Tree & Shrub Compost

Make room for roots

Woody plants shape a garden

Trees and shrubs bring together shade, flowers and foliage. Suitable soil and enough root space belong in the plan for every planting position.

A new home for a woody plant starts below the surface. This ready-to-use growing medium is labelled for trees and shrubs in containers and garden ground. The 10-litre bag contains peat, perlite, raw clay and an initial nutrient supply.

Maples are one example within this broader group. Site, moisture and eventual plant size still matter when selecting a pot or planting place.

Growing medium & root space

The root ball and fresh compost can hold different amounts of water. Check both while the plant establishes. Clear drainage and thoughtful watering remain necessary with any growing medium.

The product information collects all declared ingredients and values. The bag photograph shows this product itself; the other images illustrate woody plants and container culture.

View the complete declaration

Repotting: the complete process

Support the root ball and prepare its space

Handle the woody plant gently when changing containers. The steps below explain planting depth, filling and aftercare in a pot.

These eight illustrated steps describe the container change of a rooted tree or shrub. For planting in garden ground, assess the existing soil and site separately.

1. 1

   Recognise the need to repot

   Check whether roots fill the pot densely or the compost has lost its structure. Repotting should improve root space rather than simply follow an annual date.

   Plan substantial work in suitable weather towards the start of growth. Choose timing especially carefully for newly leafed Japanese maples or unhealthy plants.

2. 2

   Choose a pot for the root ball and growth

   A stable container needs room for the ball and some fresh compost. The plant’s shape and eventual size also influence the choice.

   The existing ball already occupies volume. Calculate new compost for the free space beside and beneath it, not automatically the entire pot volume.

3. 3

   Check drainage

   Inspect drainage holes and clear any blockage. A planting pot inside a closed decorative container needs its own open outlet.

   A coarse layer in the illustrations does not replace drainage holes. It must not obstruct the flow and is not necessary in every pot.

4. 4

   Release the old pot gently

   Support the weight at the root ball. Loosen the container by gently pressing or tapping it; do not pull the plant out by slender branches.

   Preserve healthy roots and remove loose old compost. Assess strongly circling or damaged roots separately; heavy root pruning is not an automatic repotting step.

5. 5

   Retain the original planting depth

   Add some compost and position the root ball. Keep its surface at the previous depth, with space for watering below the rim.

   Do not heap compost around the stem base or an existing graft union. Check that the plant sits upright and stable.

6. 6

   Fill around and firm lightly

   Add compost to gaps around the ball in small portions. Gentle pressure closes larger air spaces.

   Do not compact the compost hard. Watch planting depth, stability and even watering space around the rim.

7. 7

   Water the new root zone

   Water slowly and evenly so that the fresh compost beside the ball is moistened too. Observe drainage from the base.

   Match the quantity to existing moisture. Afterwards, remove standing water from the saucer or outer container; the pot should not remain in it.

8. 8

   Follow establishment and nutrient supply

   During the following weeks, check moisture in both the old ball and new compost. For Japanese maples, a suitable position and even moisture protect delicate foliage.

   Record the repotting date: after about four to six weeks, the label calls for nutrient checks and supplementary feeding if needed. Do not feed dormant plants simply by the calendar.

Japanese maple in the plant catalogue Application and later feeding

Follow the new root space

Deciduous Trees & Shrubs in the plant library

Viburnum tinus Fertiliser

Hamamelis Fertiliser

For container growing and suitable planting sites: provide a well-drained root environment. Account for starter nutrients before further feeding as needed. Ornamental Cherry Fertiliser: For subsequent feeding of ornamental cherries during growth. Account for starter nutrients in the compost; follow plant needs and the fertiliser’s own instructions. Weeping Willow Fertiliser: For subsequent feeding of weeping and dappled willows during growth. Distinguish the willow species in their care and account for starter nutrients in the compost. Strawberry Tree Fertiliser: A humus-rich base with good drainage for container-grown strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo). Account for starter nutrients and feed later only according to plant need and the fertiliser’s own instructions.

Sichuan Pepper Fertiliser

A growing-medium base for container-grown che trees. Provide sufficient root space and drainage; account for the compost’s starter nutrients before additional feeding.

Che Tree Fertiliser

Tree and shrub compost can serve as a humus-rich base for cinnamon in a warm, frost-protected container. Ensure effective drainage and account for existing starter nutrients.

Cinnamon Tree Fertiliser

Tree & Shrub Repotting Set

For later feeding: Redbud Fertiliser.

For later feeding: Dove Tree Fertiliser.

For later feeding: Paperbush Fertiliser.

For later feeding: Tetrapanax Fertiliser.

Assess changes before adding products

Wilting foliage, leaf scorch and weak growth can have different causes. Check the roots, soil moisture, drainage and recent weather. Photographs and details of previous care help when the cause is unclear.

Personal plant advice

Explore individual woody plants

View the Japanese maple profile Common fig: position, fruit & care → Conifers: species and care → Photinia: new growth, position & pruning → Redwoods: distinguish species and plan their growing space Wisteria: care & position Laburnum · Golden Chain Tree: care & position Yews · Taxus: care & position Hedge Plants English Ivy · Hedera helix Evergreen Euonymus · Wintercreeper Flowering Shrubs