Four Ways To Take Care Of Newly Planted Trees

3 March 2019
 Categories: Home & Garden, Blog

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Trees, just like all other plants, are particularly vulnerable immediately after they are planted, as they have not had the chance to fully develop or lay down their roots. Understanding some of the things that you should do immediately after having saplings planted in your yard can help you ensure that they are able to grow into towering trees a few years down the road.

Regular Watering

New trees require regular watering to ensure that they have access to the nutrients and moisture necessary to continue to grow. This is especially true if you live in a particularly hot and dry climate. Check with your garden supply store or with a landscaping professional to see what the recommendations are for your specific breed of tree and your climate, but in general, expect to water your tree at least once a week, usually best done through a sprinkler system to protect the soil from becoming soaked and waterlogged.

Apply Mulch

Another important thing that you should do to protect the health of newly planted trees is to apply a layer of mulch around their base. There are a number of benefits associated with mulching, as it can hold onto moisture and prevent the soil around your tree from drying out, can insulate the roots of your tree from frost damage, and will slowly release nutrients into the soil as it naturally breaks down over time. Additionally, look for specific types of mulch—like cedar wood chips—that have natural oils or scents to them that repel pests and insects.

Install a Tree Guard

You should also install a tree guard around each new tree that you plant in your yard. These are available at most hardware and garden supply stores, and consist of wire mesh or a plastic casing, held in place by two stakes driven into the ground next to the tree. These guards effectively act as a second coat of bark to protect the tree before its natural bark has grown thick enough.

Talk to an Arborist

Finally, the last thing that you should do after you have planted new trees on your property but want to make sure that they are growing healthily is to talk to an arborist. These tree professionals can inspect both your new and your old trees, and determine if there are any glaring issues that you may need to address. Further, having a professional inspection done on your trees can identify certain problems, like pest infestations and diseases, which can save the life of your tree by allowing treatment to begin immediately.

Contact companies like Able Scape, Inc. for more information.