Share This Article:
A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Getting the Most From Your New Trees
If you’ve recently bought or are thinking about buying a mature Red Robin tree (Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’), you’re in for a real treat. These evergreen beauties are not only striking with their bright red new growth, but they also make excellent privacy screens, hedging plants, or focal points in both formal and informal gardens.
But what does “mature” really mean when it comes to Red Robins? And how do you give your new tree the best start — especially if you’re working with poor or rubble-filled soil?
This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right spot to preventing transplant shock, with easy-to-follow steps and practical advice backed by expert sources.
Jump Right In
What Is a Mature Red Robin Tree?
A mature Red Robin tree typically refers to:
-
A tree that’s at least 1.5 to 2.5 metres tall
-
With a well-developed root system (either container-grown or rootballed)
-
And a branch structure that’s already formed, often shaped by regular nursery pruning
These trees are usually 3–5 years old and are ideal if you’re looking for more immediate impact — whether to screen a boundary, create a focal point, or establish an instant hedge.
Mature trees give you that “instant garden” feel — but they do need extra care when planting.
Why Red Robin Is a Popular Choice for UK Gardens
-
Evergreen foliage for year-round structure
-
Vibrant red young leaves in spring and after pruning
-
Fast-growing and easy to shape
-
Tolerant of pruning, urban pollution, and a range of soils
Red Robins are versatile and work well in borders, as stand-alone trees, or grown as tall hedging. But getting the planting process right is crucial to avoid problems like leaf drop or slow establishment.
How to Plant Mature Red Robin Trees – Step-by-Step
Whether you’ve bought your trees from a nursery or had them delivered, follow these steps to help them settle in and thrive.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Red Robins prefer:
-
Full sun to partial shade — full sun encourages brighter red foliage
-
Sheltered spots — avoid planting in exposed, windy areas
-
Well-drained soil — they dislike waterlogged roots
Top Tip: If you’re planting near a fence or wall, leave at least 1.5–2 metres of space to allow for airflow and future growth.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil – Especially If It’s Poor or Rubble-Filled
Red Robins are adaptable, but mature trees need good soil preparation to establish successfully.
If your soil is heavy clay, compacted, or contains builders’ rubble:
-
Dig a generous hole: at least twice as wide and the same depth as the rootball.
-
Remove rubble and debris to loosen the ground.
-
Mix the soil you’ve removed with:
-
Compost or well-rotted manure (40–50%)
-
Sharp sand or horticultural grit if drainage is poor
-
-
Loosen the soil at the base and sides of the hole to encourage root expansion.
Step 3: Prepare Your Tree Before Planting
Mature trees have larger root systems, so it’s important to help them adjust.
If your tree is in a pot or hessian wrap, remove the pot or loosen the wrap around the top.
Soak the root ball in water for 30–60 minutes before planting.
Gently tease out any tightly bound roots — this helps them grow outward into the surrounding soil.
Apply mycorrhizal fungi (like Rootgrow) to the roots or base of the hole. This natural fungus improves water and nutrient uptake.
Step 4: Planting the Tree
-
Place the tree in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground.
-
Backfill with your improved soil mix, firming it gently with your hands as you go.
-
Water deeply right after planting — around 10–15 litres per tree.
-
Stake the tree if it’s in an exposed spot. Use a soft, adjustable tie and check it regularly to avoid bark damage.
Step 5: Mulch and Water for a Healthy Start
-
-
Apply a 5–8cm thick mulch of bark chips or compost around the base of the tree.
-
Keep mulch 5–10cm away from the trunk to avoid rot.
-
Water the tree regularly — about once a week during the first year, especially in dry periods.
-
Avoid little and often watering. Deep soaking encourages deeper root growth.
Common Questions About Planting Mature Red Robins
How do I avoid transplant shock?
Transplant shock is common in larger trees but avoidable by:
Watering consistently
Not planting too deep
Using mycorrhizal fungi
Avoiding fertilizer for the first 4–6 weeks
Can I prune my Red Robin after planting?
Wait until your tree is established — usually the following spring. Red Robins respond well to pruning and can be shaped annually to encourage bushy growth.
Useful Links
Photinia – RHS Plant Profile
Overview of Red Robin and other Photinia varieties, including care and growing conditions.
Planting Trees and Shrubs (Step-by-step)
RHS guide to planting new trees and shrubs, including how to prepare the soil.
Improving Soil Structure:
Advice on improving poor, compacted, or rubble-heavy soils before planting.
How to Mulch
Best practices for mulching after planting to protect moisture and suppress weeds.
Photinia Red Robin Growing Guide
Explains where to plant Red Robin, how to prune it, and care advice.
Caring for Young Trees
Advice on watering, checking ties, and supporting tree health after planting.