Tree Establishment Care

Proper tree establishment care is essential to a tree's long-term health and survival. Learn how to care for your newly planted trees for the first few years so your tree will provide maximum benefits to you and your community.

Watering

Newly planted trees must be watered regularly for the first 1-3 years. During the summer dry season (roughly May to October), deep-root watering is recommended. Begin with 15 gallons of water per tree per week, and adjust as needed. During the remaining months of the year, monitor the root zone for dryness and water as needed. Good watering practices will promote vigorous growth, ensure well-formed root development, and help produce a beautiful tree for years to come.

How to water a new tree for establishment:

• Newly planted trees generally need about 10-30 gallons of water each week in dry conditions. Healthy, mature trees generally don’t need to be watered. Watering during rainy winter months is not necessary.
• Watering slowly will help penetrate the soil deeper. Watering can be done with a hose for several minutes a week. Watering tubes and 5-gallon buckets with holes in the bottom that are placed next to the tree trunk are other ways to deliver water to your tree.
• Although it is possible to over water a new tree, it is difficult to do in a dry summer. When in doubt, water.
• If water starts to run off the surface, water at a slower rate, water on the other side of the tree, or loosen up any hard surface on the soil so the water can percolate into the ground.
• Watering a tree deeply about once a week is generally better than providing a shallow watering more often. Deep watering encourages roots to grow deeper, and deeper roots do not dry out as quickly as surface roots. 
• It can take up to five years for a newly planted tree to establish itself in its new environment. Frequent waterings for the first 2-3 years is recommended for optimal tree health. Good watering practices during the establishment period are important to the tree’s survival.
• When watering, take advantage of the looser wet soil and remove any weeds or grass from around the tree. Mulch can also be added, but remember to keep the mulch from touching the base of the tree.

Mulching

Maintaining a layer of mulch around newly planted trees has many benefits. Mulch will help to control the growth of grass and weeds that compete with your tree for resources. Mulch will also help the tree to retain moisture, regulate temperature extremes, and as the mulch breaks down, it adds nutrients to the soil.

How to mulch a new tree for establishment:

• Remove grass and weeds in a 3-foot circle around the base of the tree. Take care not to damage your tree's roots when removing grass and weeds.
• Choose a mulch made from organic material such as wood chips or bark chips. Inorganic materials such as stones and rocks are not recommended as they may get hot and do not improve the soil over time.
• Stay 3 inches away from the trunk of the tree. Do not allow the mulch to be in contact with the base or trunk of the tree.
• Apply a 2 to 4-inch layer of mulch in a 3-foot circle around the tree. If the mulch layer is too thick, it can reduce air circulation to the roots.
• Reapply mulch each year, or as needed to maintain a 2 to 4-inch layer surrounding the tree.

Residents can request free wood-chip delivery from PGE

Pruning

After 1-3 years of establishment, trees should be pruned to remove poorly connected branches and to train the tree for street, sidewalk and building clearances. Learn more about tree pruning here.

Questions? Contact the Urban Forest Department at urbanforest@milwaukieoregon.gov or 503.786.7655