Water, weeds, mulch, oh my!

The 4th of July has come and gone. Independence is still in the air. You can smell it. You can hear it. If you’re lucky, you can even touch it. This means one thing: summer is here. For many, the 4th is the kickoff to summer. While we’re not planting trees in the summer, we are responsible for making sure our newly planted trees are thriving and growing strong.

Your first step is to make sure your newly planted trees have plenty of water. When summer heat is blazing, we are parched and have to quench our thirst. Imagine how those newly planted trees feel! In some ways, they need more water than we do. It is imperative that they have enough water. Without water, they will not grow. While it sounds like common sense, you’d be surprised at how many people forget about “watering” their newly planted trees, especially in the summer months. Without the proper care, their growth will be stunted.

You should water your newly planted trees in the morning, focusing on the root zone or root ball. While watering should be your primary concern, don’t forget about the weeds. It is, of course, counterproductive to water trees that are surrounded by weeds. It is the same as eating a double decker cheeseburger while going for a jog. It just doesn’t make much sense. So, what are you waiting for? Get rid of those weeds!

Last, but certainly not least, is the mulch. Mulch is vulnerable to wind and other natural forces. This is referred to as mulch loss and it will leave the root zone exposed. If you notice any exposed spots, you have to take care of it immediately. It is time to re-mulch! Thankfully, you don’t need to go overboard. Lightly apply new mulch to cover up the spots, and your trees are ready to thrive.

This summer, remember to WWM (water, weeds, mulch)! If you have any questions, contact the professionals at Cold Stream Farm!