FAQs
How big is a Medium, Large and Instant tree?
The sizes of trees supplied is governed by the pot size it is grown in:
- 45 Litre Pot & 65 Litre Pot = Medium Tree
- 85 Litre Pot & 100 Litre Pot = Large Tree
- 150 Litre Pot and larger = Instant Tree
Although the height of our trees is species specific, in general terms the following applies:
- Medium Tree = 3 to 4 metres
- Large Tree = 4 to 5 metres
- Instant Tree = 5 to 7 metres
(Link to Scale image section)
When is the best time of year to plant trees?
Trees are best planted when they are dormant between October and March. As all of our trees are grown and supplied in containers they can be planted in the summer months as well, but the watering becomes more critical for the trees to thrive.
When is it best to order my trees?
You can order your trees anytime of the year even though we recommend planting them between October and March. When we have received your order your trees will be individually selected by one of our trained arborists and held at Barcham until you are ready to take delivery.
Is it possible to visit the nursery in Cambridgeshire where the trees are grown?
For orders of 20 trees or more, a nursery visit is welcomed. The nursery is open to viewing by appointment only and you will be shown the trees you have ordered by one of our fully trained tree advisors. Please contact our team for further information.
Once I have placed my order, how long will it take for my trees to be delivered?
Once an order has been placed online, you will receive notification from Barcham Online that your order has been received and processed. For tree orders of ten trees or more, you should allow 5-10 working days from the date of order for delivery. For orders of less than 10 trees, 20 working days should be allowed for delivery. This is an approximation of a realistic lead time, yet we will of course endeavour to deliver your order to you as soon as is possible and convenient to you.
How will I know when my tree order will be delivered?
Following notification from Barcham Online that your order has been processed, we will contact you to liaise regarding a suitable delivery date. Deliveries are undertaken from Monday to Friday only, with the exception of Bank Holidays.
I have just had my tree(s) delivered from Barcham Online and wanted to store them for a few days prior planting, is this ok?
It is recommended that trees are best planted within a week of delivery. If you do need to store your tree(s), we recommend that they are stored horizontally, leaning diagonally against a straw bale. Trees supplied in leaf, between April and September are more vulnerable to drying out whilst being stored, so they must be regularly watered.
Do I need to stake my trees? If so how do I do it?
It is recommended that newly planted trees are staked for the first two seasons following planting. The function of staking is to enable the tree some time to establish anchor roots to hold it upright before subjecting it to the perils of harsh weather conditions.
You will be prompted to purchase a Planting Kit at the time of order, this contains the equipment required for staking your trees. Barcham recommend that two stakes are used in conjunction with rubber tie for each tree. Stakes can then be driven either side of the root system, and the tie connected to the stake at the very top, around the stem and back to the stake. Please see the Planting Guide for further information.
I have just received my delivery from Barcham Online and am about to plant them, how big do I need to dig the hole?
The Planting Guide details the dimensions and weights of the containers that Barcham supply. We recommend that the planting pit is 25% wider than the width of the container to allow the roots to spread easily as they grow.
I have just received my delivery from Barcham Online and am about to plant them. Do I need to take the container off?
Our trees have been grown with a root system geared for quick establishment. Remove and disguard the container at planting and then follow our planting guide instructions.
Please see the Planting Guide for further information.
I am about to plant my Barcham tree(s), do I need to tease the roots prior to planting?
The very nature of the Barcham product will ensure that the root system that accompanies your tree is second to none, as such there will be no root spiralling and no need to tease the roots before planting. Simply take off the container and get planting!
I have seen people using irrigation tubes when planting trees, what do you recommend?
At Barcham we favour overhead irrigation and do not advocate the use of irrigation tubes. Simply using a watering can with a rose attachment to mimic heavy rainfall. The slower the application the better as this gives the soil the time to grip the water that the roots can then use.
I have planted my tree(s) successfully during the October to March planting season, how much do I need to irrigate?
Following planting it is important to water the tree(s) in, this comprises of two large watering cans full of water, applied slowly through a rose attachment. You should commence a full irrigation programme from April and continue until the end of September. It is recommended that 2 large watering cans full of water are applied weekly to the tree(s), using a rose on the watering can, to distribute water slowly and evenly. The following spring (one year from planting) you will only need to recommence your irrigation regime if the weather is exceptionally dry, if it is not, you can assume that your tree is established enough to be self-sufficient.
Garden sprinklers applied regularly, for short periods of time, are also a good method of irrigation as they are capable of providing water slowly and give an even distribution.
BEWARE! If water does not drain away within ten minutes after irrigating you are in danger of drowning the tree(s) by suffocating the roots.
I have planted my tree(s) successfully during the April to September period, how much do I need to irrigate?
It is fine to plant trees during April through to September but only if great care is taken to water over this period.
Following planting it is important to "water" the tree(s) in, this comprises of two large watering cans full of water, applied slowly through a rose attachment. Full irrigation should commence immediately and continue until the end of September. It is recommended that 3 large watering cans full of water are applied weekly to the tree(s), using a rose on the watering can. The following spring it will be necessary to recommence the irrigation regime, using only 2 watering cans weekly, continuing with irrigation until the end of September. Following these two growing seasons you can assume that your tree is established enough to be self-sufficient.
Garden sprinklers applied regularly, for short periods of time, are also a good method of irrigation as they are capable of providing water slowly and give an even distribution.
BEWARE! If water does not drain away within ten minutes after irrigating you are in danger of drowning the tree(s) by suffocating the roots.
Why do I need to use a rose attachment on the watering can?
The purpose of using a rose on the end of the watering can when irrigating your tree(s) is to ensure that water is applied slowly and evenly to ensure that the soil has time to grip the water so it can then be utilised fully by the tree(s).
Should I carry on watering after it has rained?
Rainfall bounces off the canopy of a tree and may fall too far away from the root system of a newly planted tree for it to benefit. Your watering regime is best continued even during a wet spell of weather?
Can I over water my trees?
If water does not drain away within ten minutes after irrigating you are in danger of drowning your tree by suffocating the roots. Tree roots need oxygen and water, blended in measure.
Can I use a garden sprinkler to water my tree(s)?
Garden sprinklers applied regularly, for short periods of time, are also a good method of irrigation as they are capable of providing water slowly and give an even distribution.
I have a problem with rabbits and/or deer in my area; will I need a guard(s) to protect my tree(s) from damage?
If there is a high instance of rabbits and especially deer in your area, it is advisable to protect your tree(s) with a rabbit guard(s). Please contact Barcham Online if you feel you need to purchase rabbit guards.
