It's generally recommended to keep the trees wrapped for two growing seasons, or until they are growing vigorously. Remove the wrappings each spring and fall to examine the bark for insect injury. If borers are present, ask for a treatment recommendation at the local garden center or the County Cooperative Extension Service office. Watering Newly Planted Ornamentals Newly planted ornamentals with limited root systems need an abundance of water during the growing season. A common practice is to soak the soil thoroughly every 7 to 10 days during prolonged dry periods in the growing season.
Sandy soils require more water to maintain good plant growth than heavy loam or clay soils.
You can get a rough idea of the amount of moisture present by squeezing a handful of the soil. Adequate moisture is available if the soil remains in a firm ball after you squeeze it and let go. Water distribution will be more even throughout the root area if you use the extra topsoil to make a basin is made around the plant from beyond the edges of the original hole or beneath the tips of the branches. Irrigate newly planted ornamentals any time there is less than 1 inch of weekly rainfall and plants are actively growing. Apply water at the rate of 1 quart per square foot of planting area on poorly drained soils.