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Now that you’ve planted your new trees and hedging, you might be considering the best ways to care for them. You may be asking yourself whether you need to add feed to newly planted trees, what their watering requirements are and what other maintenance might be necessary to keep them thriving.
Feeding Trees
Applying a feed can significantly improve your soil quality when planting your new tree. This will help your new tree establish itself more effectively, lowering the risk of failure and reducing potential issues in the future.
Adding rootgrow to the base of the planting pit during installation helps encourage a robust root system and lessen transplantation shock. It also aids in developing a secondary root system, enabling your tree to absorb nutrients from the soil more efficiently.
Mixing a slow-release fertiliser into the backfill at planting time, and continuing to feed established plants, can give your soil a substantial boost by supplying essential nutrients. This helps with strong root development, and over time, can also enhance fruiting, flowering, and drought tolerance.
Watering Trees
Maintaining a regular watering schedule, mainly over the first couple of growing seasons, is crucial for the growth and health of your tree. Thorough watering ensures that water reaches the roots, but achieving a consistent level of moisture in the soil is key. It’s vital to avoid letting the soil become too dry, as this will hinder the roots’ ability to absorb the necessary water for healthy growth and function, leading to stress. It’s equally important to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged, as this would deprive the roots of essential oxygen from the surrounding air. By finding the right balance, you’ll give your new tree the best start!
For more information check out our article on watering newly planted trees!
Pruning Trees
It’s generally recommended to prune trees twice a year for optimal growth and shape.
Pruning right after the flowering period in late spring or early summer encourages bushier growth and the development of more branches. When trimming, be sure not to remove more than one-third of any individual branch’s length. This technique is beneficial for promoting denser growth, particularly in the lower and central areas of the tree.
A second prune in early September can help tidy up the tree’s shape. At this time, you can shorten any exceptionally long branches by up to one-third of their length. This helps to create a neat and even shape in preparation for new growth in the spring. Pruning around this time also allows any new shoots that emerge to harden off and become more resistant before the winter frosts arrive. It’s best not to prune much later than this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Container grown trees can be planted all year round. Watch our video guide on how to professionally plant and stake your tree!
As a guide, we recommend giving each tree 5 litres of water every other day during the growing season. The water should be directed at the base of the trunk.
5 Litres is a good starting point to make sure that the ground stays moist. If the soil starts to become saturated or dry adjust the amount as required.
We can offer our planting service if you are local to the nursery. Planting prices are dependent on the size of the pot. Please contact us if you would like a quote.
