Plant Care

These instructions are most important for the ongoing health of your newly planted trees and shrubs.

Watering

We have found that the greatest cause of death of newly planted trees and shrubs is inadequate watering.  Water is therefore the most important factor in the establishment of your newly planted trees and shrubs. It is imperative that the soil directly around the root ball remains moist during the initial growing season. The amount of water applied will vary according to a number of factors; however, as a general rule, water each plant with an un-nozzled hose until water begins to puddle around the plant’s base.  Never assume that the plant is either dry or wet. Simply move aside the mulch from the base of the plant and feel the soil. If it is cold and moist, no water is needed at that time. Once plants have established, watering should only be needed during periods of drought.

Please be careful not to over water as soil that is too wet can be just as bad for most plants as soil that is too dry. The leaves of plants that are in excessively wet soil tend to become yellow.

Fertilisation

Generally a slow release fertiliser is applied when all the trees and/or shrubs are planted. Goom Landscapes recommends reapplying fertiliser each autumn and spring with a balanced fertiliser appropriate for the plant type. This will help promote vigorous growth the following spring. Carefully read and follow the label directions of the fertiliser you use. Ensure fertiliser does not come in contact with the bark or stem of the plant.

Mulching

A maximum 75mm mulch layer should be maintained to prevent soil moisture loss in summer and to protect the roots from frost damage in winter, as well as to lessen wind burn. Applying more than 75mm is wasteful and may be harmful because it encourages shallow rooting which places plant roots at risk during extremely dry or cold periods. Only a 50mm layer needs to be added the second year. Keep mulch from making contact with the bark of plants.  Removal of tree stakes and wire is best done after one growing season.

Pruning

Depending on variety, most plants will require pruning from time to time – mostly for shape. Remove any dead wood and always prune back to a healthy bud. Hedging will require pruning 3-4 months after planting and after that, approximately twice a year until the desired height and width is achieved. Many attempts at hedges fail through lack of hard pruning.

Once trees are established after one to two seasons, the lower branches should be removed if a straight clean trunk is required. Also remove any cross-over branches or forks which can weaken the tree and incur wind break. Make the cuts close to the trunk.

Spraying for bugs

Most trees and shrubs do not require a bug spray, but if leaves look like they are being eaten, a general garden spray like Orthine, Mavric or any Pyrethrum based spray should be used. If a scale or silver leaf occurs, add a spraying oil. All these are readily available from most general garden centres. 
NOTE:  ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR WHEN SPRAYING.

Cultivation

Be sure not to deep cultivate around new establishing plants. Lightly use a push hoe or hand weed. If more than three or four plants look unhealthy, contact Goom Landscapes for advice.