How to Manage Pests

Care of young trees and shrubs

New plants may need to be irrigated frequently during hot, dry weather.  Be sure to wet the root ball directly; avoid ponding water around the trunk and avoid wetting the trunk.  Allow the soil surface to dry between waterings.  Increase the interval between irrigations as plants become established and encourage good root growth through less frequent, thorough soakings.  Avoid frequent sprinkling that wets only the surface; this encourages undesirable shallow root growth and will not satisfy the plant's need for water.

Fertilize woody plants sparingly during their first growing season.  Nitrogen is usually the only nutrient to which woody plants respond.  Use slow-release fertilizers; quick-release fertilizers can harm young roots and retard plant growth if applied too heavily.

During the first few years of growth, prune young woody plants to encourage good structure and remove damaged or diseased stems; establishing a central leader or dominant main terminal is important.  Avoid excessive pruning, which may retard growth.  Remove weeds, turf, and ground covers that grow near the trunk of young trees; they can seriously retard young woody plant growth.