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Tree Planting Guide
Newly planted trees and shrubs go into a state of shock after planting. Every tree/shrub reacts differently, some take to their new environment with ease and some struggle. Early indications of transplant shock surface in several ways including wilting or falling leaves, premature fall colour, dying branches and, in serious cases, death. Transplant shock can also make a newly planted tree more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Learn how you can properly care for your newly planted trees and shrubs by following the steps on the back of this card. ArborCare® provides a one -year warranty on all trees and shrubs that are supplied and installed by ArborCare; however, drought-related issues are not under warranty.*
*Lack of water can severely limit a plant’s growth. The effects of drought on trees and shrubs can be characterized as short-term or long-term. Short-term damage, caused by one dry spell, includes wilting, leaf scorch and some defoliation. Long-term damage from drought happens over a period of years and includes stunted growth, branch die-back, and possible death of the plant. Leaves wilt or roll, turn off-color and drop. Conifer needles drop while current season needles may turn yellow, then brown and are smaller. It is recommended to notify ArborCare about any issues concerning the health of your newly planted tree/shrubs. Health assessments of newly planted trees/shrubs are free and recommended if there is cause for concern.
Simple Steps to Help Your Trees & Shrubs

MULCH
Mulching is an inexpensive, easy way to increase the health of your trees! Mulching with wood chips provides many benefits for your plants. It keeps the soil cool, helps retain moisture, provides nutrients, can keeps mowers/string trimmers away from the trunk and it looks nice. Mulch can also protect the roots of newly planted trees.
- Keep all wood chips at least 4-6 inches away from the base of the trunk.
- Extend wood chips at least to the edge of the canopy, but the further, the better.
- Apply wood chips 2-4 inches deep.
- Want ArborCare to professionally install mulch? Give us a call or book online.

WATER
Water is critical for newly planted trees and shrubs.
- Recommend utilizing a watering bag for a maximum of two years. This applies to deciduous 15 or 20-gallon potted stock, and 50mm and 60mm caliper only. Evergreens typically do not require a watering bag.
- Keep the root ball moist, but not soaked. Too much water is just as bad as not enough water.
- Apply the water over the root ball and the planting area, not on the trunk. Do not allow a sprinkler system to splash water on the trunk or leaves.
- Water every 2-3 days.
- Water more during hot months and less during cold months.
- Feel the soil: it’s the best way to check whether the plant needs water. Dig out a bit of dirt (not mulch) from the ground under the canopy. Roll it around in your fingers. If the soil is moist, no water is needed. If it is dry, time to water.
- Simply look at the leaves. If they appear dry you may need to water.

FERTILIZER
Wurzel Dip is applied to the roots during the planting process. Wurzel Dip is an environmentally friendly plant root growth enhancer that promotes healthy plant material by stimulating fibrous root growth. Synthetic or organic fertilizers should only be applied after the first growing season.