planting-after-removing-conifers

lisa parkhhouse

we are just in the process of removing some conifers and have conflicting advice on planting red robin buches to replace them. Once gardener has advised remove now (August) and pland red robins before Octoner, in the same soil. The other gardiner has advised not to plant till Feb due to the acidic soil from the conifers will kill anything.  HELP !!

 

nutcutlet

You'll need to feed the soil after conifers to achieve success with Red Robin. But after you've done that, a bit of muck, some of that shrub planting compost from the GC or anything else you can find, I don't think you'll need to worry about the acidity

Obelixx

Yes.  the conifers will have removed all goodness from the soil so working in organic matter  from compost or well rotted manure will help revitalise it.   Mycrorhizal granules work when in contact with the roots of the new plants so scatter them on the roots of the red robin as you plant them.   Make sure they're watered well before planting if in pots or, if bare rooted, soak them in a bucket of tepid water for at least an hour before planting.  Bare root tends to be chepaer than potted plants.

October is an excellent time to plant as the soil is warm enough to encoruage root growth and there's enough rain around usually fo rit only to need watering at the time of planting.   Once planted and watered give them a good mulch of compost, well rotted manure to retain moisture.  The worms will work it iin for you over the winter.

Next spring, give them a good general feed of either pelelted chicken manure or blood, fish and bone and mulch again if you can.  They should then get away well and provide a lovely hedge for years and years to come.