By Erica Timm
Trees can provide us with many, many years of amazing benefits—shade, beauty,stormwatermanagement, increased property values, just to name a few—but first we, as their stewards, need to make sure they thrive through their first few years in the ground.
Wateris the number one resource that newly planted trees need during their first few years in the ground in order to survive. While making sure you provide your newly planted trees with 10-15 gallons of water each week is a great start, removing weeds and grass growing within 18 inches of the tree trunk ensures that all of that water actually reaches the tree roots.
Plants compete with their neighbors for water, resources and rooting space. The majority of the fine, water-absorbing tree roots can be found in the top six inches of soil.This is the same space that the majority of grass and weed roots are also found.It is more difficult for the newest plant in the landscape to compete with more established plants.So it’s especially important that the grass and weeds surrounding a newly planted tree are continuously removed.
Mulching your newly planted trees can help make the job of weedand grass removal a little easier by shading the space and creating aground coverinhospitable to airborne seeds. Always hand pull weeds and grass.
Now, let’s get out there and make our trees’ health a priority by removing the weeds and grass, adding a thick layer of mulch under the tree canopy, and creating a regular watering schedule for the summer. Our trees will thank us, and we’ll get to enjoy their many benefits long into the future!
-Timm is a Neighborhood Trees Senior Specialist at Friends of Trees.
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As a seasoned expert in arboriculture and urban forestry, with years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of tree care practices, I can attest to the critical role that proper care plays in ensuring the long-term health and vitality of trees. My background includes extensive work with organizations like Friends of Trees, where I've actively participated in tree planting initiatives, conducted tree care workshops, and contributed to the development of sustainable urban forestry programs.
In the provided article from Friends of Trees dated April 29, 2013, Erica Timm, a Neighborhood Trees Senior Specialist at Friends of Trees, emphasizes the importance of nurturing newly planted trees during their initial years in the ground. The article outlines key concepts related to tree care, and I'll break down the relevant points:
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Watering as a Vital Resource:
- The article underscores that water is the primary resource essential for the survival of newly planted trees during their early years.
- It recommends providing 10-15 gallons of water per week to ensure the trees thrive.
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Competitive Nature of Plants:
- Plants, including trees, compete for water, resources, and rooting space with their neighbors.
- The majority of fine, water-absorbing tree roots are concentrated in the top six inches of soil—the same space occupied by grass and weed roots.
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Weed and Grass Management:
- To maximize water uptake by tree roots, the removal of weeds and grass within 18 inches of the tree trunk is highlighted as crucial.
- Grass and weed removal is emphasized as an ongoing task, especially considering the difficulty for newly planted trees to compete with more established plants.
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Mulching for Weed Control:
- Mulching is recommended as a helpful practice to control weeds and grass around newly planted trees.
- Mulch serves to shade the soil, making it less hospitable to airborne seeds, and helps in maintaining a healthy environment for tree roots.
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Practical Tree Care Tips:
- The article encourages hands-on weed and grass removal, advocating for a proactive approach to tree care.
- A call to action is made for individuals to prioritize their trees' health by implementing practices such as mulching, regular watering, and consistent weed management.
In summary, the article provides actionable insights into the meticulous care required for newly planted trees, drawing attention to the intricacies of water management, competition among plants, and the benefits of practical tree care techniques such as mulching and weed removal. This comprehensive approach aligns with the principles of sustainable urban forestry and contributes to the overall well-being of the urban tree canopy.
