Top 10 Tips For Young Tree Maintenance

It’s said the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, and the next best time to plant a tree is now. And when you purchase a new construction home, it’s likely you’ll be dealing with the latter part of that phrase, so let’s go over some tried-and-true tree maintenance for your newly planted saplings and young trees.

It’s very common for new housing construction to not have many mature trees in the area. Their roots and the space they occupy make the home-construction process much more difficult. Therefore, new construction homes often have young trees planted around them post-construction with the goal of one day having a nice, lush canopy around the home to provide shade, boost the aesthetic, or even grow fruit.

But sometimes trees aren’t in the construction plans, or the budget, so it falls onto new homeowners to get the job done.

Since not everyone is an arborist, here are some important tips for planting saplings and then taking care of those trees when they are young and most vulnerable so that they reach their full potential and become a treasured part of your property.

 1. Proper Planting

• Timing: Plant trees during the dormant season (fall or early spring) when they experience less stress.
• Hole Size: Dig a hole 2–3 times the width of the root ball but no deeper than the tree was planted in its nursery container. The root flare (where the roots meet the trunk) should be above ground level.
• Location. Location. Location: Choose the right location based on the tree species' sunlight and soil needs. Envision your tree as it will be when it’s full grown. Will it encroach on your home to the point where wind-blown branches could cause damage? Will it cover parts of the roof and create storm drain issues? Will it block solar panels or extend into a grumpy neighbor’s yard?

Vital tip: Before you dig, make sure you know where your sewer and power lines are. Consult your local utilities before you put a shovel in the ground.

2. Watering

• Deep and Regular Watering: Young trees need deep watering to help roots grow deeper into the soil. Water regularly for the first 2–3 years, especially during dry spells.
• Frequency: Water saplings once or twice a week, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Increase frequency during hot or dry weather.
• Mulch Retention: Apply mulch (2–4 inches thick) around the base of the tree (avoiding the trunk) to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

3. Mulching

• Mulch Layer: Use organic mulch like wood chips or shredded bark to help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality.
• Avoid Mulch Buildup Along the Trunk: Keep mulch away from direct contact with the trunk to prevent rotting and pest issues.

4. Protection

• Guard Against Wildlife: Protect saplings from animals like deer, rabbits, or rodents that might damage the bark by using tree guards or wire mesh.
• Support with Stakes (if needed): If in a windy area, use stakes to support the sapling, but avoid tying them too tightly. Remove stakes after a year to encourage natural growth.

5. Pruning

• Light Pruning: Pruning can be one of the more subjective parts of tree maintenance. Prune only dead, damaged, or diseased branches in the first few years. Avoid heavy pruning as it can stress young trees.
• Formative Pruning: After the first year or two, begin shaping the tree to ensure good structure and branch spacing. Pruning low-hanging branches will also help maintain space below the tree, which lawn mowers will appreciate.
• Skip the Sealant: More than likely, you shouldn’t seal off pruned branches because most trees heal themselves in ways better than any sealant can. There are exceptions, of course, so find out what’s best for your species of tree, but most often it’s best to just let nature heal itself after pruning.  

6. Fertilization

• Use Sparingly: Fertilize only if the soil is poor, based on a soil test. Too much fertilizer can burn roots or encourage weak, leggy growth.
• Organic Options: Organic compost or a slow-release fertilizer is best for young trees, providing a gradual nutrient supply.

7. Weed Control

• Compete for Resources: Keep the area around the sapling clear of weeds, grass, or competing plants. They can steal nutrients and water from the tree.
• Mulching Again: Mulching also helps to suppress weeds naturally without the need for herbicides.

8. Monitor for Pests and Diseases

• Inspect Regularly: Check young trees regularly for signs of pests like aphids, caterpillars, or diseases like fungal infections.
• Preventative Measures: Consider using natural pest control methods, such as neem oil or beneficial insects, to prevent infestations.

9. Sunlight

• Adequate Sunlight: Ensure the sapling gets the correct amount of sunlight for its species (full sun, partial shade, etc.). Some trees thrive in full sunlight, while others may need more shade.

10. Patience and Long-Term Care

• Growth Takes Time: Trees grow slowly, especially in the first few years. Be patient, continue to water and care for them, and avoid over-managing the growth.
• Periodic Adjustments: Continue monitoring the tree's progress and adjust watering, pruning, and fertilizing as it matures.

How do I know if there’s a problem?

Being a tree doctor is a difficult proposition. The last thing you want to hear when you have droopy or browning leaves is that you could be either overwatering or underwatering the tree. For some solutions, trial and error are all you can do. But here are some common problems that occur with newly planted trees and possible causes.

1. Wilting or Drooping Leaves

• Signs: Leaves that appear limp, droopy, or shriveled.

Possible Issues:

• Underwatering: The tree may not be getting enough water, leading to drought stress.
• Overwatering: Conversely, too much water can cause root rot or oxygen deprivation.
• Transplant Shock: Trees can experience shock after planting due to the stress of being moved.

2. Yellowing or Browning Leaves

• Signs: Leaves turning yellow or brown, especially around the edges.

Possible Issues:

• Nutrient Deficiency: Lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen can cause yellowing.
• Watering Issues: Both over- and underwatering can lead to discolored leaves.
• Sunburn: If the tree is receiving too much direct sunlight, particularly if it’s a shade-loving species.

3. Leaf Drop

• Signs: The tree is prematurely shedding its leaves.

Possible Issues:

• Environmental Stress: Heat, drought, or sudden cold snaps can cause the tree to shed leaves as a survival mechanism.
• Root Damage: If the roots are damaged during planting or from improper handling, the tree might drop leaves.
• Pests or Disease: Infections or pests can weaken the tree and cause leaf drop.

4. Slow or Stunted Growth

• Signs: The tree isn’t growing or developing new leaves or shoots.

Possible Issues:

• Transplant Shock: It’s common for trees to experience slowed growth after transplanting as they adjust to their new environment.
• Root Bound: If the tree was root-bound when planted, its roots may not be spreading properly.
• Poor Soil Conditions: Soil that’s too compact, poorly drained, or lacks nutrients can limit growth.

5. Cracks or Splits in the Bark

• Signs: Visible cracks, splits, or peeling bark.

Possible Issues:

• Sunscald: Bark cracking can result from sudden temperature changes, especially in winter, or intense sun exposure on young or thin-barked trees.
• Mechanical Damage: Injury from lawn equipment or animals may cause bark damage, as well as the occasional love-struck teen carving a heart and initials in the bark.

6. Mushy or Rotting Roots

• Signs: If you gently dig around the base of the tree and notice mushy or foul-smelling roots.

Possible Issues:

• Root Rot: This occurs when the soil is overly saturated with water and the roots lack oxygen.
• Fungal Infections: Certain fungi can cause root decay and death.

7. Discolored or Drooping Branches

• Signs: Branches that appear dead, discolored, or limp.

Possible Issues:

• Disease or Pests: Dead or discolored branches can be a sign of diseases like cankers or pest infestations like borers.
• Structural Issues: Weak branch attachment or mechanical damage can lead to dead limbs.

8. Spongy or Weak Trunk

• Signs: The trunk feels soft, weak, or has areas that appear to be hollowing out.

Possible Issues:

• Fungal Infections: Certain fungi can infect the trunk and cause decay.
• Physical Damage: If the trunk has been damaged or subjected to stress (like from improper staking), it could become weak.

9. Wilting Despite Proper Watering

• Signs: The tree continues to wilt even though it’s being watered adequately.

Possible Issues:

• Root Issues: Damaged, compacted, or poorly spread roots may not be absorbing water properly.
• Pests: Certain insects, like root-feeding grubs, can cause severe damage to a tree’s root system, limiting water uptake.

10. Presence of Pests or Fungal Growth

• Signs: Visible insects, insect damage (like holes in leaves or bark), or fungal growth on the tree or soil.

Possible Issues:

• Insect Infestation: Aphids, beetles, and other pests can weaken young trees.
• Fungal Infections: White or brown fungal growth may indicate a fungal issue that could harm the tree’s health.

11. Compacted Soil

• Signs: Water pools around the tree or drains slowly after watering.

Possible Issues:

• Root Suffocation: Compacted soil can limit oxygen and water reaching the tree roots, leading to slow growth or tree death.

12. Failing to Root Properly

• Signs: The tree feels loose or wobbly in the ground, even after some time has passed since planting.

Possible Issues:

• Improper Planting Depth: If the tree was planted too deeply or too shallow, it may struggle to establish roots.
• Inadequate Support: Lack of staking in windy areas can cause the tree to become unstable.

What to Do if You Notice These Signs:

• Check Watering Practices: Ensure you’re neither underwatering nor overwatering.
• Inspect the Roots: If possible, gently check the roots to see if they’re healthy and spreading.
• Address Pest or Disease Issues: Apply appropriate organic or chemical treatments if pests or diseases are present.
• Adjust Mulch or Soil Conditions: If the soil is compacted or improperly mulched, correct the situation to allow for proper air and water flow.
• Prune Damaged Branches: Remove any dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth.