Sustainable Horticulture :: Creating Healthy Landscapes

Proper Practices

Maintain a thick layer (at least 2") of well-drained organic mulch (topdressing) throughout the planting area
Keep mulch 2-3 inches away from the plants' trunks to avoid problems with excess moisture or diseases
Use mulch or other barriers to protect plants from mowever or other equipment
Create a temporary berm around the edge of the planting hole to help provide moisture to the plant - be sure to remove the berm before the wet season begins
Water plants as often as needed during the first 1 or 2 dry seasons to help roots and plants establish
Fertilize only when needed, providing only nutrients that are deficient (e.g. in the Pacific Northwest, nitrogen is typically the only limiting nutrient)
Prune only dead, damaged, or diseased materials during the first year after installation
Begin any other pruning (to shape or train the plant) 1 or 2 years after installation
Remove any staking or shelters within 1 year after installation
Have a trained professional monitor plant health and treat and pest or pathogen problems
Regularly remove encroaching turf and weeds to reduce competition

Practices to Avoid

Avoid the following practices, which will at best be a waste of time and money, and at worst harm or kill the plant:

The following practices are generally unnecessary and should be used only in limited situations:

Trunk painting: perform only if the plant has no low branches and is exposed to direct sunlight
Root control: use only if problems arise with paved areas, sewers, foundations, or heavy weed infestations
Staking or tree shelters: use only if needed for stability; stakes should be low (on the bottom 2/3 of the trunk) and loose enough to allow the plant to move and develop taper
Trunk wrapping: use only in places with extremely cold winters

Once you have installed your plants, it is important to provide proper aftercare to help the plants grow and thrive. The first 2-5 years are especially important. If you are working on a public site or utilizing volunteers, it helps to have a management plan detailing the following: