New and Young Tree Care

Water the tree. Soil should be moist but not saturated. During dry periods, 10 gallons a week may be needed.
Maintain the mulch ring. Mulch helps to retain soil moisture and adds nutrients to the soil. Add mulch as needed to maintain a depth of 3-4 inches but keep mulch off the bark of the tree.
Avoid damage to the bark from lawnmowers, string trimmers and other lawn care equipment. Lawn care is a common cause of young tree failure.
Avoid any chemical application in the terrace or right of way. Chemical application is also a common cause of accidentally killing trees.
We track all newly planted and young tree for their first pruning. Typically, this will be done year four or five.
The Forestry Section will stake all young trees and remove the stakes after 1 full growing season. The stakes are not meant to help a tree grow straight. Instead, the stakes are meant to keep the tree upright while roots establish. Staking to keep a tree straight often leads to failure at the ties.

Urban Forestry