How to Set Newly Planted Trees Up for Success

planting new trees

You’re planting new trees, congratulations! You’ve decided to beautify your property and provide shade and shelter for many years. However, planting a tree is only the beginning – it’s essential to set your new tree up for success so it can thrive in its new home. This blog post will discuss some of the most common signs of transplant shock in newly planted trees, what you can do to help them recover, and what best sets them up for success.

Preventing Transplant Shock

You’ve seen it before: a beautiful, healthy tree that’s been recently transplanted, but within a few months or years, it starts to decline. The leaves turn yellow or brown, wilting and curling; the needles on evergreens discolor, and growth slows dramatically. This is called transplant shock, and unfortunately, it’s quite common.

You can do several things to prevent or minimize transplant shock in your newly planted trees:

  1. Be sure to choose the right tree for the planting site. This means considering the tree’s mature size, light and water requirements, and whether it’s appropriate for the climate.
  2. Prepare the planting hole properly. The planting hole should be twice as wide as the tree’s root ball and just deep enough so that the tree is at the same level it was in the nursery.
  3. Water your tree regularly and deeply. This is especially important during hot, dry weather. Newly planted trees need about an inch of water per week.
  4. Fertilize your tree correctly. Overfertilizing can do more harm than good, so be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer label.
  5. Protect your tree from damage. Be careful not to compact the soil around the root ball, and avoid using string or wire that could girdle the trunk.

Taking these steps gives your newly planted tree the best chance for a long and healthy life.

Planting New Trees: How to Set Them Up for Success

If you’ve recently planted a new tree on your property, you’re probably wondering how to best set it up for success. Here are our arborists’ best tips:

Plant at the Right Time

The best time to plant a tree is in the late fall when the weather is cool, and the ground is moist. This gives the tree a chance to establish itself before the stresses of hot weather and drought set in.

Watering Your New Tree

One of the most important things you can do for your newly planted tree is to water it regularly and deeply. Newly planted trees need about an inch of water per week, so check the soil around your tree weekly. If it feels dry several inches below the surface, it’s time to water. The best way to water your tree is with a soaker hose or drip irrigation system, which will help to avoid wetting the leaves and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Mulching

Mulch helps to conserve water, protect the roots from extreme temperatures, and prevent weeds from competing with your newly planted tree. Mulch should be applied in a ring around the tree, extending out to the drip line (the outer edge of the tree’s canopy). The mulch should be two to four inches deep, and keep it several inches away from the tree trunk.

Pruning

Pruning newly planted trees is generally unnecessary, but there are a few exceptions. If you see dead or damaged branches, you can remove them. Also, remove any suckers (shoots that grow from the tree’s base) that appear. Suckers compete with the tree for water and nutrients and can eventually weaken or damage the tree.

Contact a Certified Arborist

At Sexy Trees, our wide range of services and care will keep your trees healthy and beautiful for decades to come. We believe in supporting our communities of trees through evidence-based techniques that you can depend on. 

Call us at 925-233-6877 for an estimate, or email us at [email protected] anytime with questions!

Crash Course in Tree Fertilizers: How to Choose the Best One

tree fertilizer

There are many misconceptions about tree fertilizers. Most people don’t realize that not all tree fertilizers are created equal – different trees and soil types will yield different results – and tree fertilizer isn’t the miracle-in-a-bag that will save your trees. This article will serve as a crash course in tree fertilizers – we’ll discuss how to choose the best one for your needs, as well as some of the benefits and drawbacks of different types!

Does it NEED Fertilizer?

Many established trees will never need fertilizer, while others will benefit from periodic applications. The best way to determine if your tree needs fertilizer is to have a soil test done. Most tree roots are relatively shallow, so even if the topsoil looks healthy, the tree may not be getting all of the nutrients it needs from just that layer. A simple soil test will tell you what nutrients are already present in the dirt and which ones may be lacking.

Other Signs Your Tree Might Benefit from Fertilizer

  • If your tree is newly planted or young
  • If your tree is showing signs of poor growth such as poorly colored, pale leaves, unusually small leaf size, earlier than normal fall coloring and leaf drop, little annual twig growth, or twig or branch dieback (Note: Heavily compacted soil or poor weather conditions can also cause these symptoms)
  • If your tree is planted in sandy soil with little organic matter
tree fertilizers

Types of Fertilizer

There are two main types of tree fertilizer: organic and inorganic.

Inorganic tree fertilizers are made with synthetic chemicals and can offer a quick-fix solution for nutrient deficiencies. However, they can also harm the environment if not used correctly, as they can easily leach into groundwater. Additionally, inorganic tree fertilizers can burn tree roots if misapplied.

On the other hand, organic tree fertilizers are made from natural materials such as manure, compost, and bone meal. They release nutrients slowly over time and are much less likely to cause root burn. However, they may not be as immediately effective as inorganic tree fertilizers.

The best tree fertilizer for you will ultimately depend on your specific tree and soil type, as well as your budget and goals. If you’re unsure where to start, we recommend talking to a local tree expert. They can help you determine which product will work best for your needs!

Choosing the Best Fertilizer for Your Trees

1. Do Your Research

Before you start shopping for tree fertilizer, it’s essential to do your research. Only some products are created equal, and the best tree fertilizer for your needs may not be the most popular or well-known brand. Start by reading the label carefully. The three numbers on a fertilizer bag (known as the N-P-K ratio) will tell you the product’s percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These are the three most important nutrients for tree growth.

Tree and shrub growth is more often limited by a nitrogen deficiency than by a lack of other elements. As a result, trees usually respond best to fertilizer with a 2-1-1 or a 3-1-1 ratio (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium).

2. Fertilize Correctly

Once you’ve selected a fertilizer, following the application instructions carefully is important. Overfertilizing can be just as harmful as not fertilizing at all! Tree roots are sensitive to high concentrations of fertilizer, and, as we mentioned earlier, too much can cause root burn.

When applying tree fertilizer, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Talk to a tree care specialist if you need clarification on how much or how often to apply the product. They can help you create a fertilization schedule that meets your tree’s needs.

3. Consider Timing

The timing of your fertilizer application is also essential. Generally, it’s best to fertilize trees in the early spring before new growth begins. This gives the tree a chance to absorb the nutrients before it puts out fresh leaves and branches. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If your tree shows signs of nutrient deficiency, you may need to fertilize it more than once a year.

And that’s it! With some research and careful planning, you can ensure that your trees get the nutrients they need to thrive. Just remember: more is not always better when it comes to tree fertilizer. A little goes a long way!

Related Reading: Fertilizer Root Injections to Support Tree Health

Contact a Bay Area Tree Care Specialist Today