Whether or not a new tree survives mostly depends on the care it receives in the first 1-2 years. Since we can't provide round-the-clock care, we can't guarantee its survival. But we can guarantee to provide thorough and up-to-date care instructions, and to answer any questions or help address any issues as they arise to the best of our ability. Blue Ox has your back.
Watering. The number one cause of new tree death? Over- or under-watering. Find out when and how to water. Learn more!
Dos & Don'ts. Tips and tricks and things to watch out for. Make sure your lawn care provider knows, too! Learn more!
Years 1 & 2. Just a couple more things to consider as your tree turns one and then two years old. Learn more!
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WHEN TO
Soil Test Method
Dig a small hole about 1" deep with your finger near the trunk of your tree.
Feel the soil inside the hole: if damp, don't water; if dry, water.
This is the most effective method for tree watering because while the soil needs to be watered, it also needs to be allowed to dry out. Too dry, too long and trees become drought stressed. But too wet, too long and tree roots can suffocate.
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Set-it-and-forget-it irrigation systems are great for busy schedules, but if they start to leak and over-irrigate or if they stop watering on schedule and under-irrigate, you may not notice until it's already too late for your tree.
Through hot dry months, you will likely need to water at least once a week, if not more. But during the wetter months, that may be reduced to every other week or maybe less depending on rain frequency and volume.
Slow Drench Method
HOW TO
Encircle the tree loosely with a drip line, or set a hose to a medium trickle and lay it near the trunk.
Leave the water running for a while (about 20-30 minutes for a 15-30 gallon tree, less if smaller and more if larger).
If using a hose, you may need to periodically relocate it to evenly saturate the soil all the way around the trunk.
The soil should be squishy wet when done.
The benefit of the slow drench method versus sprinklers is that it mimics a true, thirst-quenching rain by allowing the water to deeply saturate the soil around the tree, rather than losing the moisture to run-off, evaporation, or competing plants. Sprinklers also tend to water foliage and trunks more than roots, which is counterproductive at best and harmful at worst.
watering
dos & don'ts
Mulch Rings
When installed correctly, mulch rings provide roots insulation against both heat and cold, as well as moisture retention in dry months. Mulch rings should be 1-2" deep and should never be piled up against the tree's root flare (the base of the trunk). If you don't want to DIY, give us a call!
Fertilization
A fertilization and soil management plan helps create the perfect growing environment for a new tree. We highly recommend enrolling in an ArborCare plan for at least the first two years of a new tree's life. Learn more here!
Foliar Inspections
Is your tree fully leafed out in through spring and summer with no bare or thin patches? Are your tree's leaves soft, whole, and green, or are they withered, holey, browning or yellowing? These are things to keep an eye on through the first two years.
Trunk Inspections
Is your tree's bark uniform all the way down the trunk, or are there patches of missing bark, small holes in the trunk, or abnormal lumps, bumps or growths? Have you noticed any insects or larvae on your tree's trunk, limbs or leaves? Feel free to send us photos if you're ever uncertain!
Mulch Volcanos
When mulch is piled too thick on top of a root ball, it can effectively suffocate the roots. Additionally, when mulch is piled on the root flare (the base of the trunk), it can cause root rot by never allowing the root flare to dry out completely.
Herbicides
Broadleaf herbicides tackle many of the unwanted weeds in your yard, but they're also harmful to trees. Before you (or your lawn care provider) treats, ask us first if the product you're using is safe for trees.
Lawn Mowers
If your blade is set too low and your tree has surface roots, you may be shaving the roots each time you mow. These sorts of tree injuries not only weaken your tree but create openings for disease in the same way a cut on your arm can become infected.
Weed Eaters
Tiny weed eater strings might seem harmless next to a 2+" tree trunk, but weed eaters can cut deep enough into a young tree's bark that they can girdle (and kill) the tree before it ever has time to take root.
Your tree is one! At this point your tree may be acclimated to the site enough to no longer need tree supports. Leaving supports on too long can eventually girdle the trunk, but taking them off before the tree is rooted isn't good either. Call us for a one-year inspection!
Your tree is two! After two years, a tree is usually established enough that it requires less attention. But at this point it's probably time to consider giving it it's first haircut. Though pruning will be minimal at this stage, it's important to start training it now to encourage proper growth for long-term structural health. Call us to schedule!
