Bringing Your Tree Home
Once you get your tree home, obviously the first thing you’re going to want to do is plant it. Unfortunately, though, a newly planted tree can sometimes take some time to adapt to its new circumstances. The tree that looked beautiful and healthy at the nursery may suddenly wilt or develop brown leaves.
Recovery and Adaptation Time
Newly planted trees can go through a period of adjustment called transplant shock. This is a totally normal reaction to a stressful event as the tree adapts to its new circumstances. The symptoms of transplant shock are leaves wilting and turning yellow or brown.
It’s important not to overcorrect if your new tree displays these symptoms. The best approach is to keep a close eye on the tree and allow it several weeks to recover. Be sure not to overwater or underwater during this time. If your tree takes a turn for the worse or continues to look unhealthy, you may need to consult with a professional to determine what the problem is.
When to Plant/Water/Fertilize a New Tree
Autumn is typically considered the ideal time of year to plant new trees. During the window of time between the heat of summer and when the ground freezes, it’s fine to plant new trees.
Water the tree immediately after planting it. Newly planted trees need more frequent watering than established trees, but you should avoid overwatering. Check the soil before watering, but expect that you will need to monitor your new tree’s watering needs closely over the first few weeks. In general, new trees need water every two to three days, but this will depend on many factors, including temperature, humidity, and soil conditions.
Fertilizer should not be used on a tree for at least the first year after planting. During this time, the tree will have minimal nutrient needs that should be easily available from the soil. And, in fact, most mature trees also do not need supplemental fertilizer.