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Urban Forestry

MAINTAINING YOUR FOREST

The following are some basic tips for tree maintenance:

Water and Mulch.  For the first year or two, watch your trees closely for signs of moisture stress. If you see leaf wilting or hard, caked soil, water the trees well and slowly enough to allow the water to soak in. This will encourage deep root growth. Keep the area under the trees mulched.

Fertilizer usually NOT necessary.  Fertilization is usually not needed for newly planted trees. Depending on soil and growing conditions, fertilizer may be beneficial at a later time.

Guard against Girdling.  Weed eaters and small rodents can girdle a tree by removing the bark around the tree.  Try using a plastic guard around the tree as an easy and inexpensive control method. 

Older Trees May Need Pruning.  Pruning can be used to remove dead or damaged limbs or suckers that sprout from the trunk, or to allow more light to enter the canopy. Use pruners for small branches and a pruning saw for large branches.  All cuts should be vertical. Any major pruning should be done in late winter or early spring.  If in doubt about your ability to prune properly, contact a professional with the proper equipment.  Avoid "topping" your trees.

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