Site Prep And Planting

Marking out a site

After coming up with the design on paper next it needs to be translated onto the field itself. Having fixed points easily located on both map and ground to use a reference points really helps. Luckily out design was based on measurements running parallel along existing fence lines so making the measurements would fairly straight forward. A combination of plastic ties along the fence and spray painted sticks where used to mark out where the tree rows where going to go.

Ground preparation

Walnut trees form taproots that like to go straight down and prefer not to be impeded in their efforts by a solid plough pan or layer of compaction. As the field had been previously cultivated it was deemed a good idea to subsoil the alleys where the trees would be planted to break up any plough pan that might be there. A specialist grassland subsoiler was used which dragged three tines through the ground with a roller attachment to avoid disturbing the grass above too much. It was decided to subsoil across the field and up/down field to mark out location of each tree by creating a grid structure.

The marks left by the subsoiler as it travelled across field. As a specialist grassland subsoiler was used there was minimal disturbance to the turf.
The grid created at the intersects between passes across field and up/down field. Centre of cross marks out where each tree should go.

Ready for planting

Bare-root trees wrapped in heavy duty bin bags ready for planting. I wanted the roots to be exposed for as short a time as possible when planting so decided that individually wrapping trees would work best (although I resented the large amount of plastic bags needed). I used coloured electrical tape around tops of bags to separate out which trees were going in each row to make it quicker to find the right trees when on site.
Laminated map for use in field. The coloured tape on edges represents the coloured tape found around the bin bags of the trees in that row. I am very glad the trees were colour coded- made it much easier to sort trees in the field
Trees in transit
Tree stakes. We used 1.5m 75mm treated stakes.
Trees in the field to be planted grouped by row.
Hole dug, stake in on the south-west side (direction of prevailing winds).
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Testing hole size with tree roots. Want to make sure the roots are not squashed in and the edges of the hole are loose and crumbly so roots can start exploring easily and quickly.

Using a mycorrhizal fungi inoculant

We decided to try using a mycorrhizal inoculant when planting. The brand we used was ‘Rootgrow professional’. Mycorrhiza Rootgrow can be used as a dry granule or a root dipping gel for bare root plants. Rootgrow contains a mixture of species of UK origin mycorrhizal fungi with an inert clay carrier which acts as a substrate for the fungi to grow through and bio-additives which enhance mycorrhizal colonisation. We used it as a dipping gel-the appearance of the solution when mixed was similar to wallpaper paste. The mixed gel dip should be used within 2 days for full effect. Mycorrhiza fungi can help the trees establish quickly and hopefully reduce resilience in the first year from drought and other stressors.

Rootgrow paste once mixed- we dipped the trees in before planting.
We used supersoft tree ties. With a 1.5m post of 75mm you need to use the 60cm ties.

I was given advice to use 1.5m x 75mm diameter posts. It was suggested that the 50mm post would be too light to hold the trees much beyond the first year and it will probably take 3  years for the trees to become securely anchored. The site is very exposed so worth staking well. Stakes went in upright to offer greater support on the exposed slope and where bashed as far in as possible using a fencing maul.
Using 75mm diameter posts requires longer tree ties: 60cm (50mm width) with 75mm diameter posts. I  used the ‘Supersoft heavy duty ties’ on the recommendation they are almost indestructible. I tied the trees as securely and as high as possible- to avoid any rubbing damaging. This will mean that tree ties will need to be checked through the season to ensure they don’t become too tight.

Rows of planted trees.
Field planted from other side of valley
4 acres of walnut- bring on the next 25 years!