Do trees always need to be staked after planting?
– Trees will be stronger if not staked. The movement of young trees by wind strengthens them. If the planting site is constantly windy, stake after planting but be sure to remove stakes in 6-12 months. • How thick should I make the mulch layer for my new tree? – Roots will begin to grow into mulch that is too deep. During hot days the mulch will dry out before the soil below it, and since those roots cannot obtain water, the tree suffers. Mulch should be only 2-3 inches deep. • Do trees grow all year round? – 90% of annual tree growth occurs 6-8 weeks after leaves are formed. Early spring defoliation by disease or insects usually will not kill a tree but will have a major impact on that years growth. • Are ants a contributor to tree decay? – Ants make nests in trees but do not feed on them, termites do not nest in trees but do feed on them. Ants actually help slow decay in trees as they keep the galleries in their nests clean. • Can tree wounds heal? – Healing is the repair of damaged
