Top Tree LLC can help you manage any tree hazards you have on your property. We are some of the best arborists in the Tri-Cities and can either give you advice on how to manage your trees or perform any preventative maintenance you need.
Post-planting care should include:
Watering. Too much or too little water after transplanting is a major cause of tree
transplant failure. The site should be thoroughly watered immediately after planting, after
which the soil must be regularly monitored to prevent drying out. If rainfall is inadequate,
the soil around the plant’s roots should be deeply watered approximately every 10-14
days. If you are not sure if the soil is drying, dig down 3 to 4 inches next to the plant. Wet
soil at that depth verifies watering is not needed at that time.
Mulches help conserve moisture, moderate soil temperature and control weeds
around trees and shrubs. They are placed on the soil surface over the tree or shrub root
system. They should be applied 3 to 4 inches deep. Maintain a 4 to 6-inch mulch-free area
adjacent to the woody stems.
Fertilizer. Newly planted trees should not require fertilizer. Only fertilize if a soil test
indicates a deficiency. Transplanted trees should be fertilized around one year after
planting. The best material for small trees is well-rotted stable manure, added as a two-inch
layer of mulch around the tree annually. If chemical fertilizers are used, a formulation such as 10-8-6 or 10-6-4 is preferred. Use about 2 lbs per inch dbh. For evergreens, use half the recommended amount of chemical fertilizer, or use only organic fertilizers. Make holes 18 inches deep and 2 feet apart with a punch bar, crowbar, or augur, around the drip line of the tree. Distribute the fertilizer evenly into the holes, and close the holes with the heel of the shoe, or by filling with topsoil or peat moss. Fertilize trees in late fall or early spring before leaves emerge.
We will continue this series over the next few months covering a wide array of topics. Don’t forget, when you’re looking for the best tree care company in Burbank, we’d love the chance to earn your business.