Congratulations on your new tree! You are making a positive impact on your home and the broader ecosystem. Here are some tips on how to ensure your tree is successful in its new home.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Transplantation Shock

Moving from one location to another is extremely stressful for a tree. It has to adapt to root loss as well as drastic changes in soil and sun conditions. Don’t be surprised if some leaves wither, yellow, or even die. These are normal symptoms of transplant shock. Be patient and take proper care of the tree. These symptoms will go away as the tree recovers and adapts to its new home.

WHAT TO DO

Watering

Newly planted trees need a lot of water. Exactly how much can vary day-to-day depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. The best practice is to water the planting hole with a moderate flow from a hose to the point of saturation (i.e., the soil cannot take any more water and begins to overflow). This provides deep watering that penetrates the soil and accounts for the amount of water already in the soil (it will reach saturation quicker if the soils is already moist).

For the first week, water the soil to the point of saturation every day. For the second and third week, water to saturation three days a week. Beyond that, water as necessary depending on conditions.

Remove Supports

Depending on size and location, your tree may or may not need stakes. If your tree does have stakes, remove them within 1-2 years. If left in place for too long, the ties can dig into the tree, damaging the trunk and potentially even killing the tree. If you are unsure of when to remove the support, contact Tim-O-Tree for advice.

Trunk guards protect the bark of a new tree from squirrels, rabbits and other wildlife. However, if left on for too long, they can get swallowed up by a growing trunk, distorting or even constricting proper trunk development. Trunk guards should also be removed 1-2 years after installation. If you are still concerned about trunk damage at this time, you can build a cage around the planting hole using chicken wire.

Replace Mulch

Soil quality is crucial to a tree’s health. The best way to maintain quality soil is with mulch. It introduces organic material and nutrients to the soil, feeding the complex microbiome that helps the tree thrive. It also protects the tree’s roots from wild swings in temperature and moisture. Mulch will break down over time (That’s the point!) and needs to be replaced every 1-2 years. When replacing mulch, ensure it is no more than 3 inches thick. Do not place mulch against the trunk as this can cause the trunk to rot.

Watch for pests

Young trees are vulnerable to pests. Take note of any insects on the tree. Not all insects will kill or even harm a tree. Most caterpillars, for example, will only eat a few leaves. If more than 10% of foliage is lost, it is worth intervening.

Watch out for Japanese Beetles. They are an invasive species with a voracious appetite. If you notice Japanese Beetles on your tree, you need to act fast to protect your tree. Traps are very effective. You can also pick beetles off the tree by hand and place them in a sealed jar to suffocate them. Spraying the leaves with a neem oil solution can prevent feeding, but keep in mind that this will affect other insects, not just the one you’re targeting.  

Prune for Structure

The biggest factor impacting a tree’s long-term health and viability is structure. Most storm damage results from structural defects that emerged early in a tree’s life and were never properly addressed. Pruning a tree for structure 2-5 years after planting enables the tree to recover from transplant shock before exposing it to the stress of aggressive pruning. Pruning the tree when it is young also ensures the pruning wounds are small and seal quickly. Contact Tim-O-Tree to for structural pruning to give the tree its best chance at a long, healthy life!