The tree care experts at Greater Pitt Tree Service in Pittsburgh, PA share advice about caring for newly planted trees.
Whether you are replacing a tree that had to be removed or adding trees to your landscape, planting new trees is one of the best things you can do. New trees represent a multi-generational project that can be appreciated for decades to come. During its lifetime, a tree will add habitat for animals, clean air to your surroundings and beauty to your property. But, did you know that the first years of a tree’s life at its final location can be detrimental to its success and well-being?
Planting healthy trees is more involved than simply plopping a potted tree into the ground. Since trees take so long to grow, you want to make sure that you’re doing everything in your power to give its best shot at growing strong and healthy. This article will give you some tips to ensure your tree’s success.
Avoiding Transplant Shock
The first step to successfully planting a new tree starts with research. Carefully observe the conditions at the site where you want to plant the tree. Pick out a genus of tree that naturally will thrive in that site. Be sure to consider sunlight, soil nutrients and water availability.
When you buy a tree from a hardware store or a nursery, they are generally between 5 and 10 years old. That means that the tree has spent 5 to 10 years getting used to its pot and regular fertilizing and watering. When you decide to transplant a new tree, it can shock the tree. Depending on its age, the tree may take several years to establish its own root system. During that time, routine care is necessary to help it acclimate to its new surroundings.
The Importance Of Tree Care For New Trees
Caring for new trees will help them get used to their new location. The tree’s root system will be bound up from being in its pot for the last few years, limiting its ability to get nutrients and stabilize itself. Watering trees is the most important thing you can do when the tree is young. Watering the trees will encourage the roots to grow outward into the surrounding soil. As the roots grow outward, the tree will be able to seek out new nutrients and anchor itself firmly in the ground.
Watering Routine And Tree Care Tips
Watering trees at the time of planting will help settle the soil around the root ball. For the first week, water daily, then back off to about twice a week for the next couple of months. A root system can take a few years to fully establish, so after the first couple of months, water deeply every week or so. Mulching around the base of the tree while leaving space between the mulch and the tree trunk will help retain moisture and encourage strong growth.
About Greater Pitt Tree Service
Greater Pitt Tree Service has been the Pittsburgh, PA expert for tree care and transplanting for 25 years. They are fully-licensed and insured for all of your tree care needs. They can help you with any step of the process from genus selection all the way through fertilization and pruning.