4 Essential Rules To Protect Young Trees

The first couple of years after you plant a tree is the most crucial time of its life. That's why it's essential to know the proper watering techniques that your tree needs for it to thrive.

One of the best ways to manage your newly-planted tree is by learning how to prune, stake, and wrap it. Once you know how to do these things, you'll understand how to better care for your tree.

Basic tips for managing a young tree

Pruning

Remember not to overdo it, especially on a young tree. Experts say that it's even best to leave it alone for the first twelve months, except when you're getting rid of any dead or broken branches. One tip that you need to remember when tree pruning is to divide it into thirds. The first one-third is the roots, the other one-third is the tree's trunks, and the third remaining is the foliage area. If you get rid of an excessive amount of foliage, then there's a big chance that the plant won't fully recover. Also, trees need foliage to help them produce food. So, removing an excessive amount can only cause it to be under stress. But if you want to do it, you need to wait for a few years before you can get rid of the lower limbs.

Wrapping

Most people often plant their trees on the northwest side of the property to help block the wind. Yet, wind can still desiccate it even at that angle. Meanwhile, planting the trees on the southeast side of the property can cause the tree's bark to suffer from the sun's excessive heat, especially when not protected. That's why it's essential to plant your tree depending on your landscape conditions to protect it from getting injured. For instance, poplar is prone to sunscald while oaks aren't, so you need to find the right location that'll help it thrive.

Mulching

It would be best if you also considered adding at least a three-layer of mulch to help prevent weeds from occupying the young tree's base. Neglecting to do so would only cause the weed to take the moisture and nutrients away from your tree. Mulching also gives your tree additional 
protection from string trimmers, which could potentially damage its barks.

Staking

Staking isn't always a must in every situation. Although it can help provide your young tree with added stability, there's no need to stake young trees unless they're feeble. But if ever your tree needs one, it's best to use a rubber collar made from used pieces of hose. Doing so will help shield the tree's bark from the metal guide war. Also, please don't place the wire above a crotch so that it won't slip. 

Seeing your tree grow from a seedling is a memorable experience. So, try your best to manage it in the best way possible so that you can see its full potential. Although it may take years before you see it full-grown, looking at it as it grows can somehow make you feel attached to it.