How Should You Take Care Of New Trees Once You Plant Them?

Having trees on your property has many wonderful effects. Trees that are both aesthetically pleasing and in good health can boost curb appeal and property value while cutting down on heating and cooling costs. 

The act of planting trees also confers a variety of benefits to our planet’s ecosystem. Trees can naturally enhance air quality by filtering out harmful pollutants through their leaves while re-releasing oxygen into the environment. 

Maintaining a healthy tree population is similar to cleaning the planet’s natural air filters. This involves taking special care when planting new trees and giving young saplings the extra care they need to flourish and become mature additions to your yard.

In this guide, we explore the best practices for tending to young trees so that they grow and retain their attractiveness for many years to come.

Simple Steps For Caring For Newly Planted Trees

The success and longevity of a tree in a given environment are affected by the care given to it from the beginning of its life cycle. For this reason, prudent judgements must be made on the spot when planting trees.

In this section, we will go over how you can provide the best possible care for a tree from the very beginning of that tree’s existence.

1. Plant The Right Trees In The Right Places

If you want to start on the right foot, you need to be sure you’re planting the correct trees in the proper places. The tree risks losing vital nutrients and causing damage to infrastructure if it isn’t cared for properly. 

Carefully consider the location before you plant a tree. Before deciding where to plant a tree, consider the following questions.

• Will the tree have enough room to expand to accommodate its width and height?
• Will the tree cause damage to patios, sidewalks, or a road?
• Will the tree get enough sun to grow?
• Can the tree withstand the local weather?

After you have asked and received responses to these questions, you will be able to find the appropriate tree to plant in the designated area.

Now that you know where and what kind of tree you want to plant, you must do so properly. The widest part of the tree trunk, called the flare, should never touch the floor. If not, it will encounter several challenges as it expands.

If you are having difficulty planting your tree, seek the help of a professional arborist. They can even advise you on where to put the tree.

2. Plant Watering

Remember to water your trees regularly after planting them. It’s your responsibility to make sure the water reaches the tree’s roots. This can be accomplished by watering the plants less frequently but more slowly.

Lawns and gardens could benefit from a little misting of water. However, it might not be very beneficial for trees. Watering the tree with a sprinkler won’t go to the roots. Trees have a lower frequency requirement but a higher total volume requirement for watering. Spraying water won’t do the trick here.

A soaker hose, a garden hose, or a drip irrigation system might be useful because of the slow and steady flow of water they provide. Don’t get any water on the trunk or leaves, though. Instead, you should hydrate the root ball and the soil around it. In this way, the root can spread, and the tree will become more robust.

How often, then, do you need to water the plants? You should water a tree every day for two weeks if its diameter is less than two inches. For a month, water a tree with a trunk diameter of 2 inches to 4 inches; for a tree with a larger than 4″ trunk diameter, water it for six weeks. The trees only need to be watered once a week after this point. Maintaining a healthy tree requires consistent irrigation throughout its early stages of growth.

When watering your trees, you should ensure the soil around each tree is moist and not drenched. The plant will perish because it will not receive sufficient water if the earth is too dry. On the other side, moist earth can cause the roots of trees to rot, ultimately resulting in the plant’s death.

If you want to know how much water you need, dig a hole and check the soil. The earth is too dry if the wind may easily blow it away. It’s too wet if water comes out when you squeeze it. 

There should be a weekly addition of 10 gallons of water for every inch of the tree’s diameter. 

For instance, a tree 3 inches in diameter will require 30 gallons of water per week. Your trees will require more water than usual this summer. If it rains, the region must be kept dry to prevent flooding. Don’t let your tree die on you!

3. Mulches Are The Best Friend Of Trees.

Mulches are beneficial to tree growth, but they are not strictly required. However, they can be of assistance to trees in a variety of different ways. Mulch assists trees in maintaining their moisture levels, regulating the soil’s temperature, and ward off weed growth. Providing a bed of organic mulch for a tree to develop through can be of tremendous assistance.

Some examples of organic materials that can be used as tree mulch are listed below.

• Pine straw
• Leaf mulch
• Wood chips
• Shredded bark

It would be best if you didn’t plant anything smaller than a tree near it, either. It will hinder the tree’s development by competing for water and nutrients. 

Using a weed-repellent mulch can aid in keeping the area around the tree free of unwanted vegetation. This will allow the tree to flourish and reduce the likelihood of damaging young trees during weeding.

To get the benefits of applying mulch, you must keep a distance of 3-4 inches from the trunks of your trees. When mulch comes into contact with the trunk of a tree, the tree is left open to attack from various insects and diseases. Do not create a mound of mulch around the base of the tree. Place all of them in one even layer on a completely flat surface. After applying the mulch, check if the root flare is still apparent.

Spread the mulch over the ground to a depth of two to four inches. Be careful not to create any mounds with the mulch. Additionally, you can anticipate a better outcome if the mulch is spread away from the tree for a greater distance. It would be best if you spread the mulch to the extent the tree canopy can reach.

4. Stake Your Trees

It’s unnecessary to stake most young trees when they’re first planted. If you decide to keep them for any reason, take them down after two years at the latest.

It is possible to prevent a tree from developing a strong root system if stakes are kept on the tree for an excessive amount of time. If placed correctly, your tree may find it easier to acquire a good form and struggle to endure winds. In extreme circumstances, they are eventually capable of prematurely killing a tree.

5. Fertiliser Precautions

It is recommended that fertilisers only be applied to the tree once it has established a strong root system. Fertilisers have little effect on the development of the tree’s roots during the first few years of the tree’s life.

In this regard, organic mulch might be of great assistance to trees. They act as fertilisers with a delayed release rate for your precious plants. When planting trees, it is also possible to incorporate mycorrhizal fungi into the ground. However, there needs to be more consensus about the use of these fungi in the vicinity of arborists.

If necessary, you can call an arborist to perform a soil test and decide the most effective fertiliser to use on the soil. In this regard, the assistance of an expert can be of great benefit.

6. Prune The Trees

Before beginning to prune your trees for growth and shape, give them at least one growing season to mature fully. During its formative years, your tree will require any and all assistance it can obtain to create food for itself and establish a robust root system.

Any tree branches that sustain damage during transporting or planting must be removed immediately. In the absence of proper care, the plant may be subject to attack by hazardous bacteria and insects. If you want your tree to thrive after being transplanted, you should refrain from doing any major pruning in the first year. Only remove branches that are damaged or dead. After the first year, regular pruning is required to maintain a healthy tree with a straight trunk, well-spaced branches, and a well-balanced canopy.

7. Spend Some Time With Trees.

Maintaining a close check on a newly planted tree is a great way to ensure its health and well-being. You should be prepared for an insect or disease attack on your newly planted tree. If you keep a close watch, you can stop an infestation before it gets out of hand.

When a tree is first planted, it is under more pressure than it has ever been before. Because of this, the tree is more susceptible to being attacked by diseases and pests. In addition, you will need to check to see that the ground is not sinking and that the roots are not breaking the soil surface. Allow your tree a few years to mature before moving it to its permanent location in the planted area. Over time, it will require less attention and care. However, it would be best if you made it a habit to check on them frequently. Spending time in the company of trees also benefits one’s health.

Tips On Taking Care Of Young Trees In Hot Climates

Tree maintenance has certain universal components, but in hotter regions, there are additional considerations to keep in mind. Even if you don’t live where summer temperatures regularly hit 90 degrees, it’s still possible to have a hot summer. Consider a few things when tending to young trees in the scorching sun.

Double Down On The Water

To properly take care of a tree that has recently been planted and the weather is warm, one of the most important things you can do is increase the amount of water you provide the tree. This indicates that new trees should be given 20-30 gallons of water each week rather than 10-15.

Schedule When To Water Your Plants

Maintaining a consistent watering schedule is crucial to the health of your tree. Although there is no hard and fast rule about when you must water each day, it is best to stick to a routine. This method not only ensures your tree receives consistent maintenance, but it also promotes a healthy habit for your tree. In addition, watering in the early morning or late at night is optimal. 

This timing helps minimise water loss due to evaporation and ensures that the tree receives the utmost benefit from the watering. This method will help the tree retain water, essential for its development and health.

Pruning

Midsummer, specifically the period beginning in the middle of July and ending in the middle of August, is traditionally considered the best time of year to prune trees. Nevertheless, it is necessary to be cautious when the intense. When performed in temperate are too high for comfort, tree pruning endangers the tree danger. This is a result of the potential loss of moisture reserves that can take place if foliage is removed for whatever reason. 

Depletion of this kind can cause the tree to become very stressed, and in extreme situations, it can even cause the tree to die. Because of this, although the middle of summer is normally a good time for pruning, it is prudent to avoid engaging in this activity during times of extreme heat in order to protect the health of the tree.

Look For These Health Signs In Your Trees

As was previously mentioned, proper care of your plants after planting is essential. Here are some warning signs to keep an eye out for while caring for your plants:

• Bark peeling: Check to see if pieces of tree bark are hanging off the tree that has completely fallen out.
• Branches and twigs dieback: Check to see whether the tree has any dead branches or leaves that have been destroyed. If it is essential, prune it.
• Leaf Color: The appearance of brown or yellow leaves on a tree at any time other than autumn might be a serious problem. Also, look for dark or light spots or coatings on the leaf surface, such as black or white.
• Leaf Drop: It is an indicator of the plant’s poor health if the leaves are falling off at other times of the year than in the fall.
• Leaf wilt: The symptoms of leaf wilt include the leaf seeming scorched, scraped, or curled, as well as excessive shedding of the leaf.

Conclusion

New trees can significantly enhance curb appeal, property value, and reduce heating and cooling costs. They also contribute to the planet’s ecosystem by filtering out harmful pollutants and releasing oxygen. Maintaining a healthy tree population is similar to cleaning the planet’s natural air filters. To care for young trees, follow these steps:

1. Plant the right trees in the right places: Consider factors such as space, size, sun exposure, and local weather before planting. If planting a tree, ensure the widest part of the trunk, called the flare, does not touch the floor. Seek professional arborist advice if planting difficulties arise.
2. Plant watering: Water trees regularly, ensuring it reaches the roots and is moist. Use a soaker hose, garden hose, or drip irrigation system for slow, steady watering. Water a tree every day for two weeks if its diameter is less than two inches, for a month for a tree with a trunk diameter of 2 inches to 4 inches, and for a tree with a larger than 4″ trunk diameter for six weeks.

Ensure the soil around each tree is moist and not drenched, as too dry soil can cause the roots to rot and ultimately lead to the plant’s death. Water a tree every week for 30 gallons per week, and keep the area dry during summer to prevent flooding.

3. Mulches are beneficial to trees, helping maintain moisture levels, regulate soil temperature, and ward off weed growth. Use organic materials like pine straw, leaf mulch, wood chips, and shredded bark as tree mulch. Avoid planting anything smaller than a tree near it to prevent competition for water and nutrients.

Apply mulch 3-4 inches from the tree’s trunks, avoiding creating a mound around the base and spreading it over the ground to the extent the tree canopy can reach.

To care for young trees, it is essential to follow these steps:

1. Stake your trees when they are first planted. Remove stakes after two years at the latest to prevent a tree from developing a strong root system.
2. Apply fertilizers only once the tree has established a strong root system. Organic mulch can be helpful as it acts as a delayed release fertiliser.
3. Incorporate mycorrhizal fungi into the ground when planting trees. Consult an arborist for soil tests and determine the most effective fertilizer.
4. Prune your trees before starting to grow and shape them. Allow at least one growing season for the tree to mature fully. Remove damaged or dead branches immediately to prevent pest attacks.
5. Avoid major pruning in the first year and only remove damaged or dead branches. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain a healthy tree with a straight trunk, well-spaced branches, and a well-balanced canopy.
6. Spend time with your newly planted tree to ensure its health and well-being. Be prepared for insect or disease attacks and ensure the ground is not sinking or the roots are not breaking the soil surface.
7. Consider taking care of young trees in hot climates. Increase water supply to new trees by double down on water, schedule watering times, and avoid pruning during extreme heat.

Look for health signs in your plants after planting, such as bark peeling, dieback of branches or leaves, brown or yellow leaves, leaf drop, and leaf wilt. By following these steps, you can ensure the health and longevity of your young trees.

Content Summary

• Trees enhance property value and reduce heating and cooling costs.
• Trees filter out pollutants and release oxygen, benefiting the environment.
• Healthy trees act as the planet’s natural air filters.
• Young saplings require special care for growth.
• Tree longevity depends on initial care.
• Proper tree selection and location are crucial.
• Improperly planted trees can harm infrastructure.
• Consider a tree’s space needs, damage potential, sunlight, and weather resilience.
• The tree’s flare should not touch the ground when planting.
• Seeking professional arborist advice can be helpful.
• Regular watering after planting is essential.
• Trees need deeper watering, unlike lawns and gardens.
• Sprinklers don’t effectively water tree roots.
• Soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems are beneficial.
• Avoid watering the trunk or leaves.
• Initial watering frequency depends on the tree’s trunk diameter.
• Maintain consistent irrigation in early stages of growth.
• Soil should be moist, not drenched or too dry.
• Assess water requirement by checking the soil’s condition.
• Trees need about 10 gallons of water weekly per inch of diameter.
• Mulches aid in tree growth by retaining moisture and regulating soil temperature.
• Mulches can be made from pine straw, leaf mulch, wood chips, or shredded bark.
• Avoid planting smaller plants near trees.
• Weed-repellent mulch helps trees flourish without competition.
• Keep mulch 3-4 inches away from tree trunks.
• Spread mulch evenly without mounding.
• Not all young trees need to be staked.
• Extended staking can hinder root development.
• Trees should only be fertilised after establishing a strong root system.
• Organic mulch acts as a slow-release fertiliser.
• Mycorrhizal fungi can be added when planting, but its use is debated.
• Expert advice can help determine the best fertiliser.
• Prune trees only after their first growing season.
• Damaged branches should be removed immediately.
• Avoid major pruning in the first year post-transplant.
• Regular pruning maintains tree health and structure.
• Regularly check young trees for potential diseases or pests.
• Over time, trees require less care but consistent checks are beneficial.
• Trees also offer health benefits to those spending time around them.
• Young trees in hot climates require special attention.
• Increase water amounts during warm weather.
• Stick to a consistent watering schedule.
• Best times to water are early morning or late at night.
• Avoid pruning during periods of extreme heat.
• Midsummer is generally suitable for pruning.
• Monitor trees for health signs like peeling bark.
• Dead branches or leaves might need pruning.
• Discoloured leaves can indicate health issues.
• Premature leaf dropping suggests poor tree health.
• Symptoms like leaf wilt or excessive shedding need attention.

FAQs About Tree Planting

When Is The Best Time To Plant A Tree?

The optimal time for tree planting is generally during spring or fall temperate seasons. These periods offer mild weather and sufficient soil moisture, creating ideal conditions for the tree to establish strong and healthy roots, ensuring its long-term growth and vitality.

Can I Use Regular Garden Soil For Planting?

Yes, you can use regular garden soil for planting. However, ensuring the soil is well-draining and suitable for the specific plants you intend to grow is important. You may need to amend it with compost or other additives for optimal plant growth.

What Signs Indicate Pest Or Disease Infestation?

Signs of pest or disease infestation include:

• Wilting or yellowing leaves.
• Holes in leaves.
• Discoloured spots.
• Stunted growth.
• Insects or unusual growths on the plant.

Additionally, if a plant looks generally unhealthy or exhibits abnormal behaviour, it may be a sign of a problem.

How Do I Protect My Tree From Pests?

Frequent and thorough tree inspections are crucial in identifying potential pest or disease issues. Early detection enables swift action, preventing further damage. Embrace eco-conscious approaches, like introducing natural predators or opting for environmentally-friendly pest control methods. These measures safeguard your tree and contribute to a healthier, more balanced ecosystem. Remember, proactive care is key to maintaining the vitality and longevity of your cherished trees, ensuring they thrive in their environment.

Can I Use Any Mulch?

Organic mulch, like wood chips or shredded bark, is highly advisable. It imparts vital nutrients to the soil, helps maintain moisture levels, and stabilises soil temperature. However, be cautious not to heap mulch directly against the tree trunk, which can lead to rot and other potential issues.