It’s no secret that planting trees has many benefits. For starters, trees are beautiful; they can improve the appearance and value of your property. Trees also produce oxygen, clean the air, control noise, and enhance mental wellness. And with strategic planning, trees can even reduce energy bills by offering shade in the summer and blocking wind in the winter. (Oh, and did we mention they’re beautiful?)
You can’t go wrong with tree planting in New Jersey. In fact, you might have already added several trees to your property. But have you thought about proper care and maintenance?
Compared to older trees, newly planted trees have different needs. So, if you just planted a new tree, keep the following tips in mind. By doing so, you can help it flourish for years to come.
Mind the Mulch
When done properly, mulching prevents soil compaction, maintains root moisture, and insulates soil. Mulch also benefits the appearance of your landscape.
Yet, mulching isn’t as simple as making a pile and calling it a day. Piling mulch around the trunk will suffocate the bark and roots. This “mulch volcano” can also promote fungal and bacterial growth, and eventually, kill your new tree.
That’s why it’s vital to mulch your trees correctly. First, the mulch should be applied away from the trunk and spread to a diameter of at least the three feet. You can use a rake to evenly spread it out. Additionally, the mulch should be no more than 3 to 4 inches deep.
Avoid Over Fertilizing
Unlike soil in the wild, soil in landscaped settings don’t contain enough essential nutrients and minerals. Therefore, fertilizing your trees is one of the best things you can do. Fertilizer contains vital nutrients that can support the growth and vitality of your tree.
However, it’s possible to over fertilize a tree. Doing so can strain a tree and disrupt its ability to absorb water.
Plus, if a new tree was properly planted, it won’t require much during the first two years. A newly planted tree requires nothing more than organic matter, water, sun, and mulch.
It’s advised to wait two years before using fertilizer. This will allow enough time for the root system to establish itself. Otherwise, if you add too much fertilizer too soon, the new tree will overproduce and become stressed.
Watch the Water
We all know trees need water to survive. And when you plant a new tree, you may be tempted to overdo it. But like mulch and fertilizer, using too much water can cause health issues.
Overwatering deprives the roots of oxygen. In turn, the roots won’t be able to supply enough nutrients to the tree. Overwatering also encourages the growth of harmful organisms, which can eventually lead to root rot.
To care for a newly planted tree, you need to keep the soil moist — not wet. All it takes is 30 seconds of a steady stream of water for each tree. For best results, use a garden hose with a diffuser nozzle attachment.
The root system will establish itself within the first two years. At this point, it will be able to handle more water.
Know the Tree’s Needs
New tree care isn’t limited to regular food and water. It’s crucial to think about your future plans, too.
Be mindful of the quantity and types of plants in each bed. Remember, every plant needs water, nutrients, and space to grow. But when there are multiple trees and shrubs in one bed, they will all compete with each other.
Do your research or consult an expert. By choosing a thoughtful combination of plants, you can ensure that every member of the bed will survive and thrive.
Call Friendly Tree for Professional Help
If you planted a tree and need assistance, contact Friendly Tree. We’re happy to take care of mulching and answer all your questions about trees.
Friendly Tree also offers tree planting services in New Jersey. We’ll choose the best specimens for your property, style, and preference. Most importantly, our team will plant your trees in a way that sets them up for long-term success.
To schedule a consultation or get a quote, contact Friendly Tree at (973) 678-8888.