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Shrubs, hedges and trees bring colour and character to a garden and require little maintenance once they have bedded in. If you haven’t got green-fingers don’t worry, planting is simple. Here are few tips, to get you started:

1. Pick your time
The ideal time for planting trees and shrubs is in the autumn or early spring.

2. Choose a place
Never plant too close to your home. Roots may interfere with foundations, drainage or other services.

3. Prepare the ground
Remove any weeds, grass, or flowers, so they don’t compete for moisture and nutrients.

4. Dig a hole
Ideally this should be double the width and depth of the root ball.

5. Fill the bottom of the hole with compost
The better the quality of the soil, the easier it will be for your plant to take root.

6. Place the plant in the hole
Make sure the root ball is in the centre of the hole and lower than the surrounding ground.

7. Backfill around the root ball
Use a mixture of compost and soil, and pat down with your hands, shoe, or a piece of wood.

8. Water generously
Continue to water every few days if the weather is warm or the ground is dry.