Trees have a significant impact on society and play a crucial role in our planet’s ecosystem. They provide oxygen, fruits, nutrients, pharmaceuticals, and other essentials to us and contribute to the fight against global warming.
Beautiful, healthy trees are a fantastic way to improve the appeal of any property, but what happens if you plant a tree and it doesn’t grow? Without realizing it, you could be interfering with your tree’s ability to realize its full potential. In this article, we’ll show you five of the most effective tips to help with fast tree growth.
1. Prune Your Trees
Trees are a natural component of the environment, but they still need a little TLC to stay healthy and strong, particularly when they grow in our yards. Regular pruning is an excellent way to encourage faster growth. Removing dead or dying branches and leaves allows your tree to dedicate its energy and nutrition to healthy growth. It also helps reduce the chance of pests or illness infecting your tree, problems that could seriously slow growth or even stop it completely.
It’s important to use caution when pruning your trees so that you don’t cause damage. If you have any concerns about doing it yourself, we recommend hiring a professional, such as Mr. Tree Services. A trained arborist will have the tools and knowledge to ensure that your trees grow at a healthy and consistent rate.
2. Ensure Your Trees Have Enough Space
To attain their greatest potential, trees require space, so don’t plant them too close together. How much space depends on the size of your tree:
- Small trees: at least 10 feet between trees
- Medium trees: at least 20 feet between trees
- Large trees: 30 to 50 feet between trees
Enough space will ensure your trees receive adequate sunlight and air circulation and aren’t inhibited by nearby trees blocking their growth.
However, if your goal is to create a wind block, natural privacy fence, or wall for shade, you may actually want to plant your trees a little closer together than recommended. This will allow them to grow together and provide protection more quickly.
3. Make Certain You Water Your Trees Enough
According to the tree experts at Mr. Tree, consistently watering your trees is one of the most crucial components of encouraging fast tree growth. This is especially important for young trees that haven’t yet filled up their space. Watering needs also vary depending on the species of tree, the climate, and the type of soil.
Typically, newly planted trees should be watered daily for the first couple of weeks, every two to three days for the next couple of months, and weekly until it’s been in the ground for about two years. This will help the roots to get well-established so the tree has a solid foundation.
Mature trees need to be watered one to two times a month, depending on the season and the climate. Trees are dormant during cold months and will need less water, or maybe none at all if your ground is frozen solid and covered in six inches of snow. You’ll also be able to water less during rainy seasons. But during the summer months, when it’s hot and dry, you may have to water your trees more often.
One other factor to consider is your tree’s particular water needs. A more drought-resistant tree will require less water than one that grows best in damp environments.
4. Observe the Roots
Nothing is more vital than having strong roots when it comes to sustaining a healthy tree. The root systems of your trees should be surrounded by good soil and, at first, mulch to encourage growth. It also helps to inhibit weed growth, which helps to reduce root competition. You can also use a fertilizer that contains a root stimulant.
It’s possible that your tree roots aren’t sucking in water because the soil around them is hard or of poor quality. Mix in compost and mulched leaves, then add more soil if necessary to help the roots absorb water.
5. Use of Fertilizers and Compost
You may aid the growth of your trees in a variety of ways. When your tree is young, providing nutrients in the form of compost and fertilizer can help the soil become richer, allowing your tree to grow stronger. These additions are good practice for everyone who maintains a garden, as they are beneficial to the local and surrounding plants and shrubs. The tree will require less fertilizer as it matures and becomes more self-sufficient, but the early stages can benefit greatly from a little more attention.
Fertilizers will help plants and trees flourish. Fertilizers aid in the incorporation of important nutrients into the soil. These nutrients are necessary for growth and photosynthesis. Fertilizers are like multivitamins for your trees because they include varying levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Testing your soil composition will reveal any deficits in these nutrients, allowing you to select the best fertilizer for your lawn. Phosphorus, in particular, aids the development of chlorophyll, which allows plants to convert solar energy into chemical energy and promote growth. Fertilizer also aids in water retention and tree root airflow. If you need assistance, Mr. Tree’s expert arborists can evaluate your soil and determine what it requires.
Trees that receive regular fertilizer grow stronger and are more resistant to drought, insects, and disease. Depending on the soil conditions and the species of tree, fertilization should be done on a regular basis. Trees that have been harmed by extreme weather, insect pests, or disease require fertilization to recover.
To encourage fast tree growth and help them to thrive, trees require a little attention and assistance. If you need help selecting, planting, or caring for trees in your Portland area yard, give Mr. Tree a call.
