Supplemental Nutrients for Your Newly Planted Tree

Congratulations, you’ve planted a beautiful new tree on your property! You might be thinking, “What steps can I take to make sure my new tree grows big and strong?” The most important thing you can do for your newly planted tree is watering weekly. Here at Wachtel Tree Science, we recommend young trees receive at least 1 inch of water per week. However, it is important to keep tabs on your local weather: If your area receives 1 or more inches of rain during the week, there is no need for additional watering, as this could lead to overwatering. A great way to measure this is by having a water gauge near your tree that you check weekly.

Another way to set up your new tree for success is to have a proper mulch circle surrounding it. After the tree is in the ground, first top dress the area with 1-2 inches of compost and then finish it off with 2-3 inches of mulch. It is important to make sure that the root flare is not covered. If the root ball is unstable, you can always add a stake or two for support! We also recommend adding a deer fence around the trunk if you live in an area with moderate to heavy deer traffic.

After the tree has been in the ground for one full season and has an established root system, it’s time to start thinking about what else can be done to keep the tree healthy. We recommend adding our yearly fertilizer/root stimulant mix to your tree. Our fertilizer is a balanced product that contains 65% slow-release nitrogen to provide a steady amount of nutrients for an entire year.

Fertilizing a young tree offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Growth: Fertilization, particularly with nitrogen, promotes faster growth and denser canopy, helping trees develop more robustly.

• Improved Nutrient Uptake: Nitrogen encourages the development of fine roots, enhancing the tree’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.

• Stress Resistance: Healthy trees are more resilient to environmental stresses like heat and drought.

• Early Establishment: Young trees can establish themselves more quickly with regular fertilization, leading to healthier trees.

• Better Winter Hardiness: Fall fertilization helps trees prepare for winter by strengthening their root systems and improving disease resistance.

If you’re thinking about planting a new tree, or if your new tree is already in the ground, contact your ISA Certified Arborist at Wachtel Tree Science to see what we can offer your trees to help keep them healthy and beautiful. Give us a call!

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