MANAGING AND 5 CARING FOR TREES Thousands of young trees die through lack of aftercare. However, everyone can play a part in helping to change this. They can give a few minutes of essential annual care to any trees they have recently planted – and this section explains what this involves. They can also keep an eye on young trees in their communities and, if they seem to be needing care, encourage whoever owns or manages them to do something about it. This section also looks at the various management techniques used to care for trees of all ages — including mature and ancient trees. However, most of these should only be carried out by experts. 2 MANAGING AND CARING FOR TREES MANAGING AND CARING FOR TREES 3 Caring for newly-planted trees If watering standard and semi-mature trees, Mulching Loose organic mulches give them a very thorough soak – about 50 to Mulching is a simple and effective way of Spread a layer of organic material – 50 to Annual care for trees in their first five years 75 litres per tree (10 to 15 gallons), controlling weeds and it also: Q 100mm (2 to 4in) deep – around the stem in is vital. Large numbers of young trees die depending on the size, every other week in keeps the ground moist and cool a circle of about 1m (3ft) diameter. from neglect, especially from the failure to dry weather during the growing season. Q means there is no need to use lawn mowers carry out basic weed control. or strimmers near the tree, risking damage For woodlands, spread the mulch over the Watering ‘little and often’will only to the bark which might kill the tree entire planting area. For information about caring for new trees encourage surface rooting, increasing the Q avoids using chemicals. before planting, see section 4, Tree planting tree’s vulnerability to drought and scorching Keep mulch away from the stem to avoid rot. – planning and practice. by the sun. Organic mulches also gradually improve the soil as they decompose, particularly if it is It is important to check on newly-planted Fertilising compacted or eroded. trees and woodlands at least once a year and This should not usually be necessary, even carry out a few simple maintenance tasks for trees planted on poor soil, provided Mulches are especially useful for trees of including: plenty of compost or manure was put in the standard size and over, and planting Q watering (if necessary) planting pit. This organic matter will include community woodlands. They should be Q fertilising (if necessary) enough slow release nutrients to sustain the applied immediately after planting, but not Q clearing grass and weeds tree for its first few years. until any weeds have been pulled up and the Q adjusting/replacing/removing tree stakes tree has been watered. One application of and ties Weed control mulch is usually adequate, but trees benefit Q checking guards and shelters Grasses and other fast-growing, herbaceous from mulching in later years if there is little Q ensuring roots remain covered perennials compete with young trees for natural plant litter. It is best applied early in Q pruning carefully (if required). moisture, nutrients, space and light. To help the year when the ground is moist – but after the tree get established, it is important to all weeds have been cleared. Watering keep an area of about a square metre (just Except in long dry spells, it is rarely over a square yard) around it free of weeds Q Do not apply mulches during frost or necessary to water transplants or whips for at least three years. drought. (again, see section 4), provided they were Q Do not spread mulch too thickly as it may planted at the right time of year, with the Hand weeding inhibit gas exchange. roots kept moist, and attention is paid to Hand weeding can be time-consuming, but weeding and mulching (see page 3). may be a good way of involving local Loose organic mulches include: communities in caring for trees they have Q leaf litter This is important both at the time recently planted. Surface tree roots should Q spoiled hay (available from farms) Mulch mats are available from garden of planting and in the first few years after not be disturbed. Q well-rotted manure centres and other suppliers of forestry that. Q well-rotted lawn clippings – or grass products. They are easy to fit, much less Pull out grasses, woody plants and clippings from the previous cut bulky than loose mulch, relatively Watering may be necessary for larger stock, herbaceous perennials so that they are Q composted bark inexpensive (depending on the type and although once the trees become well uprooted. They should not be cut back or Q wood chips – although not fresh ones number ordered), and disintegrate after established, most will need watering only mown, as this encourages growth. Hoeing because there is a danger of nitrogen loss about five years. Roofing felt or old carpet during droughts. runs the risk of damaging the roots. from the soil as they degrade. are cheap alternatives for small plantings. 4 MANAGING AND CARING FOR TREES MANAGING AND CARING FOR TREES 5 Mulching with mats Chemical weed control Stakes and ties or, if the tree is top Outer edges should be pushed into the soil Chemical weed control is often used on Check the stake and the tie. Is the tie too tight? heavy and bends large-scale plantings of small stock – whips The tree stem should not be under pressure over and transplants – where hand-weeding and from the tie, and should not rub against the mulching are not cost effective. However, stake or guard. the use of pesticides is now well 1 regulated. If the tie is left on the tree too long, the trunk will eventually grow around it, causing scarring and The Pesticides Control Act 1988 regulates damage that may lead to disease and decay. the sale, supply, storage and use of pesticides. Certificates of competence are required by: Q any contractor (volunteer groups are classed as contractors) shorten the stake and replace the tie at the Q anyone who was under 25 on 1 January top of the stake. 1989 who uses pesticides approved for use in agriculture, horticulture and forestry, unless under the direct personal supervision of a certificate holder. Does the tree still need a stake? A young tree or partially buried to anchor them. There are suitable chemical treatments for should need one only until its roots have grown grasses and grass/broadleaved weed into undisturbed soil to give it stability. mixtures, bracken, heather, woody weeds, gorse, broom and rhododendron, for conifer If, once the tie has been undone, the tree leans plantations, mixed woodlands and amenity and the roots move trees.2 Stakes and ties It is important to check the stakes and ties on young trees regularly and remove them as Guards soon as possible. Check tree guards in spring and autumn to ensure they are effective (no bark is missing Ties which are retained too long and start to or twigs bitten or broken off) and not constrict the trunk or which break or slip so rubbing or cutting into the tree. the stake causes abrasion, can result in permanent, sometimes terminal damage to Q If a guard is inadequate or the risk has trees. changed, consider different protection, e.g. a taller tube to protect against deer, or fencing to keep off cows and other farm animals. 6 MANAGING AND CARING FOR TREES MANAGING AND CARING FOR TREES 7 Q Repair/replace damaged guards. Caring for established trees then growth of the whole tree will reduce, Work on large established trees should be Q If a guard is damaging the tree, adjust, but the tree certainly will not die from carried out by an expert, as it may require modify or replace it. Established trees – those that have been ‘starvation’. Before rushing in with special equipment, training and Q Remove the guard when there is no planted for more than 10 years in the case fertilisers there should be a demonstrable experience.3 longer a risk of damage and clear away of standards or those that have outgrown need, based on a soil and foliar analysis any material that has built up inside. their tree guard and stake – still benefit from combined with a whole tree assessment. It may involve tree climbing, removing large care. This will enable a tree care professional to limbs and using a chain saw – in which case Wind and frost advise on the best kind of fertiliser, timing protective clothing must be worn and Exposure to a cold wind can kill roots. Mulching and application rates. training and insurance are advisable. They Check trees in the first weeks after planting, Mulching can have the same benefits for are essential if working on someone else’s especially after storms or hard frosts, or in mature trees as for newly-planted (see page However, some trees, particularly in urban land or removing tree branches overhanging early spring before the leaves flush, to see if 3). To be most effective it should be spread settings – where they are under extra stress – someone else’s property (see section 7, The any roots have become uncovered. Once the 50 to 100mm (2 to 4in) over an area twice may not be getting enough nutrients from the law and its impact on trees). soil has thawed, tread around any loose roots the height of the tree. Keep the base of the soil, and fertiliser may be necessary.