-November or March-April
What will you need?
- Spade or hand shovel
- Sapling (ideally a native, local species)
- Compost or well-rotted organic manure
- Stake and tie
- Watering can or water
- Mulch (straw, bark)
How to get started?
- Get permission from the landowner or local council, and check there's no underground utility line.
- Choose a native tree species suited to the site, avoiding invasive ones.
- Dig a hole at least twice the width of the root ball and as deep as the root ball itself.
- Loosen the bottom and sides of the hole and mix in some compost.
- Position the tree so the root collar sits level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill gently, firming the soil, then water thoroughly.
- Add a stake if needed, and mulch around the base.
- Water regularly for the first 1-2 years, especially during dry spells.
Useful tips
- Plant in autumn or early spring, while the tree is dormant.
- Don't plant too deep — the root collar should stay at the surface.
- Leave enough room for the crown to grow.
Ready? Start a tree planting project, or join one already running near you.