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After-Planting Care
of Trees and Shrubs
Add years of life and health to new plantings of trees or shrubs by giving them early care, including staking, proper watering and mulching.
Staking Trees
Immediately after planting, stake trees correctly to help their trunks gain girth and strength, and water plantings of shrubs and trees until they become established.
Most young, newly planted trees need staking to give them support, help them stay upright until their roots spread, and prevent wind-damage to their trunks. Trees should always be supported by two or more stakes set into the ground outside of their rootball.
Next comes the ties. They should be placed just below the lowest crotch where branches start to grow out from the trunk.
Loosely loop tree-ties made of flexible and stretchy rubber with wire or other fasteners, each attached to one of the stakes. A tie should encircle the trunk without binding the tree’s movement, and the ties from multiple stakes should cross through each another.
Within the encircling ties, give the tree’s trunk about 4–6 in. (10–13 cm) of free movement. Flexing in the wind signals the tree to build wood to resist the movement, helping it become strong. Properly staked trees flex in strong winds but do not break.
GrownByYou.com provides a demonstration of how to properly stake a young tree [See: Stakes and Supports].
First Waterings of Trees and Shrubs
Another important after-planting care task is watering. A thorough, slow watering of trees and shrubs immediately after planting settles the soil and eliminates any air pockets.
It also carries soil particles and air spaces into tight contact with the young shrub or tree’s roots, allowing them to gather the nutrients, water and air they need to become established.
After first watering, unless your plantings receive adequate natural rainfall, water thoroughly approximately every 5 days for the first several months after planting. Apply water a bit more often if you live in a hot, dry environment. Irrigate less often if you live in a cool, damp climate.
After the first 3 or 4 months, begin to taper the frequency of watering to every other week for a few months, then one to two times a month.
Once the root system is completely established, water and fertilize your plant on the same schedule as the rest of your garden, following the recommendations provided for each species’ needs [See: Early Watering and Fertilizing].
Mulching New Trees and Shrubs
Mulching young trees and shrubs is the next post-planting care need. Among the many benefits of mulching is how it helps your plantings’ soil retain moisture longer and evaporate less [see Applying Mulch to Trees and Shrubs].
For now, place a layer of mulch 3–4 inches (75–100 mm) deep over the entire root zone, being careful to keep the mulch from touching the trunk of the tree.
Other Early Care
There are a few other precautions and actions worth remembering while your newly planted trees and shrubs become accustomed to their new home in your landscape.
Protect tree trunks by keeping lawn mowers, string trimmers, and other sharp tools at a safe distance.
Remove any plastic tags or wire ties that were attached to the shrub or tree at time of purchase. Taking them off keeps them from girdling the limbs later as they grow larger.
Avoid walking over the roots, since foot traffic compacts the soil.
For families and neighborhoods with young children, place stakes a short distance from the trunk as a reminder that the young tree is out-of-bounds during play on nearby sidewalks or paved areas.
Those who live in areas with a lot of wildlife—who doesn’t?—or who have pets that might be tempted to chew on a newly planted tree, can encircle their new trees or shrubs with a circle of protective wire mesh [see Severe Winter Care].
Young trees are also susceptible to the effects of hot sun and winter cold. If either applies to your landscape consider protecting tree trunks with strips of burlap or trunk wrap [see Severe Winter Care].
Finally, make a note of the names of the trees and shrubs you’ve planted. When questions come up in future years, the record will help remind you of each species you’ve planted.
It’s also fun to jot down the date you planted each tree and even to take a photograph of your newly planted trees and shrubs. Later, you’ll look back and marvel at how the plants have grown, and you’ll be amazed at your garden’s transformation.