Newly planted trees are vulnerable to the elements and require thorough attention and care if they are to survive and thrive. A crucial component of caring for a newly planted tree is properly watering it. However, care goes beyond just watering your new tree. Establishing a strong root system is vital for the tree to flourish and grow. From mulching to overall monitoring, caring for your new tree is no walk in the park, but there are certain necessary steps that you must take for success. Here are some useful tips that you can apply in ensuring that your newly planted tree is properly cared for.
Mulch With Numbers in Mind
There’s a right way, and a wrong way to mulch your new tree. Properly mulching your new tree requires a bit of know-how, particularly, knowing key numbers. It’s not wise to simply throw mulch at the truck of the tree and leave it there. That’s a disastrous move when caring for a new tree. Instead, place mulch roughly 3 inches away from the tree’s trunk. Having the mulch piled up at the trunk can trap the moisture at the root crown, which can decay and cause rot to develop, and consequently, the tree to die. Keep your mulch layer between 2 and 4 inches thick. When spreading your mulch, extend it to the tree’s dripline, the ground position directly below the farthest edge of the tree’s branch. Doing so will ensure that the root adequately absorbs water and nutrients.
Water Your New Tree Without Overdoing It
Watering your new tree is a matter of knowing when to water and how much water to give. Newly planted trees must remain hydrated, but it can be tricky knowing how to properly water them. One thing that should be avoided is over-watering the plant and making it soggy. You want to keep the root ball and soil surrounding it intact. The key is to provide the plant and soil with moisture without overdoing it. Based on the professional recommendations, you should water at planting time and different intervals:
- 1-2 weeks following planting, water daily.
- 3-12 weeks following planting, water every 2 to 3 days.
- After 12 weeks, water weekly until roots are established.
Fertilize on if Necessary
Your yard’s soil sometimes lacks the necessary nutrients trees need to flourish. The use of fertilizer as a nutrient and mineral replacement option for new plants is a solid way to replenish the soil. It’s important to know when and how often to fertilize your newly planted tree. If your new tree is lagging with new shoot growth, showing changes in foliage, color, and size that appear unhealthy, or has had a bout with insects or disease, then fertilizer may be helpful. Spring is the best time to fertilize your new tree since this is the time when new growth begins.
Stick to Corrective Pruning
Trees need a strong foundation to thrive, and getting a proper trim is beneficial to a tree in its early years. A tree’s trunk competing with other branches to remain dominant can weaken a tree. Proper corrective pruning can help a tree to take good form and become firm. Remove dead or broken branches, along with branches that rub or cross. Do not over-prune, as this can trigger slow growth, and avoid leaving stubs.
Monitor to Spot Red Flags
You want to ensure that your new tree is in good health so it’s essential to keep your eye out for particular signs that can tell you if something is going wrong. If you spot the red flags early, you can address or avoid certain issues. Keep an eye out for early leaf drop, spots on leaves, leaf wilt, dead leaves on branches, and peeling bark.
If you arm yourself with the right information about caring for a new plant, you will be well on your way to having a flourishing tree. Watering, mulching, pruning, fertilizing, and monitoring are all important processes that pertain to nurturing a new tree. Your tree can flourish into something beautiful with just a bit of care!
Contact Us Today
If you need help removing trees from your property, our team at Walnut Tree Service is ready to assist! You can contact us today by calling us at (781) 640-0377 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your tree needs!