> Next: Caring for Trees and Shrubs
Establishing New Plantings
Watering and applying fertilizer to trees and shrubs after planting helps get them off to a good start by restoring moisture, stimulating early growth, and aiding root growth.
Early Care
Foliage and leaves may be dehydrated, and roots are underdeveloped following planting. Extra care helps trees and shrubs get off to a good start. Without early watering and the boost of foliar fertilizer, they may experience transplant shock and stress.
Always water immediately after planting and, for the first month, continue watering more frequently than for established plants.
While pre-planting soil preparation for trees and shrubs add some fertilizer or amendments the roots will eventually reach, apply a foliar fertilizer that feeds them directly through their foliage.
A slow-release solid fertilizer application already should have been applied to the top layers of soil after planting, but if that step was missed, perform it now [See: Fertilizing New Trees in Trees for the Ages]. A good additional step to take to avoid transplant shock in trees is to apply a foliar fertilizer.
Foliar fertilizers are water-soluble synthetic nutrients specially formulated for absorption through leaves. Mix and spray foliar fertilizers directly onto the foliage with a spray applicator, commonly called a hose-end sprayer.
We provide you with all you need—full directions and illustrated demonstrations—of both first waterings and foliar fertilizer applications. Just follow their simple steps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Watering new tree and shrub plantings helps ease transplant shock, replaces water lost in the soil surrounding the roots, prompts new growth, and settles the soil.
Fertilize shrubs by properly preparing soil [See: Soil for Trees and Shrubs]. Apply foliar fertilizer, water-soluble nutrients that are absorbed through plant foliage, stems, and roots. Foliar feedings give your plants a boost soon after planting.
Water and fertilize your trees and shrubs with a hose, spray nozzle, fertilizer spray applicator and fertilizer, following these easy steps:
How to Water Newly Planted Trees and Shrubs
Slowly apply water to trees and shrubs at the rate it is absorbed, until the ground becomes saturated. This may mean refilling the moated watering basin several times.
If you installed a deep-watering tube for your tree, fill it to overflowing. Allow the tube to drain completely and then refill it. Add extra soil if needed to fill slumps or settled soil.
Water every 48 hours for the first 10 days after planting. Irrigate weekly thereafter, allowing the soil’s surface to dry between applications. Repeat waterings until the soil is saturated at a depth of at least 4–6 in. (10–15 cm).
How to Apply Foliar Fertilizers
Most foliar fertilizers are water-soluble powders. Don rubber gloves and mix a solution of fertilizer as directed on the fertilizer package.
Fill the hose-end sprayer with diluted foliar-fertilizer solution. Set the sprayer at half the fertilizer-package-recommended rate. This prevents the fertilizer from drawing too much moisture from the shrub’s leaves.
Choose a calm, warm morning to apply the fertilizer to your shrub. Spray its foliage, stem, trunk, and branches. Apply fertilizer to the shrub or tree until all parts of the plant are thoroughly wetted. Allow the spray to dry before cool evening temperatures begin.