Watering Your Trees & Shrubs

• Best Time: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
• Frequency & Amount: Provide a deep, thorough watering once or twice a week, aiming for the equivalent of one inch of rainfall weekly. Adjust based on actual rainfall. Young trees and shrubs need consistent moisture to establish their root systems.
• Check First: Before watering, check the soil moisture several inches down near the root zone. Both overwatering and underwatering can stress developing roots. The soil should be moist, not soggy or bone dry.
• Application: Apply water slowly and directly to the base of the tree or shrub, allowing it to soak deep into the root zone. A slow trickle from a hose is ideal. Consider the size of the plant and its original root ball when determining how long to water – larger plants need more water applied over a wider area.
• Site Conditions: Be mindful of your soil type and terrain. Clay soils retain water longer than sandy soils. Trees and shrubs on slopes may need more frequent or longer watering periods due to runoff.
• Late Season Care: Continue watering, especially for evergreens (like pines, spruce, arborvitae, rhododendrons), until the ground freezes. This helps prevent winter desiccation.

Fertility for Woody Plants

• Minimal Needs: Once established, most trees and shrubs require only an annual feeding, if any. Focus on providing good soil conditions and proper watering initially.

Weed Control Around Trees & Shrubs

• Expect Weeds: Soil disturbance during planting often leads to more weeds in the first year.
• Hand Removal: Regularly remove weeds by hand, especially when the soil is moist after rain or watering. Weeds compete directly with your new trees and shrubs for essential water and nutrients. Consider applying a layer of mulch around the base (but not touching the trunk/stems) to help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
• Avoid Chemicals: Be cautious with chemical weed control near new trees and shrubs, as they can be sensitive and easily damaged by herbicides.

Pruning New Trees & Shrubs

• Establishment First: Allow your new trees and shrubs time to establish their root systems before performing significant pruning.
• Necessary Cuts Only: For the first year, limit pruning to removing only branches that are clearly broken, dead, or damaged.

Pest & Wildlife Protection

• Monitor Regularly: Keep an eye on your trees and shrubs for signs of insect infestations or diseases. Early detection is key.
• Animal Browsing: Rabbits and deer can cause significant damage, especially to young trees and shrubs during winter. Consider installing protective fencing, netting, or applying repellents if needed.

What to Expect

Be patient, and remember the old adage: "The first year it sleeps; the second year it creeps; the third year it leaps."

Your LandWorks Representative can answer any questions and provide specific plant care recommendations for your property.