Young Tree Maintenance
Trees, like all plants, will thrive if they are properly cared for. The more aftercare a tree receives in its first two years, the more likely it is to survive and flourish. And the bigger a tree is when planted, the more aftercare it will require.
We are immensely proud of our average annual success rate of 96% survival. We have realised this achievement as a result of our unique maintenance programme which includes regular checks, watering, pruning and tree base care. Our dedicated teams are trained in the correct methods of aftercare and to spot potential symptoms of drought and reduced vitality in trees, so that prompt action can be taken.
Well targeted and timely young tree maintenance is a cost effective investment which could reduce weak points and poor form as the tree develops.
We offer a variety of packages to suit all budgets and requirements. We even offer a full replacement guarantee with some of our packages.
Tree maintenance tips
Young trees should be watered for the first 2-3 years at the beginning of the growing season (April/May) and throughout the summer on a regular basis. The volume of water depends on the prevailing weather conditions and planting location/conditions. We recommend installing a tree watering bag on newly planted young trees. A tree watering bag delivers the required amount of water directly over the root ball, allowing it gradually seep through the soil and saturate the roots. This method avoids the water running off because of parched soil and prevents loss of water through evaporation. You can find out more about the benefits of tree watering bags here: The Tree Watering Bag
In general, a healthy tree will have a crown full of large, firm green leaves. A tree suffering from drought will ultimately shed its leaves to save water. Early symptoms of drought include unusually small leaves, yellowing or brown leaves, drooping or brittle leaves or cracking bark. The longer a tree is left without sufficient water, the harder it is to repair the damage caused.
Mulching the base of the tree with woodchip or leaf mould helps to reduce weeds and to retain moisture. It will also gradually fertilise the tree. Ensure the mulch has been partially composted for at least three months, ideally six. If it is too fresh, it will leach nitrogen from the soil which is needed by the tree. Do not pile up the mulch around the tree in a cone as it may cause rot and may allow a disease to penetrate the bark. Mulch should have a maximum depth of 10-15cm (4-6in). Too deep and it could generate excessive heat which could damage the root system.
New trees should be staked until their roots are sufficiently strong to provide anchorage. When it is very windy, trees that are not staked can move, causing the root-ball to become loose. This will kill the tree as the roots are unable to establish themselves. Place your stakes between the tree and the most likely direction of the wind. This is so that the tree pulls away from the stake rather than rubbing on it.
If you attach tree ties, remember to loosen them as the tree grows. Ties left can cause serious damage to the bark as they cut into it.
Consider installing a tree guard to prevent damage by animals and people. The type of tree guard will depend on the tree location and situation, ranging from simple thin, wire mesh tree guards to plastic coated metal tree guards and cast iron tree guards.