Watering & Aftercare
Watering and caring for your new tree
Most new trees that struggle are simply thirsty. Here’s the plan we give every customer.
How much water each time
About 2 to 3 gallons for every inch of trunk thickness, poured slowly over the root ball per watering session.
| Trunk size | 1 in. | 1.5 in. | 2 in. | 2.5 in. | 3 in. | 3.5 in. | 4 in. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gallons each watering | 2–3 | 3–4.5 | 4–6 | 5–7.5 | 6–9 | 7–10.5 | 8–12 |
SLOW watering
Place your hose on a SLOW trickle, about 1/4 flow, on the root ball near the trunk so the root ball absorbs the moisture.
How long to water
- 2-inch trees: about 10 minutes
- 3-inch trees: about 15 minutes
- 4-inch trees: about 20 minutes
- 5-inch trees: about 25 minutes
Schedule
First 2 weeks: Water TWICE as often as the schedule below. (If the schedule says “2 times a week,” water 4 times a week.)
- 60-degree highs: every 10 days
- 70-degree highs: once a week
- 80-degree highs: twice a week
- 90-degree highs: three times a week
- 100+ degrees: daily
- Winter above freezing: every 2 weeks
Tip: Check soil 2 to 4 inches deep. If it’s still damp, wait before watering again. (Does NOT apply to the first two weeks.)
Over & under watering signs
- Overwatering: Leaves turning yellow, wilting despite wet soil, or soil staying constantly soggy.
- Underwatering: Leaves curling, browning at the edges, or wilting with dry soil.
Fertilizer & mulch
- Fertilizer: AVOID fertilizing the first year. Afterward, use a slow-release fertilizer if needed.
- Mulch: Apply a 2–4 inch layer of all NATURAL mulch (pine bark, cypress, or cedar), keeping it a few inches AWAY from the trunk.
Big trees take a while to settle in: roughly 6 to 8 months for every inch of trunk. A 3-inch tree needs care through at least next summer.
First-year don’ts
- Don’t prune except for dead or broken branches. Ask us first.
- Don’t pile soil, stone or firewood over the roots, or park on them.
- Don’t move or replant the tree. Call us instead.
Text us a photo if you see
Wilting that doesn’t bounce back by morning, brown or crispy leaf edges, yellowing, early fall color, or heavy needle drop. Text (540) 914-2157.
Our warranty
Trees we plant come with a one-year limited warranty. Ask us for the details.