Gardening Tips - Summer

Watering Notice for Tree Spade Customers!

Proper moisture levels for your tree spade tree may be the difference between life and death to your new tree! The first year is the most critical and observation of the plant's growing condition should be noted several times a week. Checking the new growth gives you the best clues as to what is happening. Optimum growing conditions for your new tree means that it is putting on new leaves even if this process is slowed down by hot weather.

Watering is extremely necessary the first year or two. New tree spade trees need to be watered directly into the root ball. Sprinkler systems usually do not provide enough moisture deep enough into the root ball of the tree spade tree. The soil moisture around the root ball of your tree may be moist while the root ball of the tree itself could be very dry, especially when the temperature is in the 100's. Clear, yellow leaves in the center of the tree are one of the first signs that the tree is in stress for more water. Leaves that show browned crispy edges indicate the tree is not taking up enough water to keep up with its water demands. You must physically check the root ball soil to confirm if your tree is suffering from lack of water. A 12 to 15 inch probe should penetrate easily to its handle.

An old rule for watering plants is when you water, water deeply! Let your hose run slowly at the base of the tree several hours until water has penetrated the root ball. You must physically check for penetration. Too much watering is more harmful than too little (especially in clay soil). Some signs of over-watering are: Wilted plants when the root ball is moist, stunted growth, no new growth, blackened stems and/or water stained edges on the leaves, and a general decline of the plant. Therefore, check the root ball before you start watering.

Mulching your trees now will help retain soil moisture and aid in the establishment of your new tree.

Let us know about any specific problems and we will do our best to give you the answers