Caring for Your Adopted Tree

1.      Before you dig call Sunshine at  1-800-432-4770.  They will mark under ground utility lines free of charge.

2.      Dig a hole 2 times the diameter of the root ball and no deeper than the root ball’s height.  In compacted or poorly drained soils, elevate the root ball by berming up with a loose, sandy soil.

3.      Back-fill with the removed soil, adding water to eliminate air pockets.

4.      Form a 4-6 inch high berm or saucer out of the excess dirt and sod, approximately 1 foot out from the trunk.

5.      Add 3 inches of mulch to the top of the berm, being careful to keep the mulch 6 inches from the tree trunk.

1.      If you fertilize your lawn it is not necessary to add supplemental fertilizer to your tree.  Do not use weed and feed type fertilizers within the drip line (the area that the limbs extend out to) since it may be harmful to the tree.

2.      If you do not fertilize the lawn and it appears that the tree has some deficiencies such as discoloring of the leaves, spread fertilizer on the surface within the drip line.  Fertilizers with a ratio of 3 parts nitrogen, 1 par phosphorus and 2 parts potassium (for example 16-4-8) are recommended, or as determined from a soil analysis.  Follow the application rates indicated on the fertilizer label.

1.      Newly planted trees require water every day with 3 gallons per inch of trunk caliper for the first month and every other day for the next 3 or 4 months.  Water as needed for the remainder of the first year.

2.      Water by hand only.  Use a hose with an automatic on/off switch or use a bucket.  This complies with current watering restrictions.

3.      If soils are poorly drained, water less frequently.

1.      Do not prune your tree for 2 years because it need to become established.  After initial pruning, prune every 5 years.

2.      Remove dead or broken limbs as soon as they occur.

3.      Never cut the top of a tree off (topping)!  Topping initiates decay, and ruins the natural shape of the tree.

For more about trees, call us at Orange County/University of Florida Extension at 407-836-7570.  We’ll be happy to help you with additional information upon request.

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