AFTER CARE OF SEMI-MATURE TREES

The successful transplanting of your new tree(s) will depend directly on the after care you provide in the first year.


If in doubt - ASK - our helpline is open
Monday to Friday 9am. to 5pm.

OR

Leave a message on our 24 hour answering machine

OR

Fax us

VISUAL APPEARANCE OF NEWLY TRANSPLANTED SEMI-MATURE TREES - WHAT TO EXPECT -

Our semi-mature trees have been commercially grown and prepared for transplanting. Periodically they are either moved around our Nursery 'transplanted' or have their roots partially or fully cut - 'undercutting'. These practices encourage the formation of fibrous roots - the type of roots needed for uptake of nutrients and water from the soil.

Although our trees under go this careful preparation prior to transplanting - most will still exhibit some post-transplant shock.

During the first year after transplanting the tree will often exhibit a "partial leafing". The leaves may be unusually small and/or sparse. This is normal and is nature's way of protecting the tree. Since the root zone has been cut the reduced root area means less top can be supported, less top is therefore produced. Year 2 will see a greater leaf cover - year 3 should see a return to a normal for the species.

WATER CONTROL

Water control is the major factor governing the health and successful transplanting of trees.

It is very difficult to advise on the exact quantity of water to give - application rates vary according to species, soil, site and prevailing weather conditions. One rule however, can be given --a newly transplanted tree (or any plant) must not be allowed to dry out during the first two years after transplanting. Do not wait until you see leaves wilt to apply water - your probably too late! - if in doubt ring us! Equally, be careful excessive water can also be fatal, and cause the tree to wilt.

Year 1

A monitored watering regime should commence around the end of March/early April and continue until the end of October - depending on weather conditions. Once the worst of winter has past and spring is on the way the sap will start to rise in the tree - water will now be essential:-

Apply the water slowly around the tree to avoid excessive run-off or into the underground irrigation tube if fitted. Never put the hose on and leave it running.

The following rates should be used as a guide:

14cm-20cm girth -30l(6 gal) once a week;
20cm-35cm girth -50l(12 gal) once a week;
35cm+ girth - 100l(24 gal) once a week.

Apply this when there has been no appreciable rain for 7 days or when we have experienced drying winds or very high temperatures.

During extended periods of very high temperatures, drying winds or on soils that are very light, apply these rates twice a week.

Year 2

Less artificial watering will be required, as the tree will have established its root system. It may need watering in periods of prolonged hot weather or in drying winds - application rates as in Year 1 - but not on a continuous basis.

Year 3

Again as Year 2.

STAKES & GUYS

Ensure that the tree is not rubbing on the stake and the ties are not loose. Check that the guy wires are tight and there is no chaffing where the tree collar is secured on the tree.

Check that the underground guying is securely fixed. A movement of the soil around the collar of the tree or cracking of the soil surrounding the rootball is an indication that the underground guys may have loosened. These should always be securely fixed and tightened if a movement has occurred. THE GUYS OR STAKES SHOULD REMAIN IN POSITION FOR AT LEAST 3 YEARS AND ON EXPOSED SITES FOR 4-5 YEARS.

PESTS

Ensure that the tree is kept free of aphids, caterpillars, red spider and fungal infections.

GENERAL CARE

Year 1
A meter diameter around the base of the newly planted tree should be kept weed and grass free at all times. A mulch of bark or mushroom compost to a depth of 75mm will help to maintain this vegetation free zone.

Year 2
Top up mulching material to the required 75mm depth. Continue watering in dry spells only - as described above.

Year 3
Treat as in year 2, mulching and watering in very dry hot spells. Overground guy ropes and stakes and ties may be removed after the 3rd spring - underground guying systems do not need removing.

MAINTENANCE CONTRACT

As the successful transplanting of your tree depends almost solely on the aftercare it is given in the first year after transplanting, we do not offer a guarantee that the transplant will be successful unless we have control over the care it is given.

If you would like a guarantee of successful transplantation for your tree(s) we can offer you a maintenance contract for a year where we have planted the tree(s).

Watering will be carried out by yourself, but will be overseen by us, all other care items will be undertaken by us. If the tree dies during the first year it will be replaced free of charge by a tree of similar size and species. No claims for consequential losses or damage will be entertained.

Please ask for a care contract quotation at the time of ordering or planting of your trees.