Share:

Whether you’re undertaking a landscaping project or wanted more greenery in the yard, planting new trees will provide shade and beauty for decades to come. However, careful maintenance is required to help your new trees flourish. Once you’ve completed your landscaping work, ensure your new trees thrive with these do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Feel the soil.

To tell how much water your new tree needs, feel the surrounding soil. If the soil is still moist and sticks slightly to your hand, you don’t need to water your tree. If it’s dry or crumbly, the tree can use more water.

Place mulch around the tree. 

landscapingMulch provides several benefits to new trees, including soil temperature control, weed prevention, and moisture retention. Add two to four inches of mulch around the drip zone, which is the span of the tree’s leaves. Then use a rake to remove any mulch within one to two inches of the trunk to allow for airflow.

Don’t:

Overwater the root ball.

Your tree’s roots need to form and grow into the surrounding ground to establish a foundation. Overwatering the root ball can cause mold development that kills the roots, prevents air circulation, and attracts pests. Keep the root ball moist, but don’t leave it soaking or dripping wet.  

Prune for the first year.

While pruning is an important aspect of tree maintenance, it should be avoided for the first year. Pruning removes branches with minor damage or defects, allowing healthier limbs to replace them. However, when a tree is young, pruning can limit its growth in the long run.  

 

Whether you’re considering a landscaping project or need help with a new tree, consult the professionals at Sherwood's Tree Service in Honolulu, HI. For more than 40 years, these professionals have provided residents and business owners with the yard care solutions, from tree trimming to removal services. To learn more about their offerings, visit them online, or call (808) 537-9705 to make an appointment.

tracking