Trees do so much for us. They provide shade on hot days, make our yards look more beautiful, help clean the air, and even increase property value. But a young tree needs proper care from day one. Otherwise, it can struggle to grow, develop weak roots, or even die.
Below, this tree care contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois is going to explore some of the best ways to make sure your trees grow strong and healthy.
Proper watering is key to a tree’s survival.
Trees need water to survive and grow, but only the right amount of water. Too little water, and the roots will not establish properly, the leaves will dry up, and the tree will struggle to grow. Whereas too much water can drown the roots and cause them to rot.
So, how do you get the perfect balance?
Newly planted trees need slow, deep watering to make sure the roots get enough moisture. A good rule of thumb is to give your tree about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter every week during its first year. But instead of using all the water at once, it is best to use a garden hose set on a slow trickle. This allows the water to soak into the soil deeply instead of running off the surface.
As your tree grows, you will need to check the soil regularly to see when it needs water. To do this, stick your finger a few inches into the soil near the base of the tree. If it feels dry, it is time to water. If it still feels damp, wait a day or two.
Are you not sure if you are watering your young tree the right way? A professional tree care contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois can evaluate your soil conditions and help you establish the best watering routine for your tree.
Mulching helps your young tree grow stronger.
A good layer of mulch helps keep moisture in the soil, protects roots from extreme temperatures, and even prevents weeds from growing around the base of the tree. Since weeds steal nutrients from the soil, reducing their growth gives your tree a better chance to thrive.
Although mulch offers many benefits to your tree, using it the wrong way can hurt your tree.
One of the most common mistakes you can make is piling mulch up against the trunk. This can trap moisture, leading to rot and pest problems. Instead, make sure the mulch stays about three inches away from the base of the tree. This will keep the soil moist while preventing rot and pest infestations.
If you have no idea how to mulch your tree properly, you can always consult with your local tree care contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Pruning shapes young trees and promotes healthy growth.
Pruning is a very important part of young tree care, but you don’t want to overdo it. When a tree is first planted, it is best to leave most of its branches alone. In the first year, only dead or damaged branches should be removed since cutting too many branches too soon can stress the tree out and slow its growth.
As the tree gets older, selective pruning can be used to shape its structure. This process removes branches that are weak, crossing over each other, or growing in the wrong direction.
A professional tree care contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois can provide professional pruning services to keep your tree in good shape.
The do’s and don’ts of fertilizing newly planted trees.
Fertilizing can be helpful, but it is not always necessary. In fact, newly planted trees usually don’t need fertilizer right away because the soil already has enough nutrients for early growth. But if your tree starts showing signs of trouble, like yellowing leaves, slow growth, or weak branches, it might need some extra nutrients.
Before adding fertilizer, it is best to do a soil test to see what your tree is lacking.
Adding too much fertilizer too soon can cause excessive growth, which might make the tree weak rather than strong.
Looking for a Tree Care Contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois?
Are your young trees looking weak, stressed, or just not growing the way they should? If so, and if you are ready to have them treated by a professional tree care contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois, look no further than Brown Tree Service, Inc. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.
