Planting a new tree is a great way to add shade, beauty, and possibly even access to produce on your property. However, the start of a new tree is a formative time that can determine the health and prosperity of that tree for years to come, so it’s essential to do it right from the start. Whether you’re growing a new tree from a seed, a clipping, or transplanting an established sapling, these tips for supporting tree growth will help you stay on the right track.
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Watering
Water is the life source of any plant, but new plants can be incredibly thirsty as they require more resources to support their growth. However, too much water can overwhelm your tree and essentially drown it. Follow these tips to make sure your tree is getting the right amount of water.
- Moist root ball. Think Goldilocks. You want the root ball not to be too dry or too wet. So instead, aim for moist, which is just right.
- Water the roots, not the trunk. Deliberate watering is key, so make sure that sprinklers aren’t drenching the entire plant.
- Track your watering. Water every 2–3 days and track how much water is used. A standard rule is to water 8–10 gallons a week per inch of trunk diameter. However, be sure to research what’s suitable for your specific species of tree.
- Adjust to the weather. Be mindful of your tree’s environment. Water more during hotter months, less in colder months, and less during the rainy season.
- Use your senses. Touch the soil to check how dry it is, and look at the leaves to see if they are limp and discolored or full and bright.
Fertilizer
Many people want to start fertilizing right away, but new trees can be sensitive to fertilizers. So for the first year after planting, only sparsely fertilize or don’t fertilize at all. The best course of action is to contact a tree care company for insight into your tree and soil needs for healthy development.
Wood Chips
Mulching with wood chips helps protect delicate roots as they’re establishing themselves, shades the soil to keep it cool, retains water for hydration, provides vital nutrients, and creates a buffer for landscaping. A great source of untreated wood chips is to use wood chips from stump grinding. These can be obtained from a stump on your property, or you can reach out to a local stump grinding company to inquire about getting some from them. When placing your wood chips, keep them 4–6 inches from the base of the trunk, apply them 2–4 inches deep, and lay them out at least as far as the canopy of the tree.
Pruning
It may seem counterintuitive to cut anything from your growing tree, but pruning is a necessary part of ensuring that the tree will grow lush and healthy. For the first year, pruning should be limited to removing dead twigs or branches. When pruning, remember not to cut directly into the trunk so the cut can heal and does not damage the trunk. If you’re unsure how or when to prune, professional tree trimming by licensed and insured arborists can ensure that your tree has the best start possible.
Support
Tree bracing, cabling, or staking can help provide additional support and protection for your fledgling tree. Depending on the type of tree, staking may be required to ensure that the tree grows straight, rather than at a lean. Staking can also help if the soil is loose and does not provide enough stabilization on its own. We also suggest bracing trees in areas that experience high winds or turbulent storms.
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Florida is known for its disastrous storms. If your new tree is at risk or a hazardous tree poses a risk of falling or has fallen during a storm, contact us for emergency tree service.