How To Care For Your New Trees

If you are a homeowner, you’ve likely given some thought to the trees and landscaping that you have in your yard. While mature trees are nice in that they provide shade, shelter, and aesthetic value, staying in your home for several years will likely have you looking to add new trees to your landscape in anticipation of having to get rid of dead and diseased foliage.

New Trees: The Formative Years

The first two to three years of a tree’s life are critical, and proper care is essential to promote healthy growth and development. During this time, trees strike themselves into the soil, and they set up root systems that firmly anchor them for future growth. Every favorable decision that you make regarding tree care not only reduces transplant stress, but it creates ideal conditions for future growth that can add value to your home.

Follow these new tree care tips for planting and growing success:

Watering

Watering is a critical component of new tree care. Root systems cannot develop without proper hydration, and it is this root development that will make or break a tree’s ability to be successfully transplanted from nursery to garden. Trees need periods of deep watering, especially during the first 2-3 years of growth. Soil should be saturated, but not swampy, and if you live in a dry area, you’ll have to keep up this regular saturation for the tree’s entire life. Using a soil probe to check moisture will ensure that your sapling is getting what it needs for optimal growth. When watering, you’ll want to concentrate on the area of soil just around the root ball, as this is where water gets drawn up into the tree for nourishment and hydration. Please note, automated sprinklers may not do an adequate job of watering your tree, and a little extra TLC is needed to make sure you are setting your tree up for good health.

Staking

It is a common myth that all trees need staking in their formative years of growth. Many types of trees are strong enough to fend for themselves when battling the elements. If you see that your sapling is bending toward the ground during windy weather or buffeted around by heavy rains, consider staking to add a little extra support. First, remove any tightly attached stakes that come with the tree. Pound in two equally strong stakes on either side of the root ball, taking care not to disrupt the developing root system. Finally, secure the sapling to the stakes with flexible pieces of rubber, canvas, or cloth. Do not tie too tightly, as you’ll want your tree to develop some strength by being able to sway back and forth in the wind. When you can see that your tree is more robust, you can remove staking materials.

Trunk Protection

Young trees are particularly prone to damage from lawnmowers, car doors, and weed eaters. If you are planting in the fall, consider the addition of a winter wrap to keep your tree’s trunk protected. As spring thaw approaches, remove the winter wrap and spread a thin ring of mulch around the base of the tree to aid as a buffer against damage and in retaining moisture around the base of the tree.

Pests and Diseases

A transplantation process can stress out young trees, leaving them more susceptible to disease and pest infestation. Every new, young leaf is needed to provide nourishment and protection. As you notice these new buds, inspect them carefully for signs of pest infestation or unsightly growth. If you discover something that looks counterproductive to healthy tree growth, call in a tree care professional to diagnose and provide treatment options for restoring your tree’s health.

Need a Little Help? We’re the Tree Service Professionals!

Our company is a family-owned establishment that is passionate about all aspects of tree care. We provide trimming, planting, pruning, and removal services for all types of trees across all kinds of landscapes. No job is too difficult; we will provide you with expert tips on improving the health of your trees and improving the value of your home. Contact us today for a consultation; visit https://www.sarasotatreeservice.com/ for more information.