A new owner starts by identifying each tree's species, checking it for damage, and protecting the soil over its roots. Deep watering in dry spells and species matched feeding come next, while a large dead limb or a leaning trunk is referred to a certified arborist first.

Why does identifying each tree's species come first?

Because species have different nutritional needs, and a generic fertilizer ignores those differences. Maples need more potassium and micronutrients, oaks a lower nitrogen formula, and evergreens nutrients for year round foliage.

What should be checked on each tree in the first few weeks?

The leaves, canopy, trunk, and root zone. Yellowing between leaf veins, dieback at the branch tips, cracked bark, fungal growth at the base, and compacted soil pooling water are warning signs, while large dead limbs, a leaning tree, or advanced decay call for a certified arborist.

How is the root zone protected during a move or renovation?

By keeping heavy equipment, soil cuts, and added fill outside the dripline, the ground beneath the outer edge of the branches. Roots sit mostly in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil and spread two to three times the branch width, so a fence at or beyond the dripline protects them during remodeling.

How are watering and feeding handled in the first year?

With deep watering across the whole root zone in dry spells, moistening the soil 12 to 24 inches down, and a soil check before any fertilizer.

Pushing the probe of a Rapitest Soil pH Meter into wet soil reads the pH, a measure of soil acidity that affects which micronutrients roots absorb, and selecting TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer by tree type, from over 100 species, keeps the feeding tied to each tree's species.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is fertilizer applied to an established tree?

During active root growth. That is typically spring and fall in temperate climates.

What if a tree's species is not on the fertilizer list?

A general option covers it. The Premium Fertilizer list includes a General choice for species that are not listed.

How is soil moisture checked before watering?

With a screwdriver, probe, or spade. If the soil is cool and moist several inches down, the tree may not need more water.

Should mulch touch the trunk?

No. Mulch is kept 2 to 3 inches deep and pulled away from the trunk.

Should a mature tree be pruned in the first year?

For broken or crossing branches, yes. They are removed in spring before full leaf out, while structural pruning is planned for late winter.