Episode 12: Trees with Peter Thurman

Selecting and planting trees can be a minefield. Never fear though, help is on hand as 'legend in the world of trees', Kew-trained, Peter Thurman is here to provide straight-forward advice about what to do and what not to do when buying a tree and planting it out. Peter's CV is suitably impressive. He is a landscape designer and plantsman and holds chartered status in arboriculture, horticulture, forestry and the environment. He is a fellow of both the Arboricultural Association and the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and it doesn't end there. Find out more about Peter and his passion for all things tree related in this episode.  Discover how to select the right tree for your garden's soil type and which species of tree will help you create the effect you are targeting. Learn how pleached trees can become an attractive alternative to fencing, just beware of the High Hedges Act! Does it pay to have patience when growing your tree, or is it easier to have instant impact?  Pick up some valuable tips and tricks on the planting process. From deciding which food you should feed your prized specimen with, to mulching and watering, your questions are sure to be addressed in this informative episode.    Points of interest;  Soil conditions when planting a tree  Choosing the right trees for your garden  The process of planting a tree Round vs square hole  Tree food How to deal with planting a tree in clay soil Watering your tree Staking your tree The importance of mulching Ideal trees for small or large gardens Trees for; privacy/scent/flowers/autumn colours/the ultimate seaside garden    FAQs answered;  When is the best time of year to plant a tree? Should I take the hessian off a field grown tree before planting? When shopping for my tree, should I buy the biggest one possible? Are soil Testing kits a good idea? What do I need to put at the base of my newly planted tree? How do I deal with leaders? Which type of stake should I use?    Guest follow up;  Peter Thurman  Email: [email protected]  www.thurmanconsultancy.co.uk  - Peter Thurman Consultancy, Landscape www.lcgd.org.co.uk  - London College of Garden Design    Further useful research;  www.kew.org - Visit The Royal Botanical Grades at Kew  www.reading.ac.uk - Dr Glynn Percival www.biochar.co.uk - Tree food Rigel-G - Tree food product    Trees in order of mention, Botanical name followed by UK common name; Kolreuteria paniculata fastigiata – Pride of India Quercos phellos – Willow Oak Lime trees AKA Tilia species: Tilia tomentosa – Silver Lime Tilia T. henryana – Henry's Lime Taxus baccata – Yew  Ginkgo biloba – Maidenhair Tree Cordyline australis – Cabbage Palm Pterostyrax hispida – Epaulette Tree Liriodendron tulipifera – Tulip Tree Liquidambar styraciflua - Sweetgum  Parrotia persica – Persian Ironwood Tamarix species - Tamarisk Quercus ilex - Holm Oak Acer pseudoplatanus – Sycamore Cedrus libani – Cedar of Lebanon   Get in touch; Email: [email protected] Website: www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter: @rootsandall Instagram: rootsandallpod   Patreon Link; https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall