In the winter, people dream of updating their landscaping, and as spring arrives, many families will be planting trees to promote shade, beautify their homes, and prevent erosion. Caring for a young tree extends beyond getting it into the ground, however. Follow these tips to ensure your new sapling grows tall and strong.

3 Essential Factors in Caring for New Trees

1. Water

Promote wide-reaching root growth by deeply watering trees when the soil is no longer moist 4-6 inches from the surface. Start by watering the sapling immediately after planting it and then soak the roots again several days later.

Provide 5-10 gallons of moisture every week for the next month to ensure the roots grow deep into the ground. For the next six months, water on alternating weeks to ensure the soil is dry between sessions. Always water based on the weather, providing extra moisture during drought times and backing off on watering when there’s a lot of precipitation.

2. Fertilizer

Trees need nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to survive, and it’s beneficial to provide these nutrients in fertilizer form. Many homeowners apply liquid or pellet formulas to the dirt around the tree, where it dissolves with water and absorbs into the earth.

Contact a landscaping specialist to asses the soil quality, so you know what nutrients the area doesn’t provide. Once you know what you need, purchase a fertilizer that offers these substances and follow the directions on timing for new species. Be sure to use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the spring to support growth during this period of major development. 

If you notice the tree is growing slowly, the leaves are wilting and yellow, or the trunk is weak, it may need more fertilizer. Excess precipitation may have washed away past batches, or you might not be feeding it enough.

3. Protection

Young trees are susceptible to cold temperatures, errant landscaping machinery, and pests. Though springtime temperatures are usually mild in the South, consider surrounding the trunk base with burlap to keep it warm in case of cold snaps. Avoid nicking the sapling with the weed whacker or lawnmower, as cutting the bark may make it susceptible to water issues or pest and disease infestation.

Many homeowners install tree bark mulch 1-2 feet around tree bases as part of their landscaping design. These small pieces will soak up water, helping keep the sapling hydrated even if there isn’t much rain. They’ll also mitigate weed growth by blocking out the sun and preventing competition for moisture and nutrients.

Homeowners interested in landscaping like tree and flower installation should contact Steve Hinesley and Co. Inc. in Asheboro, NC. The company offers irrigation, tree trimming, mulching, pesticide application, and more with 12-month lawn maintenance offerings throughout the Triad area. Call (336) 629-3779 or (336) 886-9542 or visit the website to schedule a free estimate with their licensed experts.