Tree Planting & Establishment Masterclass 2016

Tree Planting & Establishment Masterclass

Wednesday 9 November - 09:30-13:00 (Now Full) 13:00-16:00 Only

(Free Event)

Trees are essential to our landscapes, both rural and urban. Sadly a large proportion of publicly planted trees fail to establish or even survive. Our practical planting masterclass is designed to give you all the facts and techniques to give your trees the best chance to establish well and become a new feature in our modern landscape.

We are extremely pleased to be able to welcome Mark Gregory from Landform Consultants who will be giving advice and tips from his extensive experience of planting trees. In addition our selected partners for the day are Platipus Anchors, Melcourt and Plantworks who will be on hand to demonstrate how their products can all aid in better tree establishment.

We will be meeting in the informal surroundings of Palmstead Plants, our Cash and Carry, and discussing vital subjects including:

• Tree selection, rootball, bare root & containerised;

• Biosecurity of imported trees;

• Nursery practice, care, handling and storage and the impact of the British Standard BS8545;

• Planting to final site, planting depths, soil/backfill & supplements;

• Staking and securing methods; and

• Maintenance & establishment.

The day is aimed at all landscape contractors and their site team leaders, designers, local authority green space managers and any one who is responsible for planting trees. The day starts at Palmstead Plants, 9:30 for the morning session and 13:00 for the afternoon session (see detailed itineraries below). Suppliers and nursery staff will be available throughout the day to answer your questions and give advice. Lunch will be provided, along with delegate packs. Please pre-book your space by selecting which session you would like to attend, stating any dietary requirements you may have for lunch, by clicking the link at the bottom of the page. We will be including a tour of the winter planting stock and practical demonstrations of planting come rain or shine, so please bring appropriate clothing! We will also issue a delegate pack with advice and a list of special offer trees for this 2016-17 planting season. In addition to this we will also be holding a 'blue cross sale' in our trade outlet on the day so if you wish to grab a bargain then look for the items with a blue cross!

Morning Session 09:30 - 12:30

1) 09:30 - 10:00 Reception at the Cash & Carry - assemble in C&C glasshouse (refreshments available)

2) 10:00 - 10:05 Welcome and introduction

3) 10:05 - 11:00 Tree Planting and Establishment (indoor session)

(Why do trees fail? Recognizing a good healthy tree. Plant root formats and when they can be planted: bare root; rootballed and containerised. Handling of trees from field to site. The new British Standard BS8545 and its impact. The planting pit and the importance of planting depths. Topsoil amelioration/improvement, soil additives, mycorrhiza and charcoal, fertilizer and swell gels.

Staking and securing trees. Backfill and mulching depths and area).

This session will be led by Nick Coslett from Palmstead Nurseries with support from Platipus Anchors, Melcourt and others.

4) 11:00 - 13:00 Practical Tree Planting session (outside)

Tour of the winter planting trees and whips on the nursery. Moving on to the planting site.

We have 3 different tree formats to plant; bare root; rootballed and containerised. Planting pits will have been dug but we will plant the trees in what will be a permanent position for the nursery and give live commentary on what is happening and why. Attendees can assist if they wish so practical clothing is recommended (this will happen outside even if it is raining).

Lunch @ 13:00 - 13:30 A packed lunch and refreshments will be provided - please state if you have any specific dietary requirements. There will be time here for further questions and discussions, or candidates may depart for their workplaces.

Afternoon Session 13:00 - 16:00

A repeat of the morning sessions

1) 13:00 - 13:30 Lunch

2) 13:30 - 14:30 Tree Planting and Establishment (classroom session)

3) 14:30 - 16:00 Practical Tree Planting session (outside)

Please click here to sign up for the afternoon session