Care After Planting Urban Maples

In order to reap the many benefits the urban forests

Don't forget to care for your tree once it is planted. Trees in the urban environment need our care.

provides, care needs to continue throughout the life of the tree.

Here are a few tips to care for your newly planted maple.

Watering

Water is a critical factor for tree survival after planting. During the first three years after planting, regular watering is necessary. Too little or too much can kill a tree.
• Water where the roots are. The first year they are right around the root ball. Make sure to expand the watering area as the tree and roots grow.
• Watering devices such as TREEGATORSTM or a five-gallon bucket with holes release water slowly, soaking the soil while minimizing surface runoff.
• Use less frequent but more intense watering sessions, rather than frequent shallow watering.
• It is difficult to prescribe a certain amount of water to apply to a tree. Different trees, soils and weather conditions will affect the amount and frequency. As a general guide, ten gallons of water should slowly be applied once or twice a week if rainfall is insufficient.

Mulching

Maintaining a mulch layer can significantly improve tree health and vigor by:

Mulch Volcano Excavated to Expose Buried Trunk. Mulch should not be touching the trunck. Some trees may develop girdling roots under the mulch pile. The trunk flares is not visable, and note the discoloration on the stem just below the mulch line. This discoloration may develop into disease and decay. (Photo by TLC for Trees)

• conserving soil moisture
• buffering soil temperature extremes
• controlling competing vegetation
• protecting trees from mower damage
• replenishing soil nutrients
• preventing soil compaction by reducing traffic
• Most tree species are adapted to forested environments. Aggressive grasses growing in the rooting zone can significantly reduce the growth and success of a tree.
• Mulch an area roughly three times the width of the root ball. This ensures that growing roots benefit from the mulch layer.
• Lay mulch to a depth of 2-3 inches. Replenish mulch to maintain this depth; doing so will also improve soil structure.
• Never mound mulch around the base of a tree like a volcano. This can result in rot and fungal damage to the root collar. Mounding around the perimeter of the mulched area to create a water retaining berm is OK.

Fertilization

Most Vermont soils contain adequate nutrients to successfully grow trees without the addition of fertilizer. However, fertilizing can help to improve the growth and vigor of young trees, but only if done properly. Obtain a soil test (kits are available through the University of Vermont Extension) to determine if the soil is lacking critical nutrients. If so, keep the following in mind:

• Only apply those nutrients that are deficient in the soil. Applying unnecessary nutrients may be harmful to the tree.
• Don’t over-fertilize young trees. Nitrogen, in particular, can be detrimental by causing excessive foliar growth the roots cannot support.
• Use fertilizers with a low salt index. Expanding roots of young trees are highly sensitive to salt.

Tree Health

It is extremely important to monitor your tree regularly for health problems. Early detection and proper diagnosis is crucial in preventing unnecessary treatments and minimizing damage.

• Check the tree several times each year. The symptoms of various health problems are exhibited at different times.
• Check the crown for discolored foliage, reduced leaf size, early fall coloration and branch dieback.
• Check the stem for insect borer holes, cankers and mechanical injuries.
• Avoid using lawnmowers and string trimmers close to the tree. They can easily cause damage to a tree’s bark and cambium and create entry points for insects and diseases. Properly maintaining mulch will eliminate the problem.
•If you do detect a problem, consult a professional as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.