Tree Surgery - Firewood - Tree Planting - Woodland Management - Stump Removal - Fencing - Free Quotations & Advice

Tree Planting

Specimen Tree, Native Woodland Planting & Hedgerow Planting

The right tree or trees in the right place enhances sociological, environmental, ecological and economic value, benefiting all, and if carefully chosen will require very little in the way of future pruning or management once established. We are passionate about planting trees, and have planted around 10,000 new trees to date

Please click below for more about;

• Specimen Tree Planting - Trees for life

• Woodland Planting - Creating New Woodlands

• Hedgerow Planting - Creating Hedgerows

Specimen Tree Planting

Choice of Tree: We take a holistic approach to tree selection and planting, considering our clients' wishes and narrowing a selection through a process that considers site specific criteria such as; former land use, soil type and condition (structure, texture, depth) other planting on site, pollutants, drainage, gradient, structures above and below ground, services above and below ground, protected species, rights of way / access, present pests or potential in the area, exposure to wind, frost, rainfall, sunlight / shade. This then can be used as a guide to select a suitable species considering ultimate height, ultimate spread, water demand, desirable features such as year-round colour, fruit, attractiveness to wildlife, screening views, barrier planting, commemoration, soil stabilisation, water interception, leaf size, tolerance to pollution and so on

Site Considerations: Once a species has been selected and agreed there may need to be some preparation of the site, such as removal of invasive and competitive plants that will reduce the chances of new planting surviving, or alleviation of soil compaction to improve oxygen levels and increase the presence of worms and nematodes which naturally improve soil, or drainage if the site is flooded, or improvement of nutrient levels using slow release organic mulches or fertilizer for example

The English Oak (Quercus robur) resplendent and untouched

amidst a Hertfordshire hedgerow

Selection of Specimen: Selection and purchasing of a suitable specimen is equally important, and our carefully chosen suppliers work in accordance with BS3936 - Nursery Stock and are compliant with Plant Passporting [Plant Health (England) Order 2005] and Phytosanitary certification (documentation required for plants and plant derived materials imported from outside the EC) where required

Planting of Tree: We have an up-to-date knowledge of The Plant Health Act 1967 and the Orders relating to that Act, BS4043 - Transplanting Rootballed Trees and BS4428 - Code of Practice for General Landscaping Operations

The planting method will depend on the size and type (evergreen/deciduous) of selected specimen and the method it has been grown and lifted, and the rooting structure. The planting pit is prepared to the correct depth and size and vitally the tree handled in the correct way to ensure no damage occurs to any part, an anchoring system will be fitted if required and weed control plus untreated organic mulch applied in the correct way and to the correct spread and depth around the newly planted tree

Malus trilobata. A rare and distinctive tree with leaf and flower

interest and ideal for confined spaces

Aftercare: Correct aftercare procedure is absolutely vital for newly planted trees. It is sadly too often we see the good intent and investment of new planting wasted and we regularly pass trees which have had little or no aftercare, and are suffering from drought, or being strangled by unadjusted tree ties, or suffering nutrient deficiency, or being destroyed by predation, or simply showing haphazard growth having had no formative pruning. All of this is avoidable if a clear and honest assessment is made at the planning stage and correct aftercare procedure is applied. In the first two to three seasons in a new location maintaining vigour and good health is key to the future success of the planting, and periodic care up to 10 years dependant upon the tree's response

However carefully the planting is done, this period can be the most stressful time in a tree's life. It is in these years where the roots will need to anchor into the new soil environment to provide mechanical stability, at the same time as seeking out the water and minerals required to catalyse growth, and forming beneficial relationships with Mycorrhizal fungi and forming defences against new pests, diseases and pathogens. The buds will burst and leaves emerge into a new environment with more light or more shade, more heat or potentially much cooler, exposure to stronger winds that the woody structure has perhaps not adapted to in a nursery environment, and water may only come when it rains rather than drip-fed constantly from a leaky hose. It is akin to us being plucked from a 5 star hotel in the dead of night and then waking up in a sleeping bag on top of the Yorkshire Moors, except the tree cannot move. They need a little help!

A newly planted Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) hedge with Hazel (Corylus avellana) weave fence

and three year old mixed native hedgerow in the background, softening the boundary

fence and mirroring the field boundaries in the distance

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Woodland Planting

Creating Woodlands

Over the last hundred years we have lost 46 woodland species, and enjoy amongst the least woodland cover of any country in Europe. Yet there is increasing awareness of the importance of woodland, and interest in planting woodland and reviving and restoring this unique landscape. Our Tree, Woodland and Hedgerow Planting is available nationwide to both private and commercial clients

Our Planting and woodland creation is highly competitive, and involves considering woodland communities that have a diverse structure and contain a range of tree and shrub species. When creating new woodland knowledge of forestry and woodland ecology is essential, but just as important and often overlooked is the species composition, its location within the landscape, its size, shape and relationship to neighbouring semi-natural habitats

As with Hedgerow Planting, we offer no obligation quotations and site specific woodland planting plans, our prices to you are fixed in all cases, and densities and specific protection are all variable to control costs. Contact us to arrange a visit.

Please click below for more about;

• The Woodland Planting Season - when can we plant?

• What's Involved? - How do we go about Creating Woodland?

• Woodland Planting Rates Standard Method 1

• Woodland Planting Rates Bespoke Method 2

• Future Management - What care will be needed after planting woodland?

• Summary - The importance of woodland planting
  
  The Hedge Planting Season - when can we plant?

• What's Involved? - How do we go about Creating Hedgerows?

• Hedgerow Planting Rates Standard Method 1

• Hedgerow Planting Rates Bespoke Method 2

• Future Management - What care will be needed after planting a hedge?

• Hedge Highways - Life in the conservation Hedgerow

Green Man Woodland Planting - Above Left; A Newly Planted Copse Provides A Scalloped Edge To A Field Margin - Above Right; A Newly Planted Oak Tree Enjoying The First Year Of Centuries In Its New Position - Below Left; Planted Trees Are Protected From Rabbits And Colonising Insects With Patented Tree Guards, Staked With Softwood From Managed Forests, And Mulched With Photodegradable Mats - Below Right; A Newly Planted And Protected Shelterbelt Comprising Mixed Native Species Particular To Immediate Surroundings

Woodland Planting Contactor Rates

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We offer two types of woodland planting;

Standard Method 1:

The first method provides competitive planting rates within the tree planting industry. The Forestry Commission guidelines for creating woodland are adhered to as a standard and therefore quality is in no way compromised. Our aim is to provide high quality results efficiently and in full cooperation with our clients, and quality woodland cover with standard native species for swift results.

Method 1 can be considered stand alone, or in conjunction with any of the options detailed in Method 2 below.

Bespoke Method 2:

The Forestry Commission guidelines are there to ensure a minimum best practice. Our second woodland planting method considers a bespoke approach whereby if the woodland is to be created purely for amenity and habitat creation with patronage in mind, full consideration of the following is made;

• Wider species variety

• Mycorrhiza inoculation

• Local provenance

• Tree planting to include scalloped edges and glades

• Varying densities and coppice creation

• Canopy layer variance

• Organic weed control

• Inclusion of water

• Hedgerow planting linking habitats

• Habitat piles

• Raptor posts

Some or all of these factors can be considered at the planning stage, and the effect on cost is transparent to clients as it is submitted alongside our standard woodland planting rates.

Green Man Tree Planting - Above Left; Planting Feature Trees To Hide Points From View And Enhance A Property Boundary - Above Right; Planting Mature Trees Gives Instant Height, Often However, Smaller Trees Will Overtake As They Are Quicker To Establish After Transplanting - Middle Left; This New Woodland Will Be 2-2.5 Metres High In Three Years - Middle Right; A Newly Planted Bird Cherry Coming Into Leaf For The First Season. Expect 8-12 Inches Growth In The First Year - Bottom Left; New Woodland Planting Protected From Grazing Deer By Installation Of Fencing. Fencing Can Be Removed Once Trees Are Established - Bottom Right; A Young Oak Safe From Predation Within A Patented Breathable Biodegradable Shelter - Green Man Conservation Woodland Planting Nationwide

Woodland Planting Season

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Our Woodland planting service is available from October to April, but it is prudent to plan the tree planting throughout the spring and summer as preparation may take a few weeks, and our nurseries and planting teams will then be able to prioritise.

What’s involved with Woodland Planting?

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From your enquiry Green Man Conservation offer a no obligation site survey to assess the site, and in discussion to appreciate your desired woodland creation outcomes then consider the soil type, texture, wetness, climate and surrounding woodland species to compile a quotation comprising the proposed density of trees, their species, and any further protection from deer or rabbits that may be required, along with staking and weed control options to suit you and the new woodland site.

Green Man Conservation woodland planting standards strictly adhere to the Forestry Commission guidelines as a minimum, and are up to date with new regulations as they are published.

Future Woodland Management

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In the latter part of the growing season following woodland planting, Green Man Conservation recommend survey to ascertain the successful uptake rate of the tree planting, to note failed trees and make recommendations for replacements. The industry works to a 7.5% average failure rate with new woodland planting. Any gapping up, improvements or re-application of weed control and re-staking is also done at this stage.

In the third year following woodland planting, a thorough formative prune of the developing trees (by now reaching heights between 1-2.5 metres), is recommended to prevent against the formation of co-dominant leading stems that would eventually result in weaker, smaller and potentially hazardous trees.

Depending on the rate of tree development, a considered thinning of the new woodland will be necessary between 5 and 8 years following planting, removing 10 to 15% of stock to encourage the broadening spread of the crowns, and again 15 to 20 years after planting for the same result.

The number of trees that reach maturity after thinning and inevitable die-back through competition of species depends on the nature of woodland required; for example reduced thinning will promote a tall, ‘leggy’, densely canopied wood reducing the prospect of naturalising local plants in the understory and reducing the habitat value to local flora and fauna. Moderate rates of well-managed thinning and sensitive management of naturalising species will produce well-structured trees with increased stability, and will allow light, air and moisture to the understory promoting valuable habitat and a balanced woodland environment. Generally speaking, 33-40% of the original plant can be expected to reach maturity.

All our new woodland planting adheres to Forestry Commission guidelines on best planting practice. Inoculation with Mycorrhiza at the planting stage ensures best possible results for the establishing woodland. Green Man Conservation Woodland Planting And Woodland Creation

Woodland Planting - In Conclusion

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For us, planting woodland, future woodland management and habitat creation involves creating woodland communities that have a diverse structure and contain a wide range of tree, shrub and ground flora species which offers the best chance for an adoptive habitat for a wide variety of invertebrates, birds and mammals. While nature conservation is our aim in the creation of new woodland habitats, the purpose of the woodland planting from our clients’ perspective is never overlooked, (timber production, landscape improvement, enhancement of a particular species, education, bio-fuel, etc), neither its function in providing regional and local distinctiveness. Also important is the fact that each site creates specific opportunities, by the nature of the land-form, soil composition, cultural factors and ultimate use. An understanding of all factors is required to ensure the new woodland’s future is a multifunctional success. The uniting themes and aims therefore, should be to create biological diversity to ensure the continued overall ‘health’ of the newly planted woodland, to maximise its positive impact on the immediate surrounding environment and to provide an area of outstanding natural beauty to enjoy.

Contact us to arrange a free site survey and quotation

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Green Man Conservation Woodland Planting And Woodland Creation

Hedgerow Planting

Native Hedge Planting

Hedgerows are vital for wildlife, linking habitats as corridors for animal, insect and seed dispersal, while providing essential shelter and wind breaks for crops and animals, and a larder for people and wildlife alike.

Green Man Conservation hedge planting considers a diverse structure, and contains a range of tree and shrub species. We aim for unique species composition, dependant on location within the landscape, its size, shape and relationship to neighbouring natural habitats.

As with Woodland Planting, we offer no obligation quotations and site specific hedge planting plans, our prices are fixed to you in all cases, and densities and specific protection are all variable to control costs. Contact us to arrange a visit.

   Please click below for more about;

• The Hedge Planting Season - when can we plant?

• What's Involved? - How do we go about Creating Hedgerows?

• Hedgerow Planting Rates Standard Method 1

• Hedgerow Planting Rates Bespoke Method 2

• Future Management - What care will be needed after planting a hedge?

• Hedge Highways - Life in the conservation Hedgerow

Green Man Conservation Hedgerow Planting - Above Left; A Selective Herbicide Applied Weeks Before The Plant Suppresses Weeds And Demarks The Intended Hedge - Above Right; Photodegradable Mulch Matting Suppresses Invasive Weeds And Retains Moisture And Nutrient For Young Plants - Below Left; Canes And Shelters Are Added To Protect From Wind Damage And Predation From Low Level Grazers Such As Rabbits - Below Right; The Finished Hedgerow Stretching Into The Distance - Green Man Conservation Hedge Planting

Hedgerow Planting Season

Our hedge planting service is available from October to April, but it is prudent to plan the planting throughout the spring and summer as preparation may take a few weeks, and our nurseries and planting teams will then be able to prioritise and schedule accordingly.

What’s involved with Conservation Hedgerow Planting?

From your initial enquiry Green Man Conservation offer a no obligation site survey to assess the site and gain an understanding of your unique targets and desired outcomes. We then consider the soil type, texture, wetness, climate and existing surrounding hedge and woodland species to compile a quotation comprising the proposed density of trees, their species, and any further protection from deer or rabbits that may be required, along with staking and weed control options to suit you and the site.

Green Man Conservation hedge planting standards strictly adhere to the Forestry Commission guidelines as a minimum, and are up to date with new regulations as they are published.

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Hedge Planting and Maintenance

Since they were first recorded, some 1500 years ago, hedgerows as man-made boundary delineations have become an integral and iconic part of the rural British countryside.

It is a tragic fact that since the Second World War, agricultural policy, focusing more and more on intensification of high-yield food production has resulted in the loss of approximately 118,000 miles of hedgerows in the subsequent consolidation of land.

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Hedgerow Planting Rates

We offer two types of hedgerow planting.

Method 1: Standard package

The first method provides competitive hedge planting rates within the industry. The Forestry Commission guidelines for creating hedgerows are adhered to as a standard and therefore quality is in no way compromised. Our aim is to provide high quality results efficiently and in full cooperation with our clients, and quality hedgerow cover with standard native species for swift results. The species mix, weed-suppressant type and shelter-protection are fixed as a standard, with the only variable being the option for single or double-row planting.

Method 1 can however be considered stand alone, or in conjunction with any of the options detailed in Method 2 below.

Method 2: Bespoke package

The Forestry Commission guidelines are there to ensure a minimum best practice. Our second method considers of a bespoke approach whereby if the hedgerow is to be created largely for amenity and habitat creation with patronage in mind, full consideration of the following is made;

• Wider species variety

•  Local provenance

•  Varying densities

• Canopy layer variance

• Organic weed control

• Mycorrhizal inoculation of specimen roots

• The planting of hedgerow standard trees at desired spacing

• The option to plant more mature saplings than the standard package provides

Some or all of these factors can be considered at the planning stage, and the effect on cost is transparent to clients as it is submitted alongside our standard hedge planting rates.

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Green Man Future Management

Close inspection of the newly planted hedge in the subsequent years following hedge planting and the gapping up of any failed specimens is recommended to maintain consistency and the aesthetic, as is the removal of protective shelters 5 to 8 years after hedge planting, to prevent the ‘choking’ of the hedge-tree stems as they out-grow their guards. It may also be necessary to perform periodic maintenance to the mulching/weed suppressant to minimise competition for moisture and nutriment by invasive weed species.

Green Man Conservation Hedge Planting - Above Left; Classic British Native And Semi-Naturalised Species Mix Of Hedging Plants Includes Amongst Hawthorn, Hazel, Blackthorn, Oak, Ash, Dog-Rose, Field-Maple, Spindle And Common Dogwood - Above Right; The Inclusion Of An Old Coppice Hazel In The New Hedgerow Will Help Push Up The Other Plants And Provide Instant Cover Next Spring - Below Centre; Hedgerow Linking Ancient Woodland Sites Provides Invaluable Habitat Corridors For Birds, Mammals, Invertebrate Life And Many Of Their Respective Predators - Green Man Conservation Hedgerow Planting

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Flora And Fauna ‘Highways’; The Life In The Hedgerow

Hedgerows form important wildlife habitats in their own right. They are known to be the primary habitat for at least 47 species of conservation concern in the UK, including 13 which are globally threatened or rapidly declining. Their importance is particularly paramount for butterflies, moths, many species of birds, bats and dormice, many of which are included within the UK Biodiversity Action Plan as well as being specifically protected under UK and EU law due to concerns over dwindling numbers. Hedgerows act as comparatively safe means of traversing open spaces for a wide range of small mammalian and bird life that would otherwise have to run the gauntlet of predation from above when moving between habitats, food sources, mating-grounds etc. They are also favourite sites for an array of nesting birds, providing readily available sources of food, shelter and protection.

Where hedgerows are themselves ancient or are remnants of ancient woodland, they act as a refuge for woodland plants and even ancient trees, which themselves play host to an important array of species.

Not Just For The Aesthetic

Although beautiful, the hedgerow also provides very practical benefits to both homeowner and agricultural land-owner. Despite modern farming innovation hedgerows continue to play an invaluable role in the areas of pest suppression and crop protection by offering effective wind-breaks to prone crops and providing habitat to species that predate upon a range of potentially devastating crop pests, whilst the householder may benefit from a hedge as privacy screen, wind-break, shield from road noise and an enthralling and vibrant wildlife habitat.

As with Woodland Planting, we offer no obligation quotations and site specific hedge planting plans, our prices to you are fixed in all cases, and densities and specific protection are all variable to control costs. Contact us to arrange a visit.

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Green Man Conservation Nationwide Tree Planting, Woodland Planting, Woodland Creation, Hedgerow Planting, Hedge Planting nationwide, by county

Greater London, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, South Yorkshire, Tyne and Wear, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Cornwall, Isles of Scilly, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, Durham, East Sussex, Essex, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Northumberland, North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, Somerset, Staffordshire, Suffolk, Surrey, Warwickshire, West Sussex, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Clwyd, Dyfed, Gwent, Gwynedd, Mid Glamorgan, Powys, South Glamorgan, West Glamorgan

Malus floribunda at 10 years old

in full bloom

A newly planted shelterbelt on a

field margin

Commemorative tree planting

A common Alder (Alnus glutinosa) with

deer protection - the right tree in

the right place

The Benefits to wildlife are immediate

A Robin (Erithacus rubecula) sheltering

in a two year old hedgerow planted

by us

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