Tree Care Tips For Newly Planted Sites

A tree’s health, appearance, and longevity depend on proper planting, watering, fertilizing, pruning and inspections. Whether you have a small urban yard or a large landscape project, a little TLC will help your trees thrive and flourish.

The first few years of a tree’s life are the most crucial for its success. Newly planted trees need extra care to become strong and healthy. Follow these tips for successful growing:

Select the Right Tree for Your Site

The end goal of your planting will dictate the type and species of tree you choose. Are you planting for aesthetics, privacy, shade/energy reduction, windbreak or as a street tree? Tree selection is important because a wrong choice could cost you in the long run.

Planting

Plant trees at the correct depth and spaced properly can help to reduce transplant shock, promote root growth and overall plant health. Proper soil conditions, adequate mulch and watering will also help to ensure that your tree’s roots get everything they need.

After the planting, it is important to monitor your new tree for signs of disease or insect pests. A regular inspection of your trees and shrubs can catch these issues before they cause major problems, saving you time and money in the long run.

Pruning

While you should refrain from excessive pruning of young trees, it is essential to prune a tree to maintain its shape and remove dead branches. It is also a good idea to prune your trees during the winter to encourage growth and prevent damage from storms or snow.

Proper pruning and maintenance of your trees can also help to prevent structural defects such as codominant stems (two or more stems arising from the same point on a trunk), weak or broken branches, and poorly formed branches. Structural defects can lead to breakage or failure during severe weather events, which can cause property damage and pose safety hazards for your family or neighbors.

Fertilizing

Proper tree fertilization will help promote vigor and growth while minimizing the risk of diseases or insects. Most tree and shrubs need a consistent application of a balanced fertilizer that includes both slow-release and fast-acting nutrients.

Invasive Species

Invasive plant species such as vines can disrupt tree canopies and inhibit their ability to grow, so it is important to regularly inspect and prune your trees for these unwanted invaders. Invasive plant removal can be very challenging and costly, but is essential to maintaining the health of your trees.

Insurance

When hiring a professional to perform work on your trees, be sure to ask about their certification, background and insurance. It is highly recommended that you obtain proof of liability and worker’s compensation insurance before any work begins. This will protect you from being held financially responsible if the uninsured worker is injured on your property or damages your neighbor’s property. It is also a good idea to request local references and examples of previous work. Also, always be sure to receive a detailed contract outlining the work, total costs, materials and cleanup responsibilities.

source https://climbingdutchman.wordpress.com/2024/01/13/tree-care-tips-for-newly-planted-sites/