Tree Care Best Practices
Choosing and planting a tree should be a well informed and planned decision. Proper selection and planting can provide years of enjoyment for you and future generations as well as increased property value, improved environmental quality, and economic benefits.
The first 2 years after a tree has been planted are crucial years as the tree overcomes transplant shock and becomes established in the landscape. Once we plant a tree in the urban landscape, we become responsible for it!
Supplemental watering is our foremost concern. A newly planted tree, depending upon climate and soil type will require 5-10 gallons of water per week, for the first 2-3 months. Be sure to take rainfall into account. It is a good idea before watering to pull back the mulch and check the root ball soil with your finger to see if it feels wet, moist, or dry. Too much water and the roots don’t get the oxygen that they need and will die. Occasional watering may be required during extended dry periods for the first few years.
If a newly planted tree requires staking, it should only be left in place for 1 or 2 growing seasons, and then removed. Don’t stake too tightly and make sure that the material wrapping around the trunk isn’t cutting into or embedding into the bark.
It is recommended that the original 2-3 inch thick mulch ring be maintained around the tree, for the life of the tree. Don’t pile the mulch up against the trunk. The larger in diameter the mulch ring, the more benefit the tree will receive.
Trees that may be in areas susceptible to deer rubs should have their lower trunks protected during late fall and winter with a protective wrap or guard. Remove in the spring.
Fertilizing should be done sparingly, if at all, using a low nitrogen or slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. It is not good to stimulate a lot of lush new growth.
Pruning a newly planted tree is not recommended until after the tree has become established in the landscape. The exception would be to remove damaged or problematic branches at planting time.
After the tree has become established in the landscape, pruning or training the tree can begin.
It is recommended that this training be done by or at the direction of a trained arborist.