How to care for newly planted trees and Shrubs?

Shrubs and new trees provide myriad benefits to your property. Trees and shrubs are easy to care for but still require some attention to ensure they thrive. You need to follow instructions and always observe the plant closely. You can consult any certified arborist if you notice severe or ongoing problems.

1. Pruning: 

As per licensed tree removal professionals in Brookhaven, the best time to prune most of the trees and shrubs is late fall until early spring before the appearance of leaves and buds. It reduces stress and the c chances of the disease. Shrubs bloom early in the spring and, therefore, must be pruned immediately after they finish blooming. Only dead, diseased, and damaged branches are removed during the first three years of planting. You may use clean, sharp pruning shears to clip small twigs or branches.

2. Feeding: 

Professional tree services say that you can use only natural fertilizer sources like compost or manure, which can be applied using top dressing methods. You need to spread the fertilizer over the soil or mulch around the tree or shrub, and the nutrients will make their way to the ground. This method does not disturb the soil, which is why the plant's roots are unaffected. You must ensure to keep fertilizer away from the trunk of the tree or shrub by at least 5 to 8 cm. The best thing about natural fertilizers is that they can be applied at any time of the year.

3. Staking your tree: 

As per tree services staking newly planted trees is only necessary if they are at risk of being shifted by winds. The stakes should be driven into the ground at an angle of 90 degrees to the ground about 60 cm out of the tree. 

Tie the stakes to the lower half of the tree using a soft, flexible material like old nylon or t-shirt material which will not cut into the bark and will allow the trunk movement. You may remove the stakes and ties after one year.

4. Mulching: 

Mulch is any inorganic material such as shredded bark, wood chips, or leaves that are placed on the top of the soil around the base of your plant to keep it cool and moist. It also insulates plant roots throughout the winter and adds organic matter to the soil. Natural mulches are preferred over artificial ones. 

If you use fallen leaves as mulch, you can chop them off with a lawn mower to create smaller pieces that look more attractive and break down quickly. It is recommended not to use leaves, bark, or wood chips from black walnuts or butternut trees.

These trees release a material called juglone after a certain period of composting. The juglone inhibits the growth of other plants. 

As per tree services, you must apply a 5 to 8-cm thick layer of mulch around a tree or shrub, covering the ground above the root ball and broader if possible. It would help if you keep the mulch in a doughnut shape, and the mulch must be 5 to 8 cm from the plant's stem to prevent rotting, disease, and fungus.

If you want to know more about the benefits of tree mulching, then you can read the article about 5 reasons to add mulch to your trees.

5. Protecting new trees and shrubs: 

Newly planted trees and shrubs take a long time to mature and be part of learning how to take care of them. Mulch is applied at a 2-inch layer of mulch around the root ball without allowing the mulch to touch the trunk or main stems. The mulch maintains the moisture and heat of the soil, leading to better water uptake. 

Staking is used for newly planted trees to prevent wind from uprooting them. Stakes act as anchors to the plant. Physical barriers and repellents are also used. Rodents and deer are fond of tender wood; that's why the new plant is protected with physical barriers like a tree guard, chicken wire, or animal repellant. Wrapping is quite helpful to keep young limbs covered by wrapping them in burlap when the weather gets frosty. It keeps the plant insulated from weather extremes and helps support the weight of wet, heavy snow.

6. Watering: 

Once your tree or shrub is planted, the top thing is for a deep drink of water. 

It would help if you went for a good soak around the root ball; the water will settle the soil, remove the air pockets and thoroughly saturate the area. The root system will have plenty of water available for the next few days, encouraging deep rooting and aiding recovery from the transplanting process. You must repeat this deep watering process approximately every 5-7 days more often if the weather is hot and dry and less often if you have heavy clay soil.