Tree Care Guide
Tree Care Guide Post Planting
Call or text
(403) 256 2089
Tree Care Guide
Tree Care Guide
Post Planting
Call or text
(403) 256 2089
Know Your Plant: Matching Care to Plant Type
1. Coniferous Trees (Spruce, Pine, Fir)
Example: Colorado Blue Spruce, Lodgepole Pine
Key Care Tips:
Key Care Tips:
- Prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture
- Mulch generously to retain soil moisture
- Sensitive to salt and winter wind — consider wrapping in winter
2. Deciduous Prairie-Hardy Trees (Maple, Birch, Ash, Elm)
Example: Colorado Blue Spruce, Lodgepole Pine
Key Care Tips:
Key Care Tips:
- Prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture
- Mulch generously to retain soil moisture
- Sensitive to salt and winter wind — consider wrapping in winter
3. Shrubs (Lilac, Dogwood, Spirea, Ninebark)
Example: Common Purple Lilac, Red Twig Dogwood
Key Care Tips:
Key Care Tips:
- Great for hedges or borders
- Benefit from spring pruning to control shape
- Water consistently in summer heat; mulch to prevent soil drying
4. Perennials (Hosta, Daylily, Coneflower)
Example: Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Hosta
Key Care Tips:
Key Care Tips:
- Thrive in well-prepared beds with good soil
- Divide and thin every few years to promote blooms
- Add compost in early spring
Watering Guide: Seasonal Care
Proper watering is crucial, especially in the first 1–3 years as roots establish.
🌸 Spring
- Begin watering once the ground has fully thawed
- Water deeply 1–2 times per week, depending on weather
- Best done in morning to minimize evaporation
- Watch for leaf-out — that’s when water demand increases
☀️ Summer
- Water deeply and consistently in the early morning or late evening
- Trees under stress will wilt, drop leaves, or brown at tips
- Use slow-release water bags (available from us) to reduce watering effort and deliver consistent hydration
- Conifers especially benefit from slow, deep watering
🍂 Fall
- Keep watering until the ground freezes, especially conifers
- This builds up internal moisture for winter survival
- One last deep soak in late fall is key for evergreens
❄️ Winter
- Watering is usually not needed unless there’s a mild winter with no snow cover
- For young evergreens, apply anti-desiccant spray and wrap in burlap to protect from windburn and winter sunscald
- Avoid piling snow or salt near the trunks
Staking Newly Planted Trees
Staking supports young trees while they establish roots — but it must be done correctly and temporarily.
✅ When to Stake:
- Tall, narrow trees (e.g., columnar species)
- Wind-exposed sites
- Sloped areas
- Loosely rooted soil
🛠️ How to Stake:
- Use two flexible straps on opposite sides of the tree
- Stakes should be just outside the root ball
- Secure with soft, flexible ties that won’t cut into bark
🕒 How Long?
- Typically remove after 1 growing season (or 12 months)
- Leaving stakes too long can weaken trunk development
Mulching Matters
Mulch is a low-cost, high-benefit care step:
- Apply 2–3 inches around the base of the tree (no mulch volcanoes!)
- Keep mulch 2–3 inches away from the trunk
- Retains moisture, prevents weeds, regulates temperature
- We sell organic bark mulch in bulk for landscape contractors
Pruning & Maintenance Tips
✂️ When to Prune:
- Late winter to early spring for most trees
- After flowering for shrubs like lilacs and spirea
- Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches anytime
✂️ What to Prune:
- Suckers and watersprouts
- Broken or rubbing branches
- Double leaders on young trees (to encourage a strong central trunk)
Signs of Stress to Watch For
Top Signs to look for
- Yellowing or browning leaves: Can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or transplant shock
- Wilting: Lack of moisture or root damage
- Sparse foliage or early leaf drop: Nutrient deficiency or root stress
📸 Take photos and send them to our team — we’re happy to help you assess the issue!
🧑🌾 Pro Tip: Set Up a Maintenance Schedule
Water: Weekly deep watering for first 2–3 years
Mulch: Top up annually
Prune: Annually or bi-annually depending on species
Fertilize: Only after first year, using slow-release fertilizer
Mulch: Top up annually
Prune: Annually or bi-annually depending on species
Fertilize: Only after first year, using slow-release fertilizer
Questions or need help?
Reach out to our team — we’re happy to offer recommendations and guidance for:
- Tree & shrub selection
- On-site planting consultation
- Wholesale support for landscaping projects
- Custom watering plans for estates or commercial sites
