If you have one of the new native trees provided by the City of College Park, or if you have recently planted a tree on your own, you will want to do what it takes to help that tree thrive. Trees are designed to survive, sure, but summers are rough in College Park and you can give your tree that extra edge. Here are some tips to help you care for your tree.

1. Give your tree the right amount of water. Watering is the most crucial aspect of tree care. Newly planted trees have small root systems, so their ability to draw water from the soil is rather meager. It is essential to provide them with adequate moisture to ensure their survival. Generally, new trees need about 1 inch of rain per week. If our rainfall is inadequate, you should ensure that your tree gets around 25 gallons of water each week. If the weather is particularly dry, these 25 gallons should be distributed twice weekly; that is, 12½ gallons of water per half-week. These recommendations are approximate and should be supplemented by observing your tree and the vegetation around it. If your tree looks thirsty, water it.

2. Water deeply. A common mistake is shallow watering, which only wets the top layer of soil. Instead, water your tree deeply, allowing the moisture to penetrate the soil and reach the tree's root system. This encourages the roots to grow deeper, making the tree more resilient. Apply water slowly to avoid runoff.

3. Timing can help your watering be more effective. Watering your tree early in the morning or late in the evening is ideal. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day when water can evaporate quickly, before it reaches your tree’s roots.

4. You can also help your new tree with mulch. A layer of mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, applied around the base of the tree conserves soil moisture, suppresses weed growth, and reduces soil temperature. We recommend using the 3-3-3 rule: Apply your mulch in a 3-foot radius (a 6-foot circle around your tree.) The mulch layer should be no more than 3 inches deep. Leave bare or almost bare soil for 3 inches around the trunk to prevent moisture accumulation and potential disease risk. This latter recommendation should give you a donut-shaped ring. Overall, think donut, not volcano.

Finally, you may have to take precautions against our rather large and hungry deer population. If you have a tree species that deer enjoy for lunch, you should protect the tree with rigid plastic deer protection or welded wire fencing around the tree. Attach the deer protection with a wire tie to a stake. In the Fall, male deer may rub their antlers on your tree; needless to say, this is not good for small trees. The same plastic barrier should prevent this as well.

Patience is a virtue when caring for newly planted trees. It takes time for a tree to establish roots and adapt to its new environment. Be vigilant and persistent in providing the necessary care during the early years and your efforts will be rewarded with a healthy, flourishing tree for generations to come.

From the City's Tree and Landscape Board