Complete planting: from the tree to the ground cover

A complete planting combines layers. Trees give structure, shrubs build mass, and perennials and ground cover occupy the lower layer.

The soil is decompacted, amended and levelled. Irrigation and drainage are tested before planting.

They go in first, because they need a crane, space and more manoeuvring. Orientation, planting level and staking are checked.

They define volumes and transitions. They are set out in groups, avoiding accidental lines where a natural look is wanted.

They are distributed by rhythm, height and season. Spacing takes account of mature size and the time taken to close up.

Ground-cover plants, mulch or aggregates reduce bare soil. The solution is compatible with the maintenance and with the look of the scheme.

Each plant is watered both in its original root volume and in the surrounding soil. The automatic system is supplemented by hand where necessary.

Labels are removed, the mulch is adjusted and the area is cleaned up. The root collar and the base of the stems are left clear.

Quantities and changes are recorded. Weeding and watering in the first months determine how the planting closes up.

Plants are inspected on unloading for identification, roots, moisture and damage. They stay protected until they are planted.

Setting out starts with the trees and the large shrubs. The masses are distributed next. The team walks the space and checks views, circulation, chambers and light fittings before all the holes are dug.

Even at smaller sizes, the root collar and the roots need checking. Container-grown plants may have deformed roots or compost that has not yet knitted together.

Shrubs are positioned according to their future size. Closing up the spacing just to fill in quickly increases competition and future pruning.

Lawn soil needs levelling and even contact; a meadow may call for lower fertility and its own mowing calendar.

The two systems should not be given the same maintenance. A meadow mix mown like a lawn loses the structure and the flowering it was meant to have.

Before mulch or aggregates are applied, species, cultivar, form, quantity, planting level and spacing are checked.

Any changes made are recorded. The irrigation system is adjusted to the actual position of the plants.

Watering, weeding, staking and replacement determine how the planting closes up. A loss should not simply be replaced; you need to look for dry soil, waterlogging, damage or poor selection.

The garden needs time to fill the gaps. Maintenance should follow the growth expected, without redesigning the composition just because it is still young.

Once planted and watered, plants are generally given a slow-release NPK fertiliser, matched to their size and to the soil. The aim is to support the first growing season without concentrating product around the roots.

The application is recorded and is no substitute for water, drainage or proper ground preparation.

Trees define the structure and go in first. Shrubs build mass and transitions. Perennials, grasses and ground-cover plants occupy the lower layer and protect the soil.

This order makes it possible to work with machinery and adjust the irrigation without destroying small plantings. The initial result should respect the planned spacing, even when there are still gaps that will only close with growth.

• How to read a planting plan
• Scheduling irrigation

1. European Arboricultural Standards. European Tree Planting Standard, 2025 revision.
2. Diaplant’s method for planting and initial maintenance.