Give your new tree the best start!

 I've mentioned my Tree Service client on several blog posts before. People usually think about cutting and pruning, because that's a significant portion of the services offered by anyone involved in tree care.

Today, however, I want to talk about what to do when you get a new tree.

When planting a new tree, it's a good idea to consider what comes next to give your tree a healthy start in its new location.

Here are some things to think about for your young tree:

• Mulching
• Mulch is supposed to hold in moisture. Too much moisture around the trunk can be a problem though, so at least three inches should be open between the tree and the edge of the mulch. Otherwise, there may be rotting and serious damage to the tree.
• Put a layer of mulch about 2 to 4 inches thick around the tree.
• Mulch out to the tree's dripline.
• Watering
• There's no hard and fast rule about how much water to give a certain tree. Soil conditions and drainage will be a factor. Most importantly, the root ball should be kept moist, but not soaked. 
• Test the soil down to about 6 inches to see if it is staying moist. Add a few more gallons a week if needed, or reduce watering if it's too wet. Be aware of the amount of rain that's falling, so you can adjust as needed.
• Fertilizing
• Because our lawns are not left to nature, their nutrient composition isn't the same as a natural forest. Sometimes we need to give our trees a boost.
• Don't fertilize blind. Have a professional tree service like my client, Mid Florida Tree Service, do a soil analysis to determine the correct type and amount of fertilizer to use.
• Because our yards are covered in grass, a lot of surface fertilizer gets absorbed before it can get to the tree's roots. Ask about Deep Root Feeding when you talk to your tree care professional. 

• Pruning
• We typically think of pruning for mature trees that might have branches that are getting unweildy. Young trees may need a little help as well. Often there will be competition to become the main trunk. If more than one trunk is allowed to develop, it can lead to a weaker overall tree.
• The tree service professional or arborist will consider which branch is most likely to be the strongest and select the others to be pruned off.

My Client, Mid Florida Tree Service, has more information on this topic at the link above.