LANDSCAPE AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
Defects such as co-dominant leaders should be corrected in the first year after planting.
YEAR 1 CARE Once trees and shrubs— and even groundcovers and perennials— are in the ground, ensure good establishment by thoroughly soaking them with enough water to fill the air spaces. After the initial watering, it’ s wise to keep“ too much of a good thing” in mind and use the“ moist, not soggy or dry” management technique. Checking for soil moisture with a screwdriver will help monitor the water content.
After soaking, covering the roots with a 2-inch layer of an organic mulch such as wood chips or pine needles will suppress weed growth, eliminate the need to string trim around the trunk, and keep the roots moist. In windswept areas, loosely staking trees will prevent them from being uprooted. Canvas, rubber and linen stakes are especially good in that they will support the tree without damaging the bark as wire can, even if tempered with a garden hose.
Canvas, rubber and linen stakes are especially good in that they will support the tree without damaging the bark. sportsfieldmanagementonline. com April 2025 | SportsField Management
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