Daily tips for caring for a newly planted tree

Daily tips for caring for a newly planted tree

Planted Tree: When you plant a new tree, you can expect it to require a little more attention than the rest of your landscape trees. That's because the root system is still being introduced into the soil and adapting to its new environment. As long as you stick to a routine tree care regimen, you're likely to have great success with your newly transplanted tree. Read on to learn some helpful tips on how to care for a newly planted tree daily.

You can never guarantee the success of a newly planted tree. Many things can go wrong that you cannot control. However, there is plenty you can do to support a healthy growth cycle and prevent problems with your tree. In particular, there are 6 things you should do every week, sometimes every day, for your transplanted tree. These include watering, pruning, fertilizing, stabilizing, mulching and eliminating risks.

To water

For the first few months, you should check the soil every day and water your transplanted tree every few days. Make sure not to over water; two or three times a week is a good starting point. If it rains, first check the top few inches of soil around the base of the tree for moisture. When it is dry, it must be watered; if it is still damp, you cannot water it during the day and check it again tomorrow. In addition, always allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. This watering cycle will help your tree build a strong root system.

Mulching

Laying mulch around the base of your trees is a very effective method of supporting healthy growth and extending their life. While you don't need to mulch again every week, it's important to check your mulching beds every day to make sure they are still doing their job. Mulch helps retain moisture and blocks excess heat and UV exposure. This helps to keep a tree in good health. If the mulch seems low, lay down another layer. Apply a new mulch every year. The rule of thumb when it comes to good mulching is to keep layers between 2 and 4 inches deep and at least 6 inches from the base of the trunk.

Pruning

It is important to inspect the branches of your transplanted tree every day to assess the pruning needs. Pruning should be done immediately after you transplant your tree. Dead, diseased, damaged and broken branches must be strategically removed before they can develop a good branch structure. Once the tree has acclimated to the soil and its environment, it can start building a strong root system, which helps lay the foundation to improve the strength and structure of the branches. No more than 25% of the foliage of trees may be removed within a year. Have an accredited tree service company implement your annual pruning needs to ensure proper ANSI standards for tree pruning are applied.

Extra daily needs:

Fertilize - Inspect your tree every day to ensure it grows as it should. If not, fertilizer may be an option. Fertilizer should only be applied AFTER the first year of tree transplanting. Don't think of fertilizer as tree food; instead consider it something that should only be used when needed. Stressed trees should never be fertilized. There are specific application techniques that must be followed to achieve good results. Contact a trusted tree service company for advice on your newly planted tree needs.

Stabilize - Check your tree every day to make sure it is upright and stable. Some newly planted trees need some stabilization to withstand strong winds and other inclement weather. Cabling and reinforcement work well to support weak trunks. If damage to the lawn mower is a possibility, you can also consider a trunk protector.

Risk Elimination - Inspect your transplanted tree every day to ensure that no imminent dangers lurk. It is important to minimize the danger that can be imposed on your new tree. This includes consideration of lawn mowers, sprinkler systems, nuisance wildlife, pets, herbicides, pesticides and more.