Once the tree is planted, a maintenance program should be implemented to monitor water, insects, and disease. Water is crucial during the first and second growing seasons. Irrigation should be part of the initial planning.
Drip irrigation is the preferred system.
Neither water trucks nor dragging hoses provide the regular watering that trees require. The expense is partially offset with reduced labor, increased survival, growth, and establishment. Fertilizer Fertilizer is not required for the first year if the soil has been properly prepared and fertilized as indicated by the soil test. Normal recommendations for fertilizing shade trees for maximum growth in an unrestricted area is 2 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. This is usually applied in a split application in January and again in mid- to late June.