2017 June Albert creates a Forest with Bruce & David
Forest Planting – General Guidelines (by Albert G).
- Prepare your trees by re-potting in shallow containers at
least the year before, to have more compact roots and
provide some general styling. - Pots used are usually shallow and wide to harmonise with
the trees. Choose a colour and style that will go well with
the trees (e.g. matching bark colour to the pot colour).
Slabs are also used. - Use tie wires in the pot (extra holes were drilled) or balls
of muck to hold the trees in place. - Trees selected are usually the same species and should
have the same feel. It is hard to harmonise the
arrangement if you have a mix of straight and bendy
trees. - Try to have more trees than you intend to use in the
forest so you have some choices. - The 1st tree placed should be the tallest with the biggest
trunk. Place your trees from largest to smallest. - The main tree should be at the front and off centre for a
near-view forest. - Try to ensure trees are not hidden behind another.
- Three trees should not form a straight line when viewed
from the front and side. - Vary the distances between trees to provide a more
natural look. Growing two trees close together in the
same training pot (like a twin trunk) prior to using in the
forest will provide trees close together without sacrificing
too many roots. - Odd numbers in the composition allow it to look more
natural. Beyond 9 trees it is not as important to have an
odd number. - The trees should form an overall silhouette in a rough
triangular shape. - The composition should have direction, flowing from the largest trees to the smaller side.
- The roots of the newly potted forest can be protected from dehydration by adding a layer of shredded sphagnum moss on the soil surface.
- The roots are usually cut quite severely to fit in the tray so aftercare is important.
- Have fun with the arranging and let your creative side come through.
