Caring for a young tree is crucial for its growth and development.
Here are some tips on how to care for a young tree:
- Water: Young trees require more water than mature trees. Water your young tree deeply once a week or as needed to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
- Mulch: Mulch helps to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree, but make sure to keep it away from the trunk to prevent rot.
- Prune: Prune your young tree to remove any dead or damaged branches. This will help the tree to develop a strong structure and prevent future problems.
- Fertilize: Fertilize your young tree once or twice a year to provide it with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Use a slow-release fertilizer that is appropriate for your tree species.
- Protect: Protect your young tree from animals, lawnmowers, and other potential sources of damage. You can use tree guards, fencing, or other protective measures to keep your tree safe.
- Monitor: Regularly monitor your young tree for signs of stress, disease, or pests. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from becoming bigger problems. If you see any issues cropping up, contact your local arborist for advice.
Why should I prune young trees?
When you first plant a tree, trim away any broken or damaged branches to prevent issues. It’s recommended to wait for at least two years after planting before pruning young trees. Pruning young trees is important to provide a stable structure and prevent them from branching out in the wrong direction. Urban trees tend to have multiple competing branches that weaken the tree’s structure. Arborists use subordination pruning to trim competing branches and encourage the leader to grow, preventing future structural defects.
How to prune a young tree to promote healthy branch structure
Arborists choose a healthy central branch and remove competing stems to make space for the leading limb, called structural pruning. This encourages the tree’s leader to grow and prevents future structural defects like included bark and clustered limbs. Properly pruning young trees is a simple step that can save costly structural corrections later, but it’s important to consult an arborist and not remove more than 15% of the canopy at a time.