Congratulations on Your New Tree

The care you provide in the first three years after planting is critical for the tree’s long-term health. During this establishment period, the tree has less ability to absorb the water and nutrients it needs and is more vulnerable to physical damage.

This brief guide will give you the information you need to keep your tree healthy during its most formative years. With proper care, your tree will provide you with many years of benefits and enjoyment.

Watering

The single most important factor for young tree survival is water. In addition to watering a tree the day it is planted, continue watering through the first two to three years after planting.

When: Water weekly from early spring until soil freezes in winter (generally April – October). Water twice weekly during times of drought, when it doesn’t rain at least 1.5 inches of rain that week.

How Much: Twenty-five gallons a week. This will come to about 3-5 minutes of watering with a hose over the root zone. Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Mulching

Proper mulching is one of the best things you can do for your tree. Mulch fertilizes the soil, insulates the roots, holds moisture, and cuts down on competition from turfgrass or weeds.

Mulch should be applied in a wide and shallow ring around the tree. Mulch should not touch the trunk.

Follow the 3-3-3 guideline when applying mulch:

• in a 3 foot radius (six feet wide total) around the trunk of the tree
• At a depth no greater than 3 inches
• Keep 3 inches around the trunk clear

Re-apply mulch annually in spring or fall

Tree Protection

Deer: Protect trees from deer browse by encircling them with wire fencing. Secure with a stake. Plastic sleeves can protect against damage from bucks rubbing their antlers against the trunk.

Mowers and Weedwackers: A plastic trunk guard can be installed at the base of the trunk. Tree stakes and a wide mulch ring discourage mowers from getting too close to the trunk.

Vandalism Protection: a sturdy tree installation can help reduce human interference. To minimize vandalism and damage, especially in high foot-traffic areas, use three stakes in a triangle and a wider mulch ring.

If a tree was planted with support stakes and ties, the ties should be cut completely off the tree after one year in the ground. Ties left on a tree will eventually girdle and kill the tree.

Establishing itself in a new environment takes a lot for a new tree, so you can expect to see signs of stress as it settles into its new home. If the tree seems to be getting progressively worse over a number of months, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Casey Trees Arborist. If Casey Trees has installed your new tree, Casey Trees will replace a dead tree within the warranty timeframe only if you have adhered to tree maintenance items (watering, mulching, etc.), per your tree maintenance agreement.

Additional Resources

Download Young Tree Care Brochure
Resources for Tree Care: Resources and Articles related to Tree Care from our archives.
Casey Trees How to’s: How to’s on Watering, Mulching, and Pruning.