Whether your goal is to beautify your property or to add a few more carbon-neutralizing plants to the world, introducing new trees or shrubs to your property is a simple way to make a big impact.

 

Young trees and shrubs, however, have different needs than their fully established counterparts. Here are the basics you should keep in mind.

 

Do:

Mulch

Mulching helps to preserve moisture and insulate your plant’s roots against temperature changes. Keep in mind that the mulch should not touch the trunk and should be no more than three inches deep.

Water thoroughly and regularly

Container-grown trees and shrubs that come from nurseries are used to regular watering and will need time to adapt to natural conditions. Though the specifics will depend on the species and your climate, a general rule of thumb is to water more frequently during the first few weeks, then water deeply about once a week for the first growing season.

Protect your new plants

Young trees and shrubs are just as susceptible to damage as their full grown counterparts–but they won’t recover as quickly. Be careful with lawn mowers and weed whackers, and if they are tasty to any local wildlife, look into a deterrent.

Don’t:

Prune without a plan

Pruning too early can be bad for young trees. At the same time, however, it’s best to correct any structural peculiarities early in their life. Make sure to talk to your arborist about your goals for your new addition the next time he or she is on your property.

Fertilize right away

Newly installed trees have young root systems that need time to become established. Skip fertilizing for at least the first year. Instead, your arborist might recommend ArborKelp, our exclusive seaweed biostimulant, which promotes root growth and heightens stress tolerance.

Ignore warning signs

Yellowing, browning, or wilting leaves are signs of stress that shouldn’t be ignored. Call in an expert as soon as possible to help diagnose the problem.


If you have questions about which trees and shrubs will work best for your site, get in touch! We’d be happy to help set up your property for success.

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