Disclaimer: Below is general information about tree care. Every tree planted has a specific location, soil, typography, etc. and will need care based on those specifics. If you have questions or need instruction on your specific tree, please use the contact form to email us and we would be happy to help.

WATERING
Your New Tree

Watering the tree regularly during the first year is critical to its establishment.

The best method to water your new tree is to use the “slow soak method”. Place your hose on the soil of your tree and slowly run water on low pressure for 45 minutes so that the water can seep into the planted tree.

Watering with the “slow soak method” once a week will deep water your tree and get it off to a great start. It is not recommended to water with lawn sprinklers alone, the water will not get down to the roots. It is important to dig in your planting area in the next couple months to check if there is enough moisture or not. Trees can be lost due to overwatering. To check, dig 6-7 inches down and make a ball out of the soil. Bounce the ball in the palm of your hand. If the ball falls apart by the third bounce, you will need to water. If the ball stays together, wait a day or two and check again. For most plants, they like to have a drink of water when the soil is drying out in the first three to five inches. Most plants will do better if allowed to thirst a bit before having a good drink.

man watering tree

staked tree in front of white house

Staking
Your New Tree

Staking is a practice used to anchor, support, and protect recently planted trees. There are times when staking is appropriate and can help a tree establish itself if done correctly. Staking should be done if/when the tree is exposed to high winds on a regular basis, the tree is in areas of high traffic, if your tree is not standing straight, and/or if the tree’s root ball moves in the soil when you hold the trunk and gently move it back and forth. We offer staking as an added service if needed and our professional staff will assess the tree after it has been transplanted. Ask us about this service!

Mulching
Mulching is a must!

Mulch with wood chips to help retain soil moisture and reduce weeds. It also protects the tree from lawn mowers and string trimmers. Mulch with 2-3 inches of material at a 6 foot in diameter. Keep mulch away from the tree trunk a few inches to avoid trunk rot. As mulch decomposes, it enriches the soil and provides organic matter and beneficial microorganisms.

hands in white gloves holding mulch

Transplanting Shock
of Your Tree

Trees might experience transplant shock in the form of yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and wilting. You may have one or a combination of these.

wilted leaves on tree

leaves falling on ground

maple with yellow leaves

Root stimulator can help reduce these symptoms.

Tree Care Package

pulling dandelion

WEEDS
AND HERBICIDES

Keep the area around your tree free of weeds and other competing plants. Use wood chip mulch to suppress the weeds and remove them by hand when possible. Avoid the use of herbicides near the tree as certain formulations may seriously injure or kill the tree. If you decide to use herbicides, avoid getting any on the leaves, branches, trunk or near the root area where tree roots are growing, as they can seriously injure or even kill trees. Remember the tree roots extend well beyond the perimeter of the outermost branches.