Fall will be here before we know it, which means now is the perfect time for you to think about planting some trees. The cooler fall season gives trees a chance to establish roots in the landscape soil before the warm and rainy spring months arrive. Below, this tree care contractor in Wilmette, Illinois, is going to share some tips on how to make sure your new trees grow healthy and strong.
You should start with a plan
Before you start digging a hole for planting your new tree, you need to do some groundwork — literally! Check for underground utilities like power lines to avoid dangerous accidents. If you are not sure where these lines are, call your utility company to mark them out.
Don’t forget to survey the area above before planting your new tree. Your tree may not be very tall now, but it will inevitably grow taller in the future, so you must keep an eye out for any overhead power lines that may get in the way of the tree’s growth. Trees growing into power lines can cause outages and require utility companies to trim the tree– which does not always leave the tree looking great.
Carefully handle your new tree
Your new tree will be delivered to you wrapped in burlap or another similar material from the nursery. This can cause a “transplant shock” once you plant the tree– a phenomenon that slows down tree growth and reduces its vitality. Be gentle with the tree and give it some extra care right from the start to help it overcome this shock.
There is a common misconception that staking a new tree is always necessary, but it can actually do more harm than good sometimes. Trees usually do better when they are not staked because they can make their trunks and roots stronger naturally. Staking your tree is only advisable if the tree is planted in a windy area or cannot stand upright on its own.
Mulch and water
Spreading mulch around its base is the best thing you can do for your newly planted tree. Mulch can do many things — it insulates the soil, retains moisture, suppresses weed growth, etc. Make sure to spread the mulch evenly in a circle around the tree without piling it directly against the trunk to avoid rot and pest problems.
Properly watering your newly planted tree is also important since new trees need a consistent supply of water to establish their roots. You want to be careful, though, as overwatering can cause root rot. Keep the soil wet but not soggy. If this sounds complicated, you can always hire a professional tree care contractor in Wilmette, Illinois.
Monitor your tree’s progress
Once the tree is planted, you need to check if it is adjusting well to its new environment. Look out for signs of transplant shock and immediately address any concerns. You should also regularly check the soil moisture and adjust your watering accordingly.
As the season changes, the tree will slowly adjust to its new home. Come springtime, it will have a strong root system from the previous seasons and be ready to burst into growth.
Contact a professional
If you are worried about your tree’s health or just need some advice, you should contact a professional tree care contractor in Wilmette, Illinois. Sometimes, even if you are doing everything right, a tree might need some extra attention to thrive. Dealing with bugs, disease, or growth problems? Regardless of the tree problem, a certified arborist can give your tree the care it needs to grow healthy.
Looking for a Tree Care Contractor in Wilmette, Illinois?
Are you worried about the health of your newly planted tree? Hoping to get some insightful advice from a licensed arborist? If so, and if you’re ready to schedule an inspection with the best tree care contractor in Wilmette, Illinois, look no further than the team at Brown Tree Service Inc. Contact us today to get started.
