TREE MAINTENANCE
2. Pour natural mulch such as wood chips or bark pieces 2
to 4 inches deep within the circle.
3. Keep the mulch from touching the trunk of the tree.
WATERING
For new trees, water immediately after you plant a tree. Not
enough water is harmful for the tree but too much water is bad
as well. Over-watering is a common tree care mistake. As general
rule, your soil should be moist. Usually 30 seconds with a steady
stream of water from a garden hose w/ a diffuser nozzle per tree
seedling is sufficient. After your tree has been established in your
yard for two years the roots will be established.
PRUNING
Light pruning and the removal of dead wood can be done
anytime. Pruning during winter dormancy is the most common
practice. It results in a vigorous burst of new growth in the spring
and should be used if that is the desired effect. It is usually best
to wait until the coldest part of winter has passed. Because decay
fungi spread their spores profusely in the fall and healing of
wounds seems to be slower on fall on cuts, autumn is a good time
to leave your pruning tools
in storage.
For more tree care tips
and techniques, please visit
www.arborday.org.