As with all life, a tree’s first years are the most important for its development. Give your tree the best possible head-start by following these simple maintenance practices.
It is important to water your tree every other day during the first week following planting. Water regularly (once per week) for the rest of the year and more frequently during periods of drought. Completely soak the soil and the mulch ring for 15 to 30 minutes at a low flow. Ensuring the soil is adequately soaked will promote root system expansion, ultimately spreading to approximately to twice the width of the canopy.
Before the ground freezes in the fall, be sure to water conifers in particular as these generally require reserves for the winter.
You risk fatally damaging your tree by mowing or using a string trimmer in close proximity to it. We strongly advise against mechanically cutting any vegetation that may have grown through the mulch ring. Simply removing these by hand will be of least disturbance to your tree.
The addition of compost-enriched soil and mycorrhizea while transplanting should provide all of your tree’s initial nutritional needs. As its root system expands, it should find all the nutrients it needs in your site’s existing soil. You may leave or mulch any fallen leaves at the base of the tree. These will provide a natural and regular fertilizer.
A stake may not be necessary. In fact, trees have been shown to benefit from the bending, pulling and compressing they endure from lesser-force winds because it encourages the development of a more robust trunk that will not require support.
A stake is recommended when planting your tree in a particularly windy area. Orient the stake on the side of the predominant winds such that your tree does not knock against it. Remove the stake after the first year or two following the planting.
In general, each of our trees have already been trimmed to a proper shape as well as to ensure they develop a single central trunk. For more complex trimming, we advise calling an expert in order to avoid injury and to promote growth. Pruning may allow water to penetrate the cut areas and problematic infections may result. We recommend a second trimming to shape within 3 to 5 years following the plantation.
If the bark appears to be damaged, consult an expert as soon as possible for specific advice and treatment that ensure the greatest chances of survival.
We recommend posing a trunk protector from the fall to the spring in the first years following the planting. This will prevent rodents from gnawing on the tree during cold weather when food is relatively scarce. They can be found at most garden centres or you can make own from household materials.
