City of Bowling Green, Kentucky

Mulching 

• Conserves moisture
• Reduces turf grass, weed competition
• Protects from lawnmower, trimmer damage
• Apply over root system out to drip line (branch tips)
• Apply 3-4 inch depth, mulch should not touch trunk of tree
• Bark chips, ground bark, pine needles, compost are best.

Common Mistakes:

• Mulch too deep - water does not reach root system
• Volcano mulching (mulch piled up against tree trunk) - traps moisture against trunk, encourages fungal activity,results in decay of wood and insect activity, encourages shallow rooting

Watering

• Single most important task
• Watering timetable depends on rainfall received
• Moisture holding capacity of soil
• Drainage characteristics of site
• General rule - 1 inch every 7 to 10 days during first growing season
• Inspect once a week to determine if watering is necessary
• Inspect more often during hot, dry weather
• Deep, infrequent watering is best
• Water slowly and lightly

Common Mistakes:

• Over watering - suffocates root system
• Rapid, frequent watering - encourages shallow rooting
• Hard, fast watering - causes soil compaction, runoff, water does not reach root system
• Frequent trunk wetting - encourages fungal activity, decay

Fertilization

• Not recommended at time of planting
• Research has shown it to be ineffective until tree has re-established its root system

Mycorrhizae

• Naturally occurring in native forest soils
• Beneficial fungi that help tree roots absorb water and nutrients
• Research has shown to have limited benefits
• May be beneficial in poor quality sub-soil where topsoil, organic layers have been removed

Pruning

• Limit at planting time to removing broken, crossing, rubbing branches, alleviating structure problem
• Remove basal sprouts
• Encourage a central leader
• Leave lower branches on the tree to stimulate root and trunk diameter growth

Common Mistakes:

• Do not thin the tree to compensate for root loss
• Do not raise lower limbs, these will help add girth to trunk and root growth
• Pruning paints and sealers do not prevent decay or promote rapid closure, not recommended
• Pruning Flush cutting branch back to trunk is incorrect, it wounds the trunk and causes decay.
• Make the cut along branch collar.

Staking

• Only when necessary, bare root, small container, large tree especially conifers, exposed or windy site
• Attached to tree low on trunk
• Use soft flexible web belting or other soft, wide, flexible material

Tree Establishment

• Staking or guying
• Used to prevent movement of root system-- movement of top of tree is desirable and will strengthen tree
• Should be checked regularly to prevent girdling and removed after one year
• Do not drive stake into root ball, anchor firmly outside of planting hole

Common Mistakes:

• Using wire or thin rope around trunk – will damage, tear bark and girdle trunk if left on too long
• Staking left on too long – result in weak tree unable to support itself

Trunk Protection

• Short tubing may be used to protect from string trimmers
• Trunk wraps are not recommended
• Recent research shows Temperature differentials are greater at bark with wrap Holds moisture on bark leading to fungal, insect activity

Just the Beginning

• All trees planted will need care and attention throughout their life span.
• Future ongoing maintenance should be a part of your tree planting plans.