Fertilizer should not be applied to newly planted trees until after one growing season. Wait until the trees have leafed out next spring to apply the one yearly application of fertilizer for your trees. Mulching around the base of your new transplants would be quite beneficial, especially this year with our drought conditions and watering restrictions. If your tree is planted in a lawn area, remove the turf from around the base of the tree in a 2-foot circumference and apply mulch 2- 4 inches deep. This will eliminate turf competition and protect the tree from lawn mower damage. The mulch will also help keep soil moisture and temperatures more uniform, reducing the need for frequent watering. It will encourage good water and air movement into the soil, creating an environment favorable for root growth and, therefore increasing the health and vigor of the tree. Wood chips, bark chunks or similar materials are recommended as good mulch around trees because they won't blow away and will break down slowly. A landscape fabric can be put down before the mulch to prevent weed growth. Do not use solid polyethylene sheet plastic because, although it is very effective at blocking weed growth, it also is equally effective at blocking air and water movement to the roots. After a time, the plastic may suffocate and kill the plant. Landscape fabric excludes weeds but will still allow air and water penetration.

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