Young Tree Care
Learning how to take care of a newly planted or young tree properly is essential in the crucial beginning stages of growth. To establish a healthy and thriving root system, you must carefully tend to the young tree. With the proper time and care, your young tree will grow to be healthy and strong in no time. To do this, you must consider a few factors, such as:
- placement
- fertilizer
- water
- infestations
All of these factors play a role in the health and growth of your tree. If you’re interested in learning more about young tree care, read on to get more in-depth information.
#1: Location
The location in which you place your young tree is vital to developing a healthy root system. Growing trees need space to grow above ground, and their roots need room to grow throughout the soil without interference. If you are planting multiple trees, make sure they are spaced out evenly and are not overcrowded by one another. Taking the time to plan out the perfect spot for your tree or trees, you will ensure that they have plenty of room and space to grow.
#2: Fertilizer
The soil in which you plant your young tree needs sufficient nutrients to aid in the growing process. Tree roots need oxygen and other nutrients to thrive, especially during the growing seasons. A lack of these will cause the tree to grow slower and cause it to become deficient in proper nutrients, which can permanently damage the tree from the inside out. A few ways to make sure your trees get what they need is by:
- Not allowing the soil to become compacted
- Planting your young tree in soil that is rich in nutrients; some trees need more specific nutrients to thrive
- Fertilizing your tree during the growing season
#3: Water
Young trees need more water than established trees. If the tree does not receive an adequate amount of water from nature, you must tend to it yourself. Here are a few things to consider before watering your tree, which include:
- size of your tree
- season in which you have planted it
- water it has already received
By considering these two factors, you can determine how frequently you will need to water. After the first few months of planting, the roots should be established to cut down on watering.
#4: Inspect for Insects and Pest
An infestation of insects or pests can wreak havoc on any tree but especially young trees. If the root system is not fully established yet, the tree may not be strong enough to endure the infestation. Insects and bugs will be a regular occurrence on your young tree, and spotting a few here, and there is nothing to be alarmed about.
However, it’s essential to keep a close eye out for any potential problems. You may be wondering what you should be looking for during this routine inspection? Well, here are some of Florida’s top pests to keep an eye out for that may have made your tree their new home; these include:
- Asian Citrus Psyllid
- Pine Bark Beetle
- Dogwood Borer
- Tent Caterpillars
By routinely checking for these pests, you will ensure that your tree stays healthy, and if an infestation does occur, you will be able to handle it promptly.
Young Tree Care: Conclusion
Young tree care is not difficult, so don’t hesitate to add them to your property. If you’re interested in planting new trees but don’t know where to start, contact us today. Our professional arborists will help you find the perfect spot to plant your young tree that will ensure its long-term health and beauty.