The trees we love are Water Berry (Syzygium cordatum), Red Beech (Protorhus longifolia) and Black Mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza). Whether you’ll be planting these or other trees, it’s important to remember a few basics:

Before you plant

• Make sure you choose a tree that suits your needs – do you want evergreen foliage, do you want it to attract birds to your garden, or do you want it to provide privacy?
• Look for a tree with a sturdy trunk and well-developed lower branches. Taller isn’t always better.
• Avoid trees with signs of pests and diseases. Check on top of and underneath the leaves of the tree.

When you plant

• Dig a hole measuring roughly 60cm x 60cm.
• Add two handfuls of compost and half a cup each of bonemeal and 2:3:2 fertiliser to the hole. Return some of the top soil to the hole, mix in well and fill up the hole with water.
• Plant the tree at the same depth as it was in its packaging.
• Firmly press down the soil around the trunk and water well.

Words and image: Fairlady magazine