Since soils and environmental conditions vary, periodically check the soil to see that it is not too wet or too dry and that you are watering deeply enough. Be sure to water the entire root area and slightly beyond. Roots won t grow in dry soil. Remove the basin in the winter so the tree doesn t stand in water. Don t use plastic.
Plastic holds too much moisture and inhibits oxygen exchange, leading to root and trunk rot.
Sometimes plastic may not allow enough water to reach the roots, stressing the tree for moisture. To avoid crown rot, keep the mulch away from the trunk. Lawn Competition When planting trees in lawn, keep the grass 15 inches from the trunk for the first three years. Competition from turfgrass stunts tree growth, and even additional fertilizer and water will not overcome this effect. A bare area around the trunk also helps prevent injury to the tree from a mower or string trimmer.