🌱 How to Improve Tree Survival Rates in Kenya: A Practical Tree Planting Guide

Tree planting is a powerful climate solution. But without the right approach, up to 70% of seedlings die within the first year due to poor soil, water stress, or pest attacks. At Organix Limited, we’re changing that. This guide offers proven techniques and product recommendations to help ensure every tree you plant thrives—not just survives.

🌳 1. Choose the Right Trees for the Right Places

Selecting trees adapted to local conditions is essential for survival. Indigenous trees, in particular, are more resistant to drought, pests, and diseases.

Recommended Indigenous Trees:

• Croton megalocarpus (Mukinduri) – Fast-growing, agroforestry friendly

• Cordia africana (Muringa) – Excellent timber and soil enhancer

• Warburgia ugandensis (Greenheart) – Medicinal, native to highlands

• Markhamia lutea (Nile Tulip) – Great for school greening and parks

🌿 Indigenous trees naturally acclimatize to local conditions, reducing input costs and care time.

Exotic trees like Avocado, Macadamia, or Grevillea robusta offer commercial returns, but need more attention—especially water and pest protection.

🕳️ 2. Dig Large Planting Holes for Faster Tree Growth

According to the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), planting holes of at least 60cm x 60cm significantly accelerate early growth and establishment. Larger planting holes also allow for more organic matter, and loosened soil to be in the root zone allowing for faster growth of tree seedlings.

Why it Matters:

• Improves soil aeration and root expansion

• Allows addition of soil conditioners and compost

• Holds more moisture and nutrients

✅ Recommended Product:
Asilee (Soil Conditioner)
Made from cold-pressed oil cakes, Asilee enhances soil fertility, microbial life, and reduces transplant shock.

💧 3. Water Smarter, Not Harder

Water stress is the number one cause of seedling death. Instead of daily watering, use deep-root delivery and water retention systems.

Smart Watering Tips:

• Insert PVC or plastic tubes next to roots to deliver water directly. This can be surrounded with aggregate rock to allow for water to percolate a lot easier.

• Use mulching to retain moisture

• Install simple drip systems for orchards

✅ Recommended Products:

• Okoamaji (Water Retainer) – 3-year retention, ideal for fruit trees & community planting

• Absorber (Water Retainer) – 5-year duration for forestry & drylands

🌳 Avocado trees, for example, need 40–50L of water weekly. Using water retainers helps them survive early stress periods.

🌿 4. Boost Root Growth with Biostimulants

Roots are the foundation of healthy trees. Accelerating root development reduces transplant shock and increases water and nutrient uptake.

✅ Recommended Products:

• Nhance Foliar – Seaweed-based foliar spray for rapid rooting and stress relief

• Oxin – Seaweed suspension applied via irrigation for deeper root architecture

Use Nhance every 2–3 weeks during early stages to maximize root establishment.

🌱 5. Improve Soil Health with Organic Humates

Most soils in Kenya are low in organic carbon, limiting microbial life and nutrient cycling. Adding humates enriches the soil structure and supports long-term tree growth.

✅ Recommended Product:
Earthlee (Organic Humate Powder)

Benefits:

• Enhances nutrient retention

• Stimulates microbial activity

• Buffers pH and reduces stress in dry zones

Apply 1–2kg per 50kg of fertilizer or 20–100kg/ha when broadcasting.

🛡️ 6. Protect Seedlings from Pests and Nematodes

Newly planted trees are especially vulnerable to insects, and nematodes. Nematodes are hard to locate and you only realize their presence well into the growth of the tree.

✅ Recommended Product:
Achook (Neem-based Organic Pesticide)

This safe, eco-friendly pesticide:

• Controls nematodes

• Disrupts insect life cycles

• Is safe for beneficial organisms like bees.

Apply Achook as a drench at planting and foliar spray every 14 days for continued protection.

📍 Tree Species by Region: What to Plant and Where

✅ Tree Planting Toolkit: What You Need for Success

🌿 Let’s Grow a Greener Kenya—One Surviving Tree at a Time

Planting trees isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating long-lasting ecological impact. With Organix Limited’s proven inputs, field-tested techniques, and a little patience, you can significantly increase tree survival rates, even in challenging environments.

📞 Need a custom survival plan for your tree planting project?
Contact us to create a region-specific Tree Planting Starter Kit.