![]() Clay soil drains slowly porous sandy soil drains quickly. Observe how quickly your soil dries out after rain or watering. Late-day, overhead watering increases the chances of some plants being infected by diseases. Watering during the heat of the day increases the amount of water lost to evaporation by as much as 40%. ![]() Direct water to the roots, not the leaves of the plant. If the soil feels dry, water the plant thoroughly. Soil that is moist or damp to the touch is fine. Dig into the soil with a trowel, hand shovel, or screwdriver and check your soil at a depth of about 6 inches. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch beneath the surface. Water should soak in quickly your plants should never sit in a puddle of water for an extended period of time. Many people have inadvertently drowned newly planted trees by watering them too often. This is especially important to help the roots of new plants get established in the soil.īe careful not to overwater. Water immediately and thoroughly after planting.įor the first 2 weeks after planting, check the soil moisture daily and water deeply if the top 6 inches of soil feels dry to the touch.ĭuring the first two years after planting, check the soil moisture at least once a week and water if the soil feels dry at 6 inches. Learn the specific water requirements of your plants, monitor local weather and soil conditions, and water accordingly. If certain pests are a persistent problem, it may be best to replace the tree with one that has fewer problems.Watering frequency depends on the type of plant, the soil texture, whether you are caring for an established or a new plant, and local weather conditions. Some diseases to watch for are anthracnose, leaf rusts, and fire blight.Ĭonsult a garden center, arborist, forester, or Extension specialist to learn the correct control. ![]() Potentially serious insects include loopers or inchworms, bagworms, and other spring feeding caterpillars. ![]() Any pest that destroys foliage during the spring and early summer or attacks the trunk of the tree is especially serious. Insect and disease pests can cause considerable problems for transplanted trees. Use sparingly for weak or distressed trees. NOTE: Fertilizer is not a substitute or a remedy for poor growing conditions. For example, a small tree with a 4-foot branch spread will require about 1/4 pound of 13-13-13 fertilizer. Apply two to three pounds of actual nitrogen (the first number in the three specified on a fertilizer bag, which is a percentage of the mixture) per thousand square feet evenly around the base of the trees. Cover a circle roughly the diameter of the branch spread. A simple, effective way to apply granular fertilizer is to broadcast it evenly around the base of the tree, much like applying fertilizer to turf. Stakes without ties may be left in place to protect the trunk from bumps by mowers, cars or other equipment.įertilization is seldom required for trees, but may be used to increase growth rates. If not, check it again in another three months, and so on. If a tree has been staked, check to see if it can stand on its own about three months after planting. Remove any support wires or ties from a tree as soon as possible. Mulch rings may be widened as the tree grows. Replace mulch every two years or so to maintain a 3-inch thick layer. Mulch conserves moisture, retards grass and weeds that compete with tree roots, stabilizes soil temperature, adds organic matter to improve soil and protects tree trunks from mowers and weed whips. Gravelly or sandy soils may need more frequent watering silt or clay soils may require less. Examine soil once a week during dry periods. Apply enough water to keep the soil around the roots moist but not wet. Be sure new trees are watered routinely for the first two years after planting. Root development or regeneration cannot occur without adequate moisture. Water is the single most important need of newly planted trees.
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