Plant Care Guide

Dos

Plant Storage Guidelines—Protect, Hydrate, Plant Promptly

Freshly received plants must be stored in a shaded or semi-shaded area—never in direct sun. Keep them upright, ventilated, and out of strong wind. They require daily watering to stay hydrated and stress-free. To ensure vigor and survival, all plants should be planted within days of reception. Delays reduce resilience, stunt early growth, and increase mortality—early planting is early success. We do advise to prepare a place ready for plants to wait their turn at plantation before receiving them, and to make sure you have enough help to plant everything promptly.

Tree Planting Protocol—Start Strong, Root Deep

Every tree begins with a generous hole—at least double the pot size—to ensure room for early root expansion. Skip compost or organic matter in the hole itself; use native soil to avoid shock and encourage the roots to explore. Position the sapling so the collar is at soil level, then backfill and gently firm the soil. Build a shallow Basin around the tree to catch water, then mulch generously. Add a touch of manure and sow green manure seeds to jumpstart soil health. Finally, water deeply three to four times in the first week to trigger vigorous rooting and stable growth.

Composting & Green Manure—Feeding the Soil to Feed the Tree

Healthy trees begin with healthy soil. We recommend using freshly made Berkeley compost—rich in microbial life, fast-acting, and well-balanced. For mulch, choose materials that aren’t overloaded with carbon (like dry wood chips); instead, opt for lighter organic matter that breaks down steadily and nourishes the root zone, like lawn mowing, grass cutting, and fresh trimming.

After planting, sow green manure crops such as vetch, oats, barley, clover, alfalfa, and féverole—known in English as faba bean, a powerful soil regenerator. These cover crops fix nitrogen, improve soil structure, and suppress weeds. But their impact depends on timely and thoughtful management.

Timing Is Everything

Chop and drop your green manure crops just as they begin to flower. At this stage, they’ve built up biomass and root depth, and cutting them early triggers a regenerative cycle:

• The severed shoots become an on-site mulch that feeds soil organisms.

• The plants drop their old roots and make new onces, releasing nutrients and opening channels for water and air.

• Most plants will regrow, especially legumes like féverole and clover, offering a second burst of biomass and nitrogen fixation. up to four chops and drops can be made from a single green manure crop if staryted early in its season.

• Water Immediately After
  To accelerate decomposition and support the young tree, water well just after chop-and-drop. This activates microbial activity, speeds nutrient cycling, and creates favorable moisture conditions around the tree’s root zone while insuring fast regrowth of the green manure crops.

When done well, green manure becomes a living mulch, a nutrient pump, and a growth companion—helping trees not only survive, but thrive.

Careful Unloading of Plants

When unloading plants from the transport, handle them with care to protect both roots and foliage. Never grab a plant by its leaves or stems—this can cause tearing, bruising, or breakage that weakens growth.

Our transporters are trained professionals in plant handling, and no damage occurs during loading or transit. The real risk arises during unloading at the farm, where employees may not always be familiar with the correct techniques.

To prevent harm, always lift the plant by its root ball or the sack/bag that contains it, supporting it from below to keep the root system intact. Set each plant down gently, avoiding sudden drops or rough handling that could compact the soil or damage fine roots.

A few extra minutes of careful unloading make all the difference—ensuring plants remain stress-free, vigorous, and ready to establish quickly once planted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid—Protecting Young Plants from Setbacks

Clear, direct advice builds trust—and ensures success. Whether you're planting a Peach Sapling or a Windbreak Species, avoid these frequent errors:

• Don’t bury the collar of the plant. This zone is meant to stay dry and aerated; submerging it invites stem rot and fungal attack.

• Don’t add manure or compost inside the planting hole. It might seem nourishing, but concentrated organic matter can burn roots or create anaerobic pockets. Instead, top-dress around the root zone after planting.

• Don’t skip early waterings. Young roots need consistent moisture to anchor themselves and begin exploratory growth. Dry spells during this stage can cause lasting stress.

• Don’t leave plants baking in the sun before planting. Saplings rapidly lose vitality when exposed. Keep them shaded, hydrated, and protected until they meet soil.

• Do not unload plants roughly. Mechanical shocks damage roots, soil balls, and tender stems. Handle them gently and carefully to preserve their full vigor.

Donts