How to Care for a Newly Planted Tree

So, you’ve had some new trees planted and your garden is looking great. Now you’re wondering what you need to know in order to keep those new trees happy and healthy. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Keep reading for tips to keep your new trees looking their best.


Monitoring  

This may seem self-explanatory, but many people assume once a new tree is planted, it’ll automatically grow and settle in perfectly. However, this is not the case. For the first few weeks especially, you need to keep an eye on your tree and make sure it progressing correctly. Things to look out for include:

  • Brown and yellowing leaves
  • Roots not taking to the soil
  • Loose or deteriorating bark

If you notice any of the above happening to you tree, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Give an arborist a call, and they’ll be able to give you helpful recommendations to save your tree.

Watering

Watering is the first thing that comes to mind when talking about trees and plants. Giving newly planted trees the correct amount of water is crucial to their growth and longevity. If the tree you’ve just planted is a sapling, it is recommended that you water them thoroughly everyday for the first two weeks. After those two weeks, move to watering only once a week for the next year.

 

Fertilizing and Mulching

Fertilizing is not necessary but is recommended. Think of it as a vitamin for your trees. They’re not going to die without them, but it will help give them nutrients that may not be naturally present in your soil.

Mulching is another way that you can increase your new trees chances of quickly adapting to its new environment. This helps trap in much needed moisture and is especially helpful if you live in a very dry climate.

 

Other Tips

  • Don’t use pesticides too close to the base of the tree
  • Don’t plant flowers or plants near the base of the tree – this will affect the way the trees ground their roots
  • Avoid using string trimmers or lawn mowers on grass around new trees as this risks damaging the bark at the base of the tree

If you have any questions about a tree you’ve recently planted, give us a call! We’re always happy to help.