habitat creation | tree planting

introduction
tree planting methods
tree aftercare

Tree Aftercare

People often forget about trees once planted, but aftercare is just as important as any of the factors mentioned already. For example, Weeds can smother young trees, and compete for soil moisture and nutrients. Weed control is essential for the first 3 - 5 years:

Mulching - The simplest form of mulching is to turn the turf over and place around the tree thus killing the grasses originally on the top. Mulch mats can be purchased that do the same job, but are expensive - use plastic bin bags as an alternative. Other mulches include wood chips, manure or gravel. Wood chip can rot the tree if too much is around the base of the tree. All have the advantage of keeping the moisture in the soil around the tree, and wood chip or manure (organic) mulches slowly decompose, thus acting as a food source for the developing tree.

Cutting - Carried out once at the peak of summer (June - July). By cutting grasses around the trees to a diameter of 1 metre, with a hand scythe or strimmer. Care should be taken when using hand tools, as it possible to damage the stems of the trees.

These are non-herbicide methods which should not harm the flora and fauna around the trees, the long term effects of herbicides are still not known. Today we can avoid using them altogether with a bit of planning.

Watering - Prolonged drought can kill off young trees, especially if they are newly planted. Ensure that the soil has some moisture when planting and if necessary water using a hose during the dry months. Organic mulches will help to retain moisture, therefore reduce the frequency of watering.

Tree protection - There are a number of species which attack young trees and also when they get older. For example, rabbits, muncjac deer & squirrels (the latter two are non native species to England). Areas can be fenced off to keep out larger grazers, whereas individual tree guards keep off animals that can get under fences! Tree guards also protect the trees from invasive grasses, high winds and continued protection from grazers once established.

habitat creation | tree planting

Tree Aftercare

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