Watering, fertilizer, and pest control maintenance are the three key ingredients for healthy trees in the urban jungle.
Newly planted trees require continued watering, ten gallons per week on the average throughout their active growing season. If you have a watering hose, set it at low pressure and water once a week for approximately 1/2 hour or more often during periods of hot weather. Best times to water are early morning or evening.
When fertilizing young trees, one application in the spring is adequate. A slow release, high nitrogen fertilizer can be used for the first four years. Do not fertilize any tree in midsummer. Mature trees need not be fertilized on a yearly basis.
The days of public spraying of trees with insecticides and pesticides are a thing of the past. Contact a certified arborist to diagnose and manage insect and disease problems.