You just planted a tree and you feel good about yourself, congrats! Now you are probably wondering what the next steps might be. Do not worry, you are at the right place to learn essential tips to ensure the growth and health of your new green babies.
Proper tree care not only enhances the aesthetics of our environment but also provides benefits such as clean air, shade, and homes for wildlife. Trees can succumb to diseases just like any other living organism. That is why various steps are taken to ensure their longevity and robust growth.
How to Water Newly Planted Trees
One of the most important ways to ensure growth and proper nutrients for newly planted trees is to frequently water during the first two years after planting.
For native trees:
First two weeks: Water a few gallons three times a week.
Weeks three and four: Water twice a week.
Weeks five and six: Water once a week.
Summer Watering:
Water once a week with 12.5 gallons per inch of caliper (the width of the tree 6 inches from the ground.
Keep up with this schedule for two summers after watering.
Winter Watering:
First six weeks: water only when temperatures are above freezing.
How to Provide Extra Support to Young Trees
Planted trees need support in the form of wooden stakes, and tree ties, as well as using metal fencing for protection. These materials assist with the growth of the trees while protecting them from wildlife and wind damage. Periodic check-ups of these materials are needed to ensure they remain secure and effective. Regular assessments of the stakes, ties, and fencing allow for early detection of any damage of wear and tear. Learn more about the assessment of your tree support in this helpful guide.
Benefits of Mulching Your New Trees
Mulching offers numerous benefits for tree care. This practice:
Protects the roots from extreme temperatures.
Helps release nutrients for the tree.
Suppresses the weeds.
Keeps moisture in the soil.
Keeps mowers and trimmers away from the trees.
How to Mulch Trees Correctly
Install the mulch around the tree to a depth of 3 inches to allow rain flow.
Make sure there is no mulch within 3 inches from your tree.
Extend the mulch to the outer edge of the tree canopy.
Remember folks: no to mulch volcanoes, yes to mulch donuts!
Alternatives to Mulch
Leaves can be a safe alternative to mulch to preserve the roots and provide nutrients to trees.
Using leaves as mulch on your lawn helps:
Feed soil with organic matter and nutrients.
Absorb moisture.
Aerate soil and germinate seeds easily.
Reuse a free resource in an eco-friendly way.
Best Pruning Practices for Young Trees
There are various methods of pruning, each with specific purposes and benefits.
Elevation Pruning: This involves the removal of lower branches for clearance on roads, sidewalks, and buildings.
Crown reduction: This technique helps reduce the size of a tree while maintaining its form and structure.
Topping: This last one is the most dangerous and harmful practice known. It is done to prevent branches from getting to electrical wires. This method can severely damage the tree and should be avoided whenever possible.
It is essential to never prune over 25% of the canopy in a year to avoid stressing the tree. Excessive pruning can weaken the tree, making it more susceptible to diseases, pests, and more.
Pruning Benefits
Helps control the growth of the tree.
Helps get rid of dead, broken, or diseased branches.
Ensures safety.
Increases airflow.
When is the Best Time to Prune?
Pruning trees at the correct time can also reduce stress and introduction of harmful diseases and pests.
Prune when trees are young. Monitoring their growth in the early years and removing problematic or sick branches can prevent costly damage or removal services later when the tree matures.
Prune in the winter, late fall, or very early spring. During these times, the tree is directing energy to its roots, making pruning less stressful compared to when it is expending energy on producing leaves.
Keep Your Trees Clean
During the lifetime of a tree, it is necessary to remove dead and damaged branches. If leaves are diseased, rake them when they fall and dispose of them. This helps maintain the tree’s health while enhancing its appearance and preventing potential hazards.
Protect Your Trees from Pests
Deer can cause damage to your young tree. As previously mentioned, tree cages help with this matter, being a blockage between the tree and deer rubs. However, there are still techniques that can be used against them. You can:
Use motion sprinklers to scare them away.
Get pets, primarily dogs, who are usually natural deer repellent, to persuade them to move elsewhere.
Buy deer repellents or create your own using natural ingredients like garlic, hot peppers, and soap. Get the full recipe for this homemade soap in the pest control section on page 5 of this manual.
Conclusion
Nurturing the health of young trees goes beyond planting them and hoping for the best. Tree maintenance takes time, effort, and a lot of patience, so know you’re here for a long ride. For more detailed insights and expert tips on tree maintenance, make sure to check out this informational webinar led by our Natural Resource Specialist, Zsuzsanna Cooke. Be sure to visit our knowledge center where you will find resources to help you cultivate a vibrant landscape.
With these tips, you’re well on your way to becoming a tree care pro. Good luck, and may your tree thrive and bring joy for years to come!
About the Author
Meet Rhea Rene, Marketing Intern at Howard EcoWorks. She is currently pursuing a Marketing degree with a minor in Psychology at the University of Baltimore. Rhea has a deep passion for wildlife, which has only grown during her time at EcoWorks. Her experience at EcoWorks has sparked a newfound interest in tree care and environmental conservation, further fueling her commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.
References
Glendening, P., et al. (2001). Riparian Forest Buffer Survival and Success in Maryland (Report DNR/FS-01-01). Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service.https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Documents/publications/rfb_survival.pdf
Howard EcoWorks (2024) Maintenance and Care Instructions for Trees. Howard EcoWorks. https://www.howardecoworks.org/_files/ugd/0906c6_5225e12e0155470c8b4119ca780e05c4.pdf
Heartwood Tree Company. (2015, April 7). Healthy Tree Maintenance : 3 Essential Steps https://www.heartwoodtreecompany.com/blog/3-easy-steps-to-maintaining-healthy-trees
Cooke, Zsuzsanna. (2024, December 6). From Sapling to Survivor: Expert Tips for Growing Healthy Trees. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjxuHrxBJhE
TreeNewal. (2022, March 24).10 Ways to Keep Your Trees Healthy: Tree Care Tips. The TreeNewal Blog. https://treenewal.com/10-ways-to-keep-your-trees-healthy-tree-care-tips/
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