Trees should be mulched, to con-
serve moisture, increase aeration,
reduce soil temperature and add
organic matter to soil.
 It requires several months for
newly transplanted trees to grow
an extensive root system during
which the tree must be watered
frequently especially d u r i n g
drought periods. After a strong
root system has developed, trees
are usually able to grow during
droughts, but for best results do
not allow them to wilt from lack of
water. Thorough watering to root
system depth and below is better
than light frequent watering which
encourages undesirable shallow
root development.
 Trees that have been growing in
the shade in woods or in nursery
rows and are transplanted to full
sun areas should be protected by
wrapping trunks. Use tree wrap,
paper or Spanish moss for a year
after transplanting to prevent sun-
scald. Remove wrap the following
fall or winter. This protection also
can be provided by leaving twigs
and small branches scattered along
trunks. Transplanted trees should
be staked for at least the first year
to prevent root injury from wind
movement.
 Fertilization. Trees in land-
scape plantings are usually handi-
capped in securing nutrients from
the soil. This is due, in part, to
proximity of pavements, soil com-
paction, competition with turf, and
the practice of removing leaves
and other litter which would later
have some fertilizing value. Trees
should be fertilized regularly to
make vigorous growth under such
conditions.
 Organic and inorganic forms of


fertilizers are acceptable for use
on ornamental trees. Organic
forms last longer but are more
expensive than inorganic forms.
Fertilizer containing nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium in an
equal ratio (such as 6-6-6 or 8-8-8)
is recommended for trees.
 Fertilizer recommendations are
based on tree size as measured by
trunk diameter 4 feet above
ground level. For trees with a
trunk diameter of less than 6
inches apply 21/ pounds of an 8-
8-8 or 3 pounds of a 6-6-6 per inch
of diameter each year. Trees with
a trunk diameter over 6 inches
should receive 4 pounds of an 8-
8-8 or 5 pounds of a 6-6-6 per inch
of trunk diameter each year.
 Apply fertilizer in late fall after
trees are dormant or in early
spring before growth starts. Young
trees should be fertilized more fre-
quently, but yearly rates should
not exceed those listed. The year-
ly amount can be split into 2 or 3
applications made in spring and
fall, or in spring, summer and fall.
Fertilizer should be distributed
evenly under the tree canopy be-
ginning about 1 foot from the
trunk to about the edge of the
canopy.
 Trees growing in lawns may be
fertilized without seriously dis-
turbing grass by making holes
with a crowbar or similar tool be-
neath the drip line of the tree.
Holes should be a foot or more
deep, about 2 inches in diameter,
and spaced as close together as
needed to obtain uniform and ade-
quate distribution. After fertilizer
is placed in them, the holes may be
closed with the heel or filled with
a small amount of soil.