Tree planting for beginners (or more accurately ... the horticulturally clueless)

[GeorginaA]

Okay, I have ordered a columnar cherry blossom tree and it's just arrived. It's \link{http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/results/?ContentType=Plant_Card&ClassID=4640&CategoryID=\this one}.

Only, it's pissing it down with rain - how long can I leave it outside in its pot before it becomes a problem? Or should I be digging the hole tonight regardless of rain?

Also, I'm assuming I'm digging a hole, sticking compost in the hole, putting tree in and some sort of stake (argh, going to have to go out and buy a stake - don't have anything suitable). Is there anything I've forgotten.

It apparently grows to 8m high with spread 4m. Given that the fence is about 6ft tall, can I still plant it quite close ish to the fence (was thinking about 1m diagonally away from the corner) - assuming that the final spread won't be until it's a lot taller and hence over the fence or will grow more away from the fence naturally anyway. Is that foolhardy and naive?

DH is even less horticulturally gifted than me, so he's no help

I think as it's raining it's probably ok to leave it. It's no different than if it was sitting in a nuresery waiting to be bought. Or is it bare roots?

I think if you plant it now you may rush it so better to wait for dry day and do it properly.

if it is in a pot it should be fine - just make sure it doesn't dry out. Those columnar ones don't usually spread out for a long time - we have had ours years and it is still quite narrow.

oh - and water it in well when you do get round ot planting it - and keep it watered this year especially in dry weather - to give it a chance to establish good roots.

Yup, it's in a pot and the delivery guy seemed to think there was water in the pot as well. So it'd be okay for a few days? Fab.

throckenholt: that's what I thought - didn't really want it abandoned in the middle of our lawn all on its own - it'd look a bit silly if it then didn't spread out for years!

Ooo ... good tip about watering it well. Will do.