Ten Tips For New Tree Care

1. Dig the planting hole 2-3 times the diameter of the tree's rootball.
2. Avoid digging the hole too deep since the tree should be planted at it's original grade or slightly higher (1-2 inches above grade). If the tree is planted above grade it is important to cover the edges of the exposed root-ball with soil tapered down to the surrounding soil line.
3. Fill in the planting hole with native soil and tamp lightly.
4. Do not over fertilize the new tree. A newly planted tree has a very limited capacity for utilizing fertilizer until it starts to establish itself.
5. Stake young trees if they are top heavy or planted in windy areas. Remember to allow for some sway. Remove all stakes after the first season if possible.
6. Avoid over pruning new trees. Leaves lower limbs intact the first season if possible.
7. Keep a 5-6 feet weed and turf free circle around the tree. Place an organic mulch 1-3 inches deep around the tree. But...pull much back from the trunk just a little during spring and summer.
8. Depending on rain, apply at least one inch of water weekly.
9. Wrap young trees as fall approaches. Tree wraps protect tender bark from rodent damage and environmental stresses as a result of temperature fluctuations.  Many different types of wraps are available at Garden Centers and Nurseries.
10. Winter irrigate, when temperatures remain above freezing for more than a few days, to avoid a dry freeze.