Care following planting All planting should be followed by regular inspections. You should check for survival and plan for replacement trees. Regeneration surveys should be completed after the first and second year at least, and every other year until year ten. Look for yellowing or drooping foliage or other signs of poor health. Your Extension Advisor can help diagnose the problem.
Animals can be a major cause of damage to young trees.
Porcupines, gophers, rabbits, deer, and cattle are the most frequent source of damage. Assess the need for releasing the trees from competing vegetation. This is commonly done by mowing, mulching, spraying, or a combination of these treatments. Hand work is hard work that may be financially viable on small areas. Safety is an important consideration.