Photo courtesy of Marina Cast. at Flickr.com.
Although it seems counterintuitive, it’s possible to harm a newly-planted tree by treating it too well. Most gardeners have a tendency to put too much organic matter into the hole the tree goes in, in an attempt to fertilize it and help it get off to a good start. However, this can be a delicate balancing act, especially if the surrounding soil is compact or offers fewer nutrients than the organic material you’ve placed in the hole.
This is not to say that you shouldn’t add fertilizer or compost; it’s always a good idea to give a new tree a nutrient boost. So do add a moderate amount of organic matter to the hole. But realize that if you add too much, the roots won’t spread very fast or very far in their search for nutrients. As a result, the tree won’t become well anchored, and may end up less drought-resistant or more easily blown over than would normally be the case.
Don’t miss this article on the unexpected benefits of trees. And, check out these tree watering products: Ooze Tube tree watering system and watering stake for trees.
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