Trees are a wonderful investment for any property and a piece of living history that will last generation after generation. While mature trees can be quite resilient, saplings and younger trees that have been recently transplanted could struggle with their new environment. For those that have recently placed a young tree on their property, here are a few key steps to keep flora thriving all year long.
Proper Lighting
All trees must be planted in an area with at least six hours of uninterrupted sunshine per day. While older and larger trees will be able to maximize sunlight, smaller trees may die off early when competing with established vegetation. It is also vital to not plant within two meters of any buildings, pipes, or sidewalks. For flowering trees or fruit-bearing trees, a minimum of 15 feet is needed between each specimen.
Soil Preparation and Fertilizing
While some hardier trees will only need minimal supervision once their roots are well-established, growing trees are going to need a variety of fertilization and soil treatments. Most owners are going to want to begin by testing their own local soil to get a general idea of the pH level and the appropriate nutrients that may be needed. It is also important to speak with a tree specialist like Arborcare Tree Service Ltd in Calgary in order to discuss what will be required in terms of root protection during the coldest and hottest months of the year. Typical fertilization and soil treatments take place twice a year, during the spring and fall.
Pruning
Specialists often cite that pruning a tree can be relatively difficult in a tree’s first few years and to only remove dead, dying, or diseased limbs. For those that are unsure of how to properly prune, it is important to contact a specialist to avoid any irreversible damage. It is also essential for tree owners to keep in mind that under-pruning is much easier to fix than over-pruning.
Disease and Fungus
From black knot disease to fireblight, few things are as difficult to deal with as a highly-infected tree. Typically, these afflictions are caused by fungus, insects, or other foreign pathogens that can quickly move from tree to tree. This is why all tree owners are going to want to thoroughly inspect their trees at least once a year. When not caught in the earliest stages, many of these diseases will result in a tree that is completely untreatable and must be removed from the property.
Stick to these keys, and your new trees will have a prime shot at a long and full life.