When drought conditions last for an extended period of time, the survival of landscaping trees is dependent on the amount of water that homeowners supply for them. According to the Forestry Service, the drought has caused the loss of more than 5 million urban and landscape trees. As a result of this, it is absolutely necessary to take care of the trees that have made it through the drought and to water them in the appropriate manner in order to foster the growth of replacement plants.
The amount of water that a tree requires is determined by a number of different aspects, such as its age and species, as well as the season, the climate, and the composition of the soil. In general, young trees and those that have recently been planted need to be watered more frequently than older trees that have a solid root system. But when drought conditions persist for an extended period of time, supplemental watering is beneficial for all trees.
The majority of a tree's roots will remain contained within the initial root ball for the first several months after it has been planted, despite the fact that some roots will begin to grow outside of this area. To promote the growth of healthy roots, the root ball and the soil around it should be kept at a consistent level of moisture. After a few months have passed, extend the watering zone so that it covers the entirety of the space that is shaded by the canopy. It may take a tree at least two growing seasons before it is fully established, which means that its roots have spread out into the surrounding soil well beyond the confines of the planting hole. Worrying about tree removal? Then, Tree Amigos tree removal solution is the right choice!
In the first few years of a plant's life, it is essential to provide supplemental hydration even if nature does not provide consistent rains that are deep enough to soak the soil. In extremely hot and dry conditions, newly planted trees may need to be watered as frequently as three times a week in order to prevent the root ball from drying out.
But don't worry; this guide is here to assist you ensure that your new tree grows to become firmly rooted, stable, and healthy. To get things started, there are a few things that should happen before the tree is even placed in the ground. If you follow these instructions, you will, in a relatively short amount of time, be able to enjoy all of the numerous advantages that trees offer, making your effort more than worthwhile.
How To Plant A Tree The Right Way
Be Sure That The Tree Is Planted Properly
A young tree won't have a chance to thrive if it isn't given the proper conditions for its development. Asking yourself the following questions will help you determine where the tree should be planted to ensure its success:
- Will there be sufficient area for it to expand, both in terms of its height and its width?
- Will the roots eventually make their way beneath a sidewalk, patio, or street, where they could cause damage?
- Is there an adequate supply of light provided by the location? For instance, if it must be grown in full sunshine, you must ensure that it receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.
- Is it suitable for the environment here? Link to zones map. If, for example, you select a species of tree that does not thrive in colder temperatures, there is a good chance that it will not live for very long.
As arborists, we find that a significant number of the tree issues we deal with are caused by inappropriate tree planting in inappropriate locations. After you have established that the area is suitable for the species of tree you intend to plant, the next step is to ensure that it is planted at the appropriate depth.
Does it look like a straight pole sticking out of the earth, or can you see the area at the base of the trunk where it starts to expand wider, just above the top of the roots? Does it look like it's growing straight out of the ground? We refer to this as the trunk flare, and it is critical to ensure that the trunk flare is elevated above the ground. If it is buried, the tree will experience a great deal of difficulty. (It is important to keep in mind that the trunk flare of a tree that was purchased in a container or balled and burlapped will likely be buried; therefore, you will need to expose it before planting the tree.)
Give us a call if you are unsure how to plant your tree or whether or not a tree has been planted properly. We would be happy to assist you. We make the process of adding new trees to your property as simple and stress-free as possible by providing inspections as well as tree planting services.
Water, Water, Water (But Not Too Much!)
How to Provide Moisture for Your Freshly Planted Tree Be sure to provide your tree with consistent and substantial amounts of water beginning as soon as it has been planted. To deeply water a plant, you must ensure that the water penetrates all the way down to the roots; the best method to do this is to water the plant gently and for a more extended length of time.
Sprinklers are wonderful for watering lawns and gardens, but they should not be used for watering trees. Water will be sprayed onto the trunk as well as the leaves by a sprinkler, but in order for the water to effectively reach the roots, there should be a more consistent concentration. In addition, in contrast to lawns, trees have a lower watering frequency but a higher watering requirement overall; hence, a sprinkler system designed to maintain a lush and green lawn will not be sufficient to fulfil the requirements of a newly planted tree.
We suggest using a drip irrigation system, a soaker hose, or even just a garden hose; in other words, anything that can expel water slowly and for an extended period of time. Avoid getting water on the trunk of the tree. Instead, focus the majority of your watering efforts on the region of the root ball and then the surrounding area. This will stimulate the roots to grow outward in all directions.
How Often To Water
Regarding the frequency of your watering, the following are some general guidelines:
- If the trunk diameter is less than 2 inches, water it once per day for the first two weeks, and then once per week after that.
- If the trunk diameter is between 2 and 4 inches, water it once per day for the first month, then once per week after that.
- Water anything greater than 4 inches every day for the first six weeks, and then every week after that.
- Continue to water the tree at this pace until it has reached its full potential (usually well into the fall).
How Much Water to Use
Examine the soil beneath the layer of mulch that surrounds your tree at intervals between waterings. You want it to be damp without being completely drenched in water. Dig a hole in the ground and examine the texture of the dirt with your hands. It is a sign that it is too dry and needs to be watered if it blows away. If you can extract water from it, it is already too wet and does not require more watering at this time. You want the dirt to be firm enough to keep its shape without being too mushy, and you don't want it to get dusty or easily blown away.
A tree requires one week's worth of watering equal to 10 gallons for every inch of the tree's diameter. For illustration's sake, let's say a sapling that's 2 inches broad needs 20 gallons of water per week. It is preferable to do waterings that are both long and deep rather than short and frequent. This requires a minimum of two hours of watering time each time, and it is recommended that you use a soaker hose or a slow drip system.
Be sure to keep an eye on the forecast. It's possible that you'll need to water your new tree more frequently or give it extra water if the weather is really hot. Turn off any irrigation systems if it's going to be a wet week since you don't want to drown or suffocate a tree by giving it too much water (trees can suffocate and drown if they're sitting in too much water!).
Mulch To Retain Moisture And Regulate Temperatures
It's possible that you're accustomed to seeing trees surrounded by grass or flowers; as a result, you might be tempted to imitate this aesthetic. Keep in mind, however, that grass is also a plant, and it will be competing with other plants in the area for the available water, nutrients, and other resources.
The most effective solution is to cut the grass around a tree (this will make mowing the lawn much simpler anyhow) and then cover the bare soil with a layer of organic mulch.
The following are some good options for mulch:
- Leaf litter/leaf mulch
- Pine straw
- Chips of wood
- Shredded bark
Mulch is fantastic for preventing water loss, enriching the soil with organic matter, and maintaining an appropriate temperature in the soil. It also prevents the growth of weeds and eliminates the risk that you will inadvertently do damage to the newly planted tree by running it over with a mower or string trimmer. Check this list of affordable Perth Arborist to help you decide which services to choose.
Be sure to keep your mulch a good three to four inches away from the base of the tree if you want to take advantage of the myriad of benefits that mulch provides. Any mulch that comes into contact with your tree can cause it serious harm by hastening the process of rotting and making it simpler for pests to attack.
Never make the mistake of piling your mulch up around the base of the tree to resemble a mountain, regardless of what you may have observed at nearby parks. Maintain the mulch in a single, even layer on top of a level surface, and check to make sure you can still make out the root flare we discussed previously.
It is NOT the case that "more is better" when it comes to the depth of the mulch; the maximum depth that should be used is between 2 and 4 inches (although up to 6 inches can be used around trees as long as it is not piled up into a volcano).
The farther out from the tree the mulch extends, the better, because this will help to protect the roots as they continue to grow. Make an effort to position it such that it is at least as far away from the tree as the leaves or canopy. Keeping in mind that a tree's roots can sometimes reach out two to three times further than the canopy as the tree grows is an important consideration.
What's At Stake With Staking
The majority of the time, staking a tree that has just been planted is not necessary. If for some reason that does happen, though, you will need to withdraw the stakes once a year has passed (two at the most).
If you leave the stakes in place for too long, the tree won't be able to create the right shape, develop a secure root system, or be able to endure the wind since the stakes will prevent these things from happening. In addition, if you leave the stakes (and/or any straps that are tied to it) in place, they can destroy your tree in the long run.
To Fertilise Or Not To Fertiliser
Because the roots require some time to spread out and become established before they can benefit from fertiliser, it is best to wait a few years before fertilising your tree. In most cases, the fertiliser will not be beneficial to the roots during those first few years. Consider using organic mulch instead, as it functions as a slow-release fertiliser for the garden. When planting your tree, you also have the option of putting mycorrhizal fungi in the soil; however, opinions on whether or not this is beneficial are split down the middle.
When it comes to fertiliser and soil amendments, the best course of action for your trees can be determined with the help of an arborist after doing a soil test and consulting with them about the matter. For additional information about fertilising trees, including when and how to fertilise, the law regarding fertilisers, organic alternatives, and more, visit the page about tree fertilisation.
Procrastinate On Pruning
First, you should give the tree at least one complete growing season before you even think about performing any corrective trimming. To be able to build a sturdy root system, the tree will require as much of the energy that it is able to gather (through the process of photosynthesis in its leaves). It is possible to immediately prune away any branches that have become injured during the process of transporting the tree or planting it in its new location.
Spend Time With Your Tree
Keeping a close check on your brand-new tree is the single most important thing you can do. Be wary of insect and disease infestations, which are more likely to occur in plants that are under stress, just as you would with anything that has recently been planted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Trees
When you first plant a tree, it's important to water it regularly in order to help it establish a strong root system. However, you don't want to overdo it, as this can cause the roots to rot. As a general rule, newly planted trees should be watered once a week. However, this may vary depending on the type of tree, the climate, and the time of year.
For example, you may need to water your tree more often during the hot summer. If you're unsure how often to water your tree, it's best to ask a local nursery or gardening centre for advice. With a little care and attention, you can ensure that your newly planted tree gets off to a healthy start.
Once you have chosen the perfect spot for your tree and dug the hole, it's time to plant. However, simply placing the tree in the hole is not enough to ensure it will take root. In order for a tree to successfully take root, you need to take a few extra steps. First, make sure that the roots are well-watered before planting.
This will help them adapt to their new environment and start growing faster. Next, backfill the hole with loose soil, making sure not to pack it too tightly. You also want to make sure that the trunk is straight before adding more soil.
Once the hole is filled, water the tree deeply. Be sure to continue watering regularly until the tree is established. With a little care, your tree will soon take root and begin to grow.
It is possible to water trees every day, but it is not necessarily the best thing for the tree. Frequent watering can lead to problems such as root rot and fungal growth. Instead of watering every day, it is better to water deeply and less often.
This allows the roots to grow deeper and stronger, making the tree more resilient to drought. It is also important to make sure that the tree has good drainage. Water pools around the trunk can cause rot and other problems. By following these tips, you can ensure that your tree stays healthy and strong.
When you first plant a tree or shrub, giving it the best possible chance for survival is important. Be sure to choose a location with adequate sunlight and well-draining soil. You will also want to dig a hole twice as wide as the plant's root ball.
Once the plant is in the ground, water it deeply. New plants will likely need to be watered every day for the first week or two, then every other day for the next month or two.
During this time, it is also important to keep an eye on the plant for signs of stress, such as wilting leaves. If you see any issues, give the plant extra water. With a little love and attention, your new tree or shrub will soon take root and thrive.
Growing a tree from a cutting is a fun and rewarding project that anyone can do with a little patience and the right supplies:
- Choose a healthy branch from the desired tree species.
- Cut the branch into small sections, ensuring each section has at least two or three sets of leaves.
- Plant the cuttings in a soil mix high in organic matter.
Water the cuttings well and place them in a sunny spot. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and be patient - it can take several weeks for the cuttings to root.
Once they have taken root, you can transplant them to their permanent home in your yard. With a little care, your tree cuttings will soon take root and grow into healthy trees.
4 Common Mistakes People Make When Caring For Their Trees
There is a good chance that at least one tree can be found in the majority of the yards in your neighbourhood. Trees not only make a home more appealing to potential buyers but also offer welcome reprieve from the summer sun and humidity. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the shade cast by even a single tree can bring down the temperature of the ground by as much as 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is imperative that we do what we can to ensure the wellbeing of our tall, green friends as a form of gratitude for all that they do for us. When it comes to taking care of trees, doing less work is often better than doing more work, especially when it comes to avoiding these typical blunders.
Stop Making 'Mulch Volcanoes'
If you spread a layer of mulch around your trees, it will help shield them from the blades of your mower and keep the soil from being too dry. However, piling it up around your tree like a volcano may cause moisture to become trapped against the trunk, which can lead to rot. In addition, if the mulch is too deep, it stops oxygen from reaching the tree roots, which is essential for the health of the tree. "Always mulch out and not up," advises an arborist and the president of Arbor Equity Inc.
He suggests adding hardwood mulch, which will decompose over time and supply the soil with some nutrients. Simply maintain a depth of two to three inches for your mulch layer.
Don't Use Pruning Paint.
The health of trees, shrubs, and other plants can be improved by trimming, but you should forgo the pruning paint. You might have come across certain solutions that claim to help seal the cuts that have been left behind, but in reality, they just lock in pathogens like fungi and bacteria that can lead to illness. In addition to this, they make it more difficult for trees to heal organically from wounds.
In addition, the majority of wound sealers for trees are based on petroleum, which isn't exactly the healthiest substance for living tissue. To a professor and horticulture the question was posed, "Would you use it to cure a cut on your own skin?" She suggests that if the concept makes you uncomfortable, you should take that aversion over to the maintenance of plant health. If you're looking for tree removal services, you’re in the right place! Check Tree Amigos!
Avoid Topping Your Trees
It's possible that a tree that's grown too tall will interfere with power lines, or that it will simply outgrow its current location. The size of a tree should not be reduced, however, by chopping off enormous branches without consideration or by topping the tree. Neither of these methods is effective. This puts the plant in a vulnerable state where it is more likely to succumb to the effects of disease, rot, or damage caused by the sun or insects.
In the event that the tree is topped, any new, smaller branches that sprout to fill the space left behind are at an increased risk of breaking during a storm. A qualified arborist should be hired to perform the task of safely and correctly trimming huge trees away from power wires. And according to Bauer, if a tree has outgrown its environment, the best course of action is to cut it down and replace it with a species more suited to the area.
Quit Staking Young Trees
There are some instances in which newly planted saplings require assistance in order to stand up straight, but the majority of the time, staking is not required. Lashing the trunk to a post or wire hinders the natural movement that is necessary for trees to establish healthy roots and trunks. Trees need to be able to move and sway in the breeze to help them grow strong roots and trunks. "When the stakes are removed (if they are ever removed), these trees are good candidates for breakage or blowdown due to the lack of trunk and root growth.
If the stakes are ever removed. If you absolutely must stake in a high-wind region, that's fine; just be sure to mark your calendar with a reminder to remove the stakes and guy wires after a period of six months. The majority of tree damage is caused by staking that is either too long, too high, or too tight.