Caring for Young Trees: The First Two Years

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 a 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 with your fingers to see if it feels wet, moist, or dry. If the soil remains saturated the roots do not get the oxygen they need and will eventually 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 remain in place for 1-2 growing seasons.

Don’t stake too tightly and make sure that the material wrapped around the trunk is wide enough to prevent cutting 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. Do not pile mulch up against the trunk. The larger the diameter of the mulch ring, the more benefits 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. If other fertilizer deficiencies are suspected, a soil test may be in order.

Pruning a newly planted tree is not recommended until after the tree has become established in the landscape. The exception would be to remove broken or problematic branches at planting time.

After the tree has become established in the landscape, pruning and training the tree can begin. It is recommended that this be done by or at the direction of a trained arborist.