How To Care For New Trees
What is a new tree? Is it something you planted this month, this year or this decade?
The answer is somewhere in between.
New tree care instructions should be followed for about 3 to 4 years. After 5 years, a tree is considered mature or established.
6 NEW TREE CARE TIPS
1. WATERING YOUNG TREES
A good rule of thumb is that your watering radius (as described in our plant watering blog post) should always be moist – not dry and not sopping wet. Usually a steady stream of water from a hose for 30 seconds about twice a week should be sufficient. Increase to three times a week when the weather has been very dry.
2. WEEDING AROUND YOUNG TREES
Consistently weeding around young trees is important. Young trees are in competition with any living thing around them, so getting rid of weeds ensures your new tree will be getting the water and nutrients it needs.
3. GIVE THE TREE SPACE
Since young trees are even competing with grass for nutrients, it is best to leave an area around your new tree free of all other plants.
4. MULCH THAT SPACE
What do you do with that extra space around the tree? Put down mulch. Mulch will protect your young (and mature) trees in several ways; mulch insulates your tree to protect from extreme temperatures, holds in moisture and reduces the growth of weeds.
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5. RESPECT THE SPACE WHEN CARING FOR YOUR LAWN
That space around your new tree also serves at a barrier between you and your tree. It prevents you from hitting the tree with a lawn mower, weed whacker or any of your lawn tools. Any cuts to your tree can interrupt water flow to different parts of the tree and leave an opening for insects or disease.
6. PRUNE CORRECTLY
Follow the tips on our pruning blog post for pruning your new tree; incorrect pruning can cause your tree to grow incorrectly and lead to you having to spend large amounts of money having it fixed or cut down later.
If you are unsure about caring for your new tree, give us a call. Taking good care of your tree early is cheaper than having to fix mistake later on. We can come to your home to prune and fertilize and give you a detailed plan on how to care for your tree in between our visits.