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PLANTING AND CARE OF NEW TREES

TREES OF CENTRAL TEXAS * 10050 HWY 36 N BRENHAM * 979-836-7225

For decades our planting method has given trees the start they need to reach their full potential. Below are the guidelines we follow with every tree we plant:

PREPARE THE ROOTS by carefully removing the pot from the root ball. If the root ball is hard and dense, gently pull the roots apart, encouraging the roots to spread outwards. If the root ball is squishy or rooted loosely, do not manipulate the roots.

MEASURE THE HEIGHT OF THE POT. The hole should not exceed the height of the root ball. When the tree is placed into the hole, the top of the root ball should be even with the ground. If the top of the root ball sits below ground level, backfill the hole as needed.

MAKE THE HOLE 2-3” WIDER THAN THE POT CIRCUMFERENCE. You may dig the hole wider, but it is not necessary. If you have a densely packed soil, loosen (scarify) the inside of the hole with your shovel. This will allow the roots to grow into the native soil.

USE NATIVE SOIL. You want your tree to get accustomed to its native surroundings as soon as possible. Richer, foreign soils will discourage the tree from rooting into the native soil.

MIX ESPOMA BIO-TONE STARTER into the soil you dug for the tree, backfilling the soil around the outside of the rootball, packing it as you fill. This root starter is a fertilizer with mychorrhizae fungus that binds onto the roots and extends the root system, providing nutrients as it grows with the root system..  See package for instructions.

FORM A SHORT BERM by mounding the dirt around the outside of your tree. This will keep water from running off when watered. Over time this dirt will settle and become even with the ground.  

WATER IS LIFE.  Thoroughly soak the ground after planting.  Sandy soils will drain faster than clay heavy soil. For the first 18 months, water 2-3 times per week, 10 gallons total per 1” of trunk thickness as necessary.

CAREFUL: TOO MUCH WATER WILL CAUSE ROOT ROT.  Check the soil to determine if it is still moist from the last watering, skipping a day or so if the soil is still damp.

STAKE YOUR TREE IF NECESSARY. If the tree is shrubby or bottom heavy and shorter than 6', staking will not be required. For best results, sink two or more t-posts in the ground outside of the rootball. Tie the tree approximately halfway up the trunk to secure it.

APPLY A 2” LAYER OF MULCH around the tree, which helps to hold moisture around the root ball.  Keep mulch away from the tree trunk to avoid rot damage. 

FERTILIZE YOUR TREE AFTER 1 YEAR. Fertilizers stimulate canopy growth, which can be a problem if the tree hasn’t established its root system. We recommend using organic liquids instead.

WATCH FOR SIGNS OF STRESS. Detecting problems early on is the key to getting your tree back on track. If your tree’s leaves are turning yellow, it is likely getting too much OR not enough water. Sometimes trees will exhibit stress directly after planting, dropping all or most of their leaves.

Any questions? Sure you do! We all have questions!

Call us at (979) 836-7225

or send an email to info@treesofcentraltexas.com