Looking After New Plants

Making a new shrub or tree is a long-term investment. These plants are long-lasting and can provide many benefits for your property. To ensure that your new additions last many years, you will need to take extra care during the first year. Continue reading to find out how to care for newly planted shrubs and trees.

WATERING A NEWLY PLANTTED TREE/SHRUB

You will need to water your tree or shrub after it is planted. To settle the soil and eliminate air pockets, you can rub the root ball. Then, water the whole area. This will ensure that the root system is well hydrated for the next few days. This will encourage deep rooting and aid in the healing process after transplanting. Deep watering should be done approximately every 5-7 days, more frequently if it is hot and dry, and less often if there have been lots of rain or clay soil.

HOW MUCH WATER IS ENOUGH?

You should use 2 gallons for every inch of trunk diameter. To get the right amount of water for your shrub, multiply the main stem diameters with 1.5.

SHOULD YOU FERTILIZE A NEWLY PLANTED TREE/SHRUB

Once we are able to learn how to care and fertilize indoor and outdoor plants, we expect to be able establish a routine quickly. For shrubs and trees just planted, this is not the case. These plants are large and don't require fertilizers during their initial stages. As long as the soil has been amended with organic matter, your tree or shrub will survive without any fertilizers for the first year. In the second year, fertilizers can be applied.

PRUNING NEW TREES AND SHRUBS

Pruning newly planted trees or shrubs during the first year of growth is not an option unless absolutely necessary. Trimming dead or diseased plant material or branches is possible if necessary. Additional pruning can cause unnecessary stress to the plant during active growth. Additional stress can lead to problems in normal growth and increase the likelihood of pest infestation or disease.

Light pruning can be done in the fall or spring while it is still dormant. It will help it mature into a healthy and strong plant. If you are unsure how to prune your tree, or are concerned about it becoming damaged, don't panic. Pruning is an essential part of tree and shrub care, even for newly planted trees. Any limbs bent or crossed over should be removed. Sharp, sharp pruners or loppers are best. We recommend you contact the nursery where you purchased your tree or shrub for specific pruning tips.

PROTECTING NEW TREES AND SHRUBS

Newly planted trees and shrubs take time to mature. Understanding how to care for them in their first year is an important part of their care. These are some important tips that will help plants survive the first year.

• Mulch: After your first watering, apply a 2-inch mulch around the root ball. Mulch should not touch trunks or main stems. Mulch will prevent soil from drying out, retain heat, and improve water uptake. Mulch helps protect soil from competing weed seed.
• Place your wagers. If your tree is in an exposed location, you might consider placing stakes. This will protect your tree from wind damage and rooting. Once the roots have been allowed to anchor in the tree, stakes are not required.
• Physical Barriers and Repellants Rodents and deer love the soft wood of newly planted shrubs or trees. You can protect your plant with a physical barrier, such as chicken wire, tree guards or animal repellants.
• Wrapping. Wrapping. Burlap can be used to protect young plants during the establishment of new plants. This will protect your plant from harsh weather conditions and enable it to withstand heavy, wet snow.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR A TREE/SHRUB to be 'ESTABLISHED?

"Established" refers to a root system that is approximately the same size as the canopy. This will allow you to see the size of the root systems in large mature oaks and elms. Most trees can be established within a year.