Planting a new tree or shrub is a big commitment—not just because of all the watering you’ll do, but because these plants will most likely live on your property longer than you will! Since your new tree or shrub is about to be a permanent (or near-permanent) fixture in your landscape, you’ll want to know how to give your new planting a healthy start before you bring it home from the garden centre. Here are our top tips for your tree or shrub’s first year!
Once your new tree or shrub is in the ground, the first task on your checklist should be watering. Newly-planted trees and shrubs don’t need much hands-on care, but they do need lots of water in their first year.
Watering should be done deeply. A deep watering is much better than frequent shallow watering as it encourages roots to grow down into the soil in search of that water. Immediately after planting, water all around the root ball to settle any air pockets and ensure there’s plenty of water available for your new planting’s roots. On average, a new tree needs a couple of gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter. To encourage strong root growth, continue to offer a long, deep soak like this every 5-7 days, depending on weather and soil type.
Mulching is also a ‘must’ after any new planting. After the initial watering, lay a 2-inch layer of mulch over the root ball area, avoiding direct contact between the mulch and the trunk or main stem(s). This acts as insulation to slow the evaporation of moisture from the soil surface, while also stabilizing the soil temperature through weather fluctuations.
Staking is not necessary for shrubs and is only recommended for trees if they’re in an exposed location where there’s potential for wind to cause damage or uproot the tree. If you do need to stake your tree, remove the stake after the first year.
Protection of new trees and shrubs is strongly recommended, as critters like deer and rabbits absolutely love to nibble and gnaw on the tender vegetation. Tree guards are great for protecting the trunks from hungry bunnies, and chicken wire is effective at protecting new plantings from deer. You can also use repellent products like Plantskydd to safely and humanely dissuade animals for taking a chomp out of your baby plants.
Check leaves and trunk regularly for signs of disease or pest infestation, and be very careful not to ding them with string trimmers or lawnmowers. (Mulching is also useful for providing a wide, weedless berth around that delicate trunk!)
In the winter, some shrubs, trees and evergreens benefit from wrapping in burlap or another protective cover, like rose cones. Ask a specialist at the garden centre what kinds of cold weather protection your plant may need for its first few winters.
Pruning in the early days of your tree should only take place if necessary. Trim dead, diseased, or damaged areas of the plant. The stress of transplanting is hard on a new tree or shrub, so focus on correct watering rather than doing a lot of shaping. If the plant flowers in summer or fall, it can be pruned during its dormant period in the fall or very early spring. Spring-flowering shrubs, on the other hand, should be pruned immediately after flowering, no earlier than the second year after planting. Focus on thinning areas where the branches may begin to cross over or any limbs that are growing awkwardly.
There are no stupid questions when it comes to planting trees or shrubs! Here are a few that we hear often at Royal City Nursery:
Just like any plant, new trees and shrubs can succumb to overwatering. The reason I recommend deep, but infrequent watering is, in part, to prevent a new tree or shrub from drowning in oversaturated soil. This method encourages roots to grow deep into the soil while allowing time for excess water to drain through.
Yes, starting with the soil you use to backfill your new planting. Backfill with a peat-enriched soil mixture of 75% triple mix and 25% compost. You can then use a tree and shrub food, such as Fafard Tree and Shrub Fertilizer, to help promote fast recovery and strong growth. As with any product, always be sure to follow the package instructions to the letter.
While this can vary by variety, trees and shrubs are generally established after 1-2 years.
Have a question that isn’t listed here? Don’t be shy! You can reach out to us on social media through our Instagram or Facebook pages, or stop by our garden centre in Guelph for more personalized advice and recommendations. Happy planting!
