Wanting their newly planted trees to thrive, smart gardeners will provide proper follow-up care. Cultural practices that mimic natural forest conditions will create ideal conditions for the tree to become established. As a general rule native trees will require much less attention than alien species once established. However, after installation all trees need a little help for a season or two.
Irrigating
Proper watering—not too much, not too little—is the most important need for newly planted trees. Unfortunately, there is no precise watering recommendation that can be made. Different species, different soils, and different weather conditions make a single quantitative recommendation unpractical. However, it is usually sufficient to keep the soil moist, but not soaked or saturated. Newly planted trees generally have a small root volume and it’s best to irrigate them lightly but frequently. If the soil at the base of the root crown is dry and dusty, it’s time to irrigate.
Mulching
Apply an organic mulch over the entire planting hole and preferably two feet further. The mulch should be 2 – 4 inches deep and should not be touching the trunk of the tree. It’s critical not to apply mulch deeper than four inches. Tree roots need oxygen to respire and deep mulch can suffocate roots. Proper organic mulching conserves moisture, allows better water infiltration, improves soil fertility, and helps prevent root competition from weeds and turf grass.
Staking
We do not recommend staking newly planted trees unless you can inspect and maintain the stakes regularly. High quality plant material does not usually need staking. Windy areas or trees with heavy crowns may be exceptions. By staking a tree you change the tree’s natural growth patterns. When artificial support is given to the trunk, the tree will not develop the same taper, or trunk thickness that it would have developed without the artificial support.
Staked trees that are not maintained usually become girdled. Any staking materials used should be removed after one year and preferably sooner.
Fertilizing
High quality plant material does not usually need fertilizer after planting. New plant material usually contains a slow release fertilizer that should be sufficient for the next 18-24 months of plant growth. Newly planted trees in Hampton Roads are not usually limited by nutrient deficiencies. If there is a question about soil fertility, a soil test should be performed and necessary nutrients added accordingly.
