If you are considering planting a new tree or you already have a young tree, it’s important to know how to care for it properly. Young trees often require a little extra TLC to give them the very best chance of surviving and thriving. So what do you need to do? Here are our top young tree care tips to keep your little green baby happy and healthy.
1. Choose The Right Tree For You And Your Space
When choosing your new tree, it’s important to take a couple of things into consideration before making your selection. Questions such as – how big is the space your new tree will be positioned in and how big do you want the tree itself to be? What is the proximity to your house, other structures, power lines, other trees? What are the conditions like? What type of soil do you have? Do you want a flowering tree or a fruit tree? Will it drop a lot of leaf debris? Will it require a lot of maintenance? Once you know these things, you are far more likely to find your perfectly matched tree that will have a far greater chance of surviving and not causing you issues down the track.
2. Position
The position you choose to plant your young tree in can be detrimental to its health and longevity. Don’t plant your tree too close to your house, structures or other trees, or in an area with poor soil quality. You also want to avoid any areas where the young tree will be exposed to very harsh conditions. Consider whether the tree will get enough sunlight, the drainage and how much real estate the tree will require as it grows to give the best chance.
3. Proper Watering
You need to make sure your tree is getting enough water for healthy growth.
Insufficient water can lead to stunted growth, a weaker tree and general lack of vigour, leaving it more prone to sickness and disease. However, whilst you want the tree to get enough water, you don’t want it to get too much. Overwatering can also have adverse effects on your young tree and can lead to root damage and root rot, rendering the tree unable to absorb water and nutrients from the soil, which can be very bad for young trees and their fledgling root systems.
4. Soil Quality
The quality, density and content of the soil your new tree is planted in, will have a big impact on its growth, health and strength. The tree will absorb minerals and nutrients from the soil that are critical to its health and longevity and if the soil is overly dense or heavy it can impede the tree’s take up of these nutrients as well as water. The soil does however, need to be dense enough to provide enough structural support and remain secure in the ground.
5. Get Rid Of Weeds
Be sure to remove any weeds that are growing near to your new tree as they can compete for vital water and nutrients.
6. Provide Protection And Support
If your tree is in a vulnerable position and is exposed to harsh elements such as wind or sun, you may want to provide some form of protection to give it the best chance such as a wind break, shield or cover. You may also choose to add stakes to the tree so it can establish stronger roots, however this needs to be done correctly or you can risk stunting the tree’s growth.
7. Mulch
Mulch is like a health tonic for trees. It provides nutrients, helps regulate temperature, retain moisture and helps keep pests away.
Apply a layer of mulch approximately 5 – 10 centimetres deep around the base of your tree, making sure to leave a gap of approximately 15 – 20 centimetres from the trunk. Don’t pile the mulch up too high or close to the trunk as doing so can actually harm the tree.
8. Formative Pruning
Proper pruning early on can promote your young tree’s structural integrity, helping it to grow into the big, beautiful tree it should be. Generally young trees don’t require extensive pruning. The goal is really just removing anything that could be potentially harmful such as dead, damaged or broken branches and ‘future proofing’ your tree in terms of preferred growth and structure. If you don’t have a reason to remove it, it’s usually best left alone to grow naturally.
9. Inspect
Make sure you keep an eye on your tree and look for any signs of distress. If you notice any changes in the leaves, bark or trunk or you see evidence of pests you may be able to treat the problem if you pick it up early enough.
The Best Care For Young Trees
Take the guess work out of young tree care and call your local Arborist to ensure the optimum health of your new tree.
Aussie Tree Solutions have been providing the best in tree care and maintenance services for over forty years. Our expert team are fully insured and qualified, are highly knowledgeable and experienced in all things trees. No matter your tree care needs, we’ve got you covered – whether it’s tree pruning, tree removals or replanting, to mulch and stump grinding.
Don’t entrust your trees to just anyone! Call Aussie Tree Solutions for a free quote on our professional tree care and consulting services today.