Raising a Tree from Birth

Planting a baby tree can be an exciting event. If you want to ensure that your tree grows to its full potential, then you need to learn how to take care of it. Not only is this crucial in its first few years of development, but throughout its life in full. Proper care and pruning will help you to grow a strong, durable, healthy, aesthetically pleasing tree.

When deciding what type of tree to plant, you need to consider what will grow well in your area. You may decide to hire an arborist to make sure your soil can support the types of trees you wish to consider.

The next consideration is size. Do not make the mistake of planting your tree too close to a tree, sidewalk or power lines. If you live on a street corner or near an intersection, check with your local transportation department about rules and regulations concerning how far away from the street or corner the tree must be planted. Make sure that when it is full grown, it will not obstruct the view of motorist pulling out from an intersection. The city may decide to cut it down if it poses a hazard to drivers.

Remember that a grown tree not only takes up a lot of space above ground, but below ground as well. Consider septic systems, cement slabs, water lines and buried cables that tree roots could interfere with. This is especially true in Texas where tree roots tend to stay shallower, but spread to cover an expansive area. Again, this is a great time to enlist the help of a local arborist that will be able to point out all of the considerations for your area.

Once the tree is selected and planted in a good location, you should water it weekly unless you have been getting a lot of rain. Water it more if the weather is hot. Trees planted in Texas need to be watered about two to three times a week during the summer months. Water in the afternoon or at night to ensure that the water is absorbed into the ground instead of evaporated immediately by the summer sun. Do not overwater your tree!

If you do hire an arborist, have them analyze the soil and determine if any special fertilizers are needed. You may decide to mulch around the base of the tree to hold in more moisture as well.

A professional tree service provider can be used to ensure that your tree is properly trimmed and cared for. Using an arborist for tree services and trimming can help ensure the heartiest, healthiest trees possible.

About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading tree service provider in Central Texas (Travis County and surrounding areas) offering services such as pruning and removals, cabling and bracing as well as arborist reports, diagnostics, pest management, fertilization and tree trimming Austin trusts. For more information please visit http://www.centraltexastreecare.com.