TREE CARE AND MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS

Once you have set a tree in the landscape, it needs to be cared for in specific ways.

WATERING AND FEEDING
Watering is the most important aspect for a healthy tree. All plants require water for growth.

During dry periods, in areas where irrigation is a necessity, keep a close eye on your trees to determine when they need water.

Signs of tree stress are wilting, change in leaf color (from shiny to dull or from dark green to gray green) and premature leaf fall. The most important goals are to eliminate runoff, to confine water to the drip line of the branches, and to apply water uniformly. The purpose is to make as much of the applied water available to the tree as possible. For newly planted trees, maintain a 5 day watering schedule. In high temperatures, water more frequently. In lower temperatures, water less frequently. This is essential for a healthy tree.

FERTILIZER REQUIREMENTS
Nitrogen is the element to which trees respond most favorably. Nitrogen fertilization promotes more rapid growth in young trees, helping them to reach landscape size quickly.

Apply nitrogen at a rate of 2 - 4 pounds per 1000 square feet. Read instructions to adjust pounds used according to the percentage of nitrogen in a particular fertilizer. Another way to figure how much to apply is to measure the diameter of the trunk. For each inch, use .1 to ,2 pounds of actual nitrogen. For example, 1 - 2 pounds of a 10% nitrogen fertilizers such as 10-8-7.
Because nitrogen leaches through the soil, apply the necessary Mount at two intervals, one half in Spring and the other half in Summer. For further specific information concerning fertilizer types, consult your local extension agency or the public library.

PRUNING
Trees grow in many varied forms./ The natural characteristics of different types should be emphasized throughout landscape use and maintenance practices. Pruning is useful for a number of reasons.
Removing dead wood and crossed branches and allowing light into the interior of the tree will improve the tree’s health and appearance. Pruning is particularly useful for controlling tree size.
For mature tress, pruning helps to maintain balance between vegetative growth and flowering.
Old or slow growing trees may be brought back to life by proper pruning. It is very important to be sure that after a newly planted tree has matured to one year, the stakes and wire are removed from the trunk. This will prevent girdling which will eventually kill the tree.