Tree Care Advice
A great resource for more details on tree care can be found at Arbor Day Foundation.
Watering
Water is the key ingredient is successfully growing your new tree. Lack of sufficient water will kill the tree, but even if the tree gets enough water to survive, it will not grow quickly if it gets stressed, especially during the hot summer months.
If you are not going to have irrigation, we recommend that your tree get about 30 gallons of water every 5-7 days for the first 6 months and then every two weeks for the next six months, except in rainy times. This is a guideline and rain, temperature, wind and your soil condition will require you to find the best water timing and amount for your situation. If you are unsure, dig down a few inches before watering or simply stick a piece of rebar down beside the root ball to find out if the soil is dry or still holding plenty of moisture.
Water bags with the brand name of GATOR BAG or OOZE TUBE are excellent for speeding up your water time and for allowing all of the water to stay on the root zone. We try and keep a supply of these on had and will sell them to you at our cost ($20-$25).
If you can, permanent irrigation will allow your tree to avoid any stress and grow at its maximum potential speed. As simple buried PVC pipe system with bubblers at the tree is inexpensive and easy to install. We can help you with the details of irrigation systems.
If you are not going to have irrigation, we recommend that your tree get about 30 gallons of water every 5-7 days for the first 6 months and then every two weeks for the next six months, except in rainy times. This is a guideline and rain, temperature, wind and your soil condition will require you to find the best water timing and amount for your situation. If you are unsure, dig down a few inches before watering or simply stick a piece of rebar down beside the root ball to find out if the soil is dry or still holding plenty of moisture.
Water bags with the brand name of GATOR BAG or OOZE TUBE are excellent for speeding up your water time and for allowing all of the water to stay on the root zone. We try and keep a supply of these on had and will sell them to you at our cost ($20-$25).
If you can, permanent irrigation will allow your tree to avoid any stress and grow at its maximum potential speed. As simple buried PVC pipe system with bubblers at the tree is inexpensive and easy to install. We can help you with the details of irrigation systems.
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The recommendations for water amount and timing above are guidelines. Your situation will vary depending on climate and soil. Interestingly, the sign of under or over water is similar in that the margins of the leaves turn brown.
We have found that many client are unaware of over watering trees and death of the tree can result, especially in soils with high clay content. |
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Fertilization
Most Texas Tree Nurseries use a coated fertilizer (slow release) twice per year. A popular brand is Osmocaote Pro 19-5-9. You can also use organic fertilizer with excellent results. We purchase organic fertilizer from Medina Agricultural Products in Hondo Texas. Medina sells their product in retail outlets around the state. We recommend that you find a source near you and try using a quality organic product. Proper soil, which will be created through use of organic fertilizer, will no doubt speed the growth of your tree and promote good plant health.
Pruning
Trees should be pruned in moderation as needed to remove undesirable limbs or to raise the canopy. Never prune more than 30% of the branches at one time. If you can, it is preferable to prune in the dormant winter months, although minor pruning at other times will not hurt the tree.
Branches should be pruned at the margin or seam line just out from the trunk. To avoid any insect born disease, it is a good idea to paint or spray the prune unless it is the middle of winter or heat of summer.
Branches should be pruned at the margin or seam line just out from the trunk. To avoid any insect born disease, it is a good idea to paint or spray the prune unless it is the middle of winter or heat of summer.
DEER AND Other WILDLIFE PROTECTION
Deer and other wildlife love to tear up newly planted trees, especially during the fall. We sell tree guards that are an effective solution and recommend them for properties with wildlife.
© Blanket Creek Tree Farm west of Utopia, Texas 78884