Caring for Your New and Established Trees
Written by: Keith Glaznap, ISA Certified Arborist WI-0678A
Posted: 2024 | Fall | Tree and Shrub Care | Tree and Shrub Planting
Planting a new tree is exciting, and taking care of your newly planted trees can be easy once you’re familiar with the basics. This aftercare can be broken into two time frames: initial care in the
first year, and then the longer-term care that comes in the years that follow.
Below are some guidelines for promoting the health of your newly planted tree as it becomes established and begins to mature.
Where do I water my newly planted tree?
• In the first year, water the entire root ball and just beyond.
• In future years, water under and well beyond the drip line (the outermost circumference of a tree’s canopy).
How much should I water?
• Distribute one inch, or 2-3 gallons, of water per tree during each watering.
• If using a sprinkler, place a rain gauge in the areas being watered to help you determine how long it takes your sprinkler to generate one inch of water in a given area.
How often should I water?
• In the first two weeks after planting a tree, water 3-4 times each week.
• In weeks 3-12, reduce watering to 2-3 times per week, as needed.
• For the remainder of the tree’s life, reduce watering to 1-2 times weekly, only as needed.
• Check soil moisture daily with your finger (or a well-rated hydrometer).
• Weekly rainfall amounts and dry weather should be factored into your weekly watering totals.
When should I have my newly planted tree pruned?
• Begin pruning your tree within 1-2 years of planting and keep pruning it on a 2-4-year cycle.
• This helps to encourage and maintain good tree structure. Good structure becomes structural integrity, reducing the chances of future tree failure. Trees not pruned while young may develop poor structure and be more prone to later breakage and failure in storms.
What else will help my newly planted tree?
• Trees will also benefit greatly from maintaining a mulch ring, roughly 2-3 inches deep, with as large a diameter as possible. Depending on your tree’s size, be sure to keep the mulch 3-12 inches from the trunk so moisture isn’t trapped against it, increasing potential for root rot.
If you have specific questions regarding what might be best for your tree(s), contact your Wachtel Tree Science Certified Arborist for a meeting. We are here for you, and look forward to helping you create a custom care plan for your trees!
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