Ready for a garden that feels established?

If you tell us what you’re trying to achieve — privacy, structure, a “finished” look, or a full garden reset — we’ll help you choose the right shapes and sizes for instant impact.

Next step: speak to the team about delivery, planting, access, and what will work best in your space.

Delivery & Planting for Mature Trees: What to Expect (and How to Prepare)

Ordering a mature tree is one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to a garden instant height, instant structure, and that settled, been here forever feeling.

But it’s also where the practical questions start:

• Will it fit through the gate?
• Do I need a crane?
• How does planting work with a big rootball?
• What do I need to do before delivery day?

This guide walks you through exactly what to expect from delivery and planting for mature trees including specimen trees, evergreen screening, and pleached/espalier forms so the whole experience feels calm, clear, and properly planned.

What counts as a mature or specimen tree?

In simple terms:

Mature trees are larger, more established trees that bring immediate scale.

Specimen trees are chosen for their character  shape, trunk, canopy, multi-stem form, or overall presence.

They’re often heavier, wider, and more delicate to handle than people expect, which is why delivery and planting is less drop it at the kerb and more planned placement.

The Caragh approach: plan first, then deliver

When you’re investing in mature planting, the goal is simple: get the tree from nursery to garden with zero stress and zero damage.

That means we think about:

• Access and turning space
• Safe lifting and placement
• Soil prep and planting method
• Staking and aftercare

If you’re not sure what information you need to share, don’t worry  we’ll guide you. We will also advise on necessary compost & feeds.

Step 1: Access check (the part that saves the day)

Most delivery issues come down to access. Before delivery/planting, we’ll usually want to understand:

• Gate width (and whether it narrows at any point)
• Driveway access (tight turns, gravel, slopes)
• Side access (bins, steps, low eaves, narrow passages)
• Distance from drop-off to planting spot
• Overhead obstacles (cables, branches, pergolas)

If it helps, a quick couple of images on your phone can answer most questions in minutes.

Step 2: Choosing the right delivery method

For many mature trees, delivery is straightforward, planned timing, careful handling, and safe placement ready for planting.

We offer standard delivery for smaller pieces, as well as Hiab and crane-assisted delivery for our larger, more established specimens. Every delivery is handled with the same level of care as the plants themselves—discover more about our service here. 

For larger trees especially true specimens and big evergreens a Hiab/crane lift can be the safest, cleanest way to place them.

Step 3: Planting  what happens on the day

Planting a mature tree isn’t complicated, but it is specific. Done well, it sets the tree up for years of healthy growth.

The basics we get right every time:

• Correct hole size (wide enough, not too deep)
• Rootball positioning so the tree sits at the right level
• Backfilling with the right soil structure
• Firming in to remove air pockets
• Mulching to protect moisture and soil life
• Staking (so it establishes properly)

Mature trees need stability while their roots settle. Staking is not about holding it up forever  it’s about preventing wind-rock in the first few seasons.

We’ll advise on the right staking method for the size and location.

Watering (the real secret to success)

If there’s one thing that makes or breaks mature tree establishment, it’s watering.

We’ll always guide you on:

• How much to water
• How often (especially in dry spells)
• What to watch for in the first few weeks

Delivery & planting for pleached and espalier trees

Pleached and espalier trees bring instant architecture  but they also need a little extra planning.

We’ll typically consider:

• Panel spacing (for a continuous screen or with gaps if you prefer )
• Supporting posts/frames  for alignment (so the line looks crisp) this is a tricky one as the tree settles and always easier to do if the frames are supported
• Wind exposure (pleached panels can catch wind)

If you’re building privacy quickly, pleached trees are one of the most effective options  and getting the spacing right is everything.

Delivery & planting for evergreen screening and instant hedging

Evergreen screening is often chosen for one reason: you want privacy now, not in five years.

Whether you’re using fully feathered evergreens, mature hedging, or structured conifers, we’ll help you plan:

• The height you want to achieve
• The look (tight screen vs softer boundary)
• The spacing for immediate density
• Aftercare so it stays lush and healthy

What you can do before delivery day (simple prep that makes a big difference)

A little preparation makes everything smoother:

• Clear the access route (pots, furniture, kids toys, bins)
• Mark underground services if you know where they run
• Decide exact positions (even a spray mark or a cane helps) we may advise differently but we work, where we can with your request.
• Keep pets indoors during delivery/planting
• Have a hose ready if watering is needed on the day

Where we deliver and plant: The Caragh Service

We offer delivery and planting for specimen trees, evergreen screening, and pleached/espalier trees.

Our standard delivery and planting region covers the island of Ireland.

If you’re just outside this area and you’d love The Caragh Service, please contact our sister brand : Earlswood Garden Centre they ‘ll always do what they can to help.

Ready to plan your delivery?

If you’re choosing a mature or specimen tree and want it delivered and planted with care, we’re here to help.

Next step: send us a few photos/videos of your access route and tell us what you’re hoping to achieve  privacy, structure, shade, or a statement piece  and we’ll guide you from there.

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