Plant a container-grown tree

What to do

• Soak the tree well and dig out a wide, shallow hole, which is twice the size of your container and slightly deeper.
• Loosen the soil in the bottom and sides of the hole with a garden fork.
• Put the tree in the centre of the hole and check the level across the hole with a stake - the top of the rootball should be level with the surface of the soil.
• Fill with soil to the top and firm with your heel.
• Drive a 1m (3ft) stake at a 45-degree angle to the trunk, so they cross, 15cm above the surface of the soil.
• Tie, water and mulch with bark chippings.