Fill-in and Mulch

  Once the tree is placed in the receiving hole, the cavity surrounding the ball must be filled-in. A mixture of peat moss and good quality topsoil is worked in all the way around to completely fill the opening. This procedure is an important step to assure that all air pockets are eliminated. Settle the back-fill by thoroughly watering rather than forceful tamping. Once the fill-in process is completed, place two to three inches of organic mulch around the cavity to help regulate soil temperature, retain soil moisture, and prevent lawn mower and weed eater damage. The mulch should not be placed against the trunk where it will hold moisture too close to the bark and cause rot. Keep mulch pulled back at least three to five inches from the trunk.

Watering Process

Trees, which are well cared for from the time of planting, stand a much better chance of staying healthy. Soil around new trees should be kept uniformly moist, not too wet, as roots can be suffocated especially in heavy clay soil.  A standard for good moisture is to provide the equivalent of an inch of rainfall per week. We recommend a slow-drip watering system like a tree gator or similar product. This is an excellent way to prevent overwatering.  Trees require large quantities of water during the growing season in order to carry on the functioning life process. A transplanted tree has lost a lot of water absorbing capacity due to root loss. Once the tree has re-grown the lost root system, it can take care of itself, except in dry years.

Fertilizer

   Newly planted trees should be treated with at least one application of a root stimulate for development of fast-strong root structure. (Follow mixture directions on label). Numerous fertilizer application methods are available; however, the most frequently used, easiest and least expensive is broadcasting a granular or time release fertilizer on the top of the soil. After the application, the area must be watered to dissolve the fertilizer to wash it off the grass and into the soil; this method is inexpensive, requires simple tools, and a short amount of time.