Brought to you by Great Oaks Tree Services – Arboriculture Experts in Kirkham, Lancashire
Congratulations on your new trees! Whether you’ve planted them in your garden, as part of a landscaping project, or as part of a larger planting scheme, these new additions can offer beauty, shade, and environmental benefits for years to come. At Great Oaks Tree Services, based in Kirkham, Lancashire, we understand how important it is to ensure your newly planted trees thrive. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through essential aftercare for your trees, including watering, weeding, and maintaining the proper support systems during their first few years.
Why Tree Aftercare Matters
Establishing a young tree is an investment in the future, and it’s vital to ensure that your tree receives the proper care during its formative years. A well-maintained tree is better able to withstand environmental stresses, grow strong, and mature into a healthy, thriving part of your landscape. Proper aftercare will also help avoid common problems such as poor root development, leaning, or stress from pests and diseases.
1. Watering Your Newly Planted Trees
Watering is one of the most crucial aspects of tree aftercare. Newly planted trees require a consistent supply of water, especially during their first few years. Proper watering helps them establish strong roots and thrive.
- How much water? During the summer months (May to August), aim to water your tree with approximately 50 litres of water per week. The specific needs may vary depending on the species of tree, location, and weather conditions.
- Watering frequency: You can choose to add the 50 litres of water all at once or spread it over multiple visits during the week.
- Sustainable water sources: If possible, try to use rainwater collected from your property rather than potable water. Harvested rainwater is ideal, as it’s more sustainable and better for the soil. In drought conditions, grey water (e.g., from baths or washing up) can be used, though be mindful that the impact of soaps and detergents on the soil is not fully understood.
- Best times for watering: Watering should ideally be done in the early morning or evening to minimise water loss due to evaporation.
2. Weeding Around Your Tree
Weeds can compete with your tree for water, nutrients, and sunlight, so it’s important to keep the area around your tree free from weeds.
- Timing: Weeding should be done once a year, typically when the tree has come into leaf, between March and May.
- How to weed: Use hand tools, such as a weed fork, to remove weeds. Be cautious around the roots to avoid damaging the young tree’s root system.
3. Checking Stakes and Ties
The stakes and ties placed around your tree are designed to support it as it establishes itself. However, it’s important to check them regularly and ensure they’re not causing any harm to the tree.
- After one year: Check that the stakes and ties are not too tight and haven’t caused any damage to the tree. Remove or adjust the ties halfway down the stake, ensuring they’re still loose enough to allow the tree to move slightly in the wind.
- Removing the stake: After the first year, if the tree appears stable and firm in the ground, consider removing the stake altogether. A hand saw can be used to carefully remove the top part of the stake, leaving just the section that supports the tree.
4. Mulching Around Your Tree
Mulch is an excellent way to keep the soil around your tree moist, prevent weed growth, and regulate the temperature of the soil.
- How much mulch? Apply around 8-10 cm of pasteurised wood chip mulch around the base of the tree. Be careful not to pile the mulch directly against the trunk, as this can lead to bark decay.
- Benefits of mulch: Mulch will help retain moisture, especially during hot spells, and create a healthy environment for the tree’s roots to grow.
5. Formative Pruning
Pruning your tree during its early years can help ensure that it develops a strong, healthy structure.
- What to look for: Check for any broken, damaged, or crossing branches that could affect the form of the tree as it matures. Remove any weak or problematic growth.
- Timing: Formative pruning should be done early in the tree’s life to ensure it has a strong and balanced form as it grows. Always prune carefully to avoid unnecessary damage.
6. Mowing and Strimming Around Your Tree
When maintaining your garden, be mindful of the area around your newly planted trees.
- Avoid damage: When mowing or strimming, make sure to stay well away from the tree. Damage to the bark or roots can lead to stress or even harm the tree’s long-term health.
7. After Three Years – Is It Time for the Young Tree Maintenance Programme to End?
Once your tree has been in the ground for three years, it may be ready to graduate from the young tree maintenance programme.
- When to remove the support: If your tree seems firmly established and doesn’t require the support of stakes or ties, it’s time to remove them. Carefully assess whether the tree is strong enough to stand on its own, and if so, remove the stakes.
Conclusion: A Thriving Future for Your Trees
Proper aftercare in the early years is crucial to the long-term success of your tree. By providing the right amount of water, ensuring the soil around the tree is clear of weeds, maintaining mulch, checking stakes and ties, and performing necessary pruning, you’ll help your tree establish a strong foundation. Over time, as your tree matures, it will become an even more valuable asset to your landscape, providing beauty, shade, and ecological benefits for years to come.
At Great Oaks Tree Services, based in Kirkham, Lancashire, we are passionate about supporting the health and wellbeing of trees. If you need further advice or assistance with tree care or require professional services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Contact Great Oaks Tree Services today for expert guidance, tree care, and aftercare services to ensure your trees grow strong and healthy for years to come!
