Planting a tree seems like it’s easier yet also harder to take care of than other plants. They seem to be much sturdier than the usual vegetable, but they also seem to be so hard to grow from saplings to those large big trees you see in your backyard.
If in the right environment with the right factors and adequate tree care, some trees can stand the test of time. Some have lasted thousands of years, and some are still standing until now, but not all trees are like that.
Some people have problems growing trees in their backyard, with most of them dying a year or two. In this article, we list 5 things that a tree needs to be healthy.
WATER
Just like almost all plants in the world, your trees need water too. Don’t think that just because they already have roots buried deep in the soil, they won’t be needing some watering anymore. Although they are sturdier than most plants, they still need their fair share of water to survive.
If it hasn’t rained for weeks, check your tree to see if they need some refreshment. Mature trees usually need an inch of water per week, but that estimate is dependent on the species.
Know your tree, find out how much water it needs, and find out what environment it thrives in (humid, wet, or dry). New trees require between 4 – 10 gallons of water per week during its first few months.
FERTILIZER
A tree is usually fertilized by dead plants, animal’s faces, and other decaying matter in its natural environment. However, in our yards, we don’t get the same amount of fertilizer because we like to keep them clean. We remove natural nutrients and decaying matter like leaves and grass clipping, and it stops your tree from getting their daily juice!
Fertilizing solves that problem. Applying a slow-release fertilizer regularly to release nutrients into the soil is the way to keep your trees satisfied and healthy. Testing your soil to see what nutrients it lacks is also a great thing to try.
MULCH
If you’re wondering what those piles of things are on your neighbor’s backyard’s surface, unless it’s garbage and your neighbor is just very messy, it’s probably mulch. Mulch is a layer of biodegradable materials applied to the surface of the soil.
Applying much is both the right way to conserve soil moisture and improve the soil’s fertility and health. It reduces weed growth and even enhances the visual appeal of the area if done correctly.
Mulch insulates tree roots, protects them from getting lawn mower cuts, and helps prevent dry soil. If your tree is still having problems, even though you try to water it as often as you can and fertilize the soil, mulching might be your solution.
PRUNE
Pruning your tree does wonders to improve the tree’s structure and removes any deadwood from holding them back. Think of trees as your hair. Even though you apply the right conditioner and minerals to your hair, you need to cut them every once in a while to cut the split-ends and the dry hair.
Only do major pruning when the tree is dormant and doesn’t have any leaves if possible. If your tree isn’t like that, you can prune them before they start growing new leaves. You can focus on tidying up and clearing out small, dead, or damaged twigs in summer.
THE RIGHT TREE
Not all trees can be planted in the same area, and not all trees will flourish in the same place. Some trees are deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves during fall time and start growing them back during spring, and some are coniferous (a.k.a evergreens), that grow green leaves all year.
Some can survive the harsh deserts in Africa, while some trees love humid environments. Each species of tree has different requirements for holistic and healthy growth.
Make sure to check out what tree flourishes in your area (preferably native species) and choose them instead of ones that don’t naturally grow in your site because they might end up becoming an invasive species. And might potentially be harmful to your little critters in the backyard.
Pick one meant for your area and find yourself a spot that ensures your tree gets enough sun and with enough ample space for it to grow fully.
Lastly, before digging and planting your trees, make sure you aren’t growing your tree near power lines, water pipes, or underground utility lines for your neighbors or home.
